Contemporary air warfare is the most challenging and costly theater of war. Countries spend enormous amounts of money in the quest for speed, stealth, and technological superiority because they know that air superiority usually equates to battlefield superiority. But keeping ahead of the game isn’t cheap. Some of the world’s most sophisticated fighters are priced as much as a small fleet of vessels. Here’s a 2024 list of the ten most costly jets in the skies today—beginning with the “least” pricey of the best of the best and culminating in the king of air dominance.
10. Shenyang FC-31/J-35 – $70 Million
The FC-31, also referred to as the “Gyrfalcon,” is a twin-engine stealth fighter meant to be adaptable and economical when compared to competitors. With radar-absorbing shapes, hidden weapons storage, and an aircraft carrier variant called the J-35, it’s intended for both air force and naval purposes. Costs are different, but with estimates starting at around $70 million, it ranks as one of the more affordable stealths on the international scene.
9. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet – $73 Million
The F/A-18 Super Hornet has been the mainstay of U.S. carrier aviation for more than twenty years. Bigger and more powerful than the original Hornet, it carries more fuel and weapons and has a longer range. It comes in single-seat and twin-seat versions and can cost up to $73 million, with the electronic warfare-oriented Growler version being higher. Since it took over the role of the F-14 Tomcat, it has established itself as an effective, reliable multirole fighter.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen – $85 Million
Sweden’s Gripen is smaller than much of its competition, but it compensates with state-of-the-art avionics, efficiency, and maneuverability. The latest E/F models have AESA radar, increased payload capabilities, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems. At around $85 million per copy—and with modest operating expenses—it’s become a darling among countries that desire cutting-edge performance without shattering their defense budgets.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 – $85 Million
The Su-35 is the height of Russia’s 4.5-generation fighters. A mature version of the Su-27, it is equipped with thrust-vectoring engines and exceptional maneuverability, which positions it as a beast of a dogfighter. Although it is not stealthy, its acceleration and agility make it a terror to engage in close combat. At approximately $85 million, it is still a strong choice for nations looking for performance over stealth.
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – $97 Million
The F-15EX takes the legendary F-15 design and equips it for 21st-century warfare. Capable of carrying over 13 tons of weapons—including up to 16 air-to-air missiles—it has been called a “missile truck,” complementing stealthier aircraft by providing overwhelming firepower. Originally projected to be cheaper, its price has climbed to around $97 million, but its reliability and upgrade potential ensure it will remain in service for decades.
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – $109 Million
The F-35 program is the biggest—and most expensive—fighter program ever. Produced in three variants (F-35A for runways, F-35C for carriers, and short-takeoff/vertical-landing F-35B), it provides unparalleled stealth, networking, and sensor fusion. The F-35B is the priciest at around $109 million per unit. Convincing in its performance, the F-35 has emerged as the hub of allied air power across the globe.
4. Chengdu J-20 – $110 Million
The J-20 is a canard-delta, long-range stealth fighter with radar-absorbing material. It has internal weapon bays, and its newer variants are equipped with indigenous supercruise-capable engines, and thrust-vectoring upgrades are planned. With a price of approximately $110 million, it is one of the most capable stealth fighters to have entered frontline service.
3. Eurofighter Typhoon – $117 Million
Conceived through a partnership of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine fighter known for its high maneuverability and use in air superiority and strike operations. Its thrust-to-weight ratio is close to 1:1, top speed in excess of Mach 2, and equipment like AESA radar and infrared homing make it a mainstay of European aerial defense. Export costs range around $117 million per aircraft.
2. Dassault Rafale – $125 Million
France’s Rafale has been known as one of the most multi-faceted air-to-air and air-to-ground fighters in the world. It is capable of air supremacy, ground attack, and even nuclear missions. Its canard-delta configuration provides tremendous agility, while the SPECTRA self-defense system offers a thick shroud against attack. With the capability for carrier operations and supersonic cruise, the Rafale has a hefty tag of around $125 million per unit. Recent multi-billion-dollar export contracts are testimony to its popularity.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – $143 Million
The F-22 is still the benchmark for air superiority. With stealth so sophisticated it’s reputed to have the radar signature of a marble, along with thrust-vectoring engines and supercruise at Mach 1.8 capability, it’s a formidable package of stealth, speed, and maneuverability. Each jet was produced for around $143 million, although with R&D included, the actual unit price was nearer to $350 million. Only 195 were manufactured before the production line was closed down, and none have been exported because of security restrictions.
Air superiority doesn’t simply require engineering brilliance—it requires stratospheric investment. From stealth molding to thrust-vectoring, these planes embody the best of aviation technology, demonstrating that in contemporary conflict, the skies are given over to those who are prepared to shell out the biggest price for the most sophisticated wings.
