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Top 10: The World’s Most Expensive Military Aircraft Ever – Billion-Dollar Power in the Skies

Cutting-edge technology, top-secret missions, and staggering amounts. Military aircraft are not just impressive machines but also among the world’s most expensive investments. Here is the list of the 10 most expensive military aircraft ever – from expensive to astronomically expensive.

Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 24. June 2025

Cutting-edge technology, top-secret missions, and staggering amounts. Military aircraft are not just impressive machines but also among the world’s most expensive investments. Here is the list of the 10 most expensive military aircraft ever – from expensive to astronomically expensive.

#10: Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E

The Su-35 Flanker-E is an advanced Russian fighter jet costing around 85 million dollars per unit. Combining superior maneuverability and modern electronics, it is popular on the international arms market.

#9: EA-18G Growler

This electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 Hornet costs approximately 102 million dollars per piece. The EA-18G Growler protects other aircraft by disrupting enemy radar and communication systems.

#8: Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

The V-22 Osprey, a unique hybrid between a helicopter and an airplane, costs about 118 million dollars per unit. Known for its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities as well as high speed and long range.

#7: F-35 Lightning II

The advanced and controversial American stealth fighter F-35 Lightning II costs up to 122 million dollars per unit depending on the variant. Known for its versatility, stealth technology, and advanced sensors.

#6: F-117 Nighthawk

The iconic stealth aircraft from the 1980s cost approximately 122 million dollars each. Although now retired, it set new standards for invisibility in the air.

#5: Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon

China’s advanced stealth fighter, the J-20, costs around 130 million dollars per unit and represents the country’s ambitions to compete with Western air power.

#4: Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon, built in collaboration between several European nations, costs about 140 million dollars per piece. It is known for its impressive versatility and combat capabilities.

#3: Dassault Rafale

France’s proud fighter jet Dassault Rafale costs around 150 million dollars per unit. It combines advanced electronics, long range, and exceptional combat flexibility.

#2: F-22 Raptor

The iconic American stealth fighter F-22 Raptor costs about 200 million dollars per unit. Its unique features make it one of the world’s most feared aircraft.

#1: B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

The futuristic B-2 Spirit stealth bomber costs a staggering 2 billion dollars per unit. It is renowned for its ability to evade radar, granting it strategic superiority.

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