One of the aspects where aerial war has grown to be high-cost and high-tech is that the expenses have gone up to the sky. To maintain their dominance in the air, almost all the countries pump in great amounts of money not just for the development but also for the production of the advanced aircraft. The next 10 list ranks the most costly fighter jets that still operate in 2024 from the least to the most expensive ones.
10. Shenyang FC-31/J-35 – $70 Million
The Shenyang FC-31, J-31, or “Gyrfalcon,” is a versatile and exportable fifth-generation stealth fighter that was ingeniously developed. The combination of two engines, a stylish radar-evasive form, and a hidden compartment for weapons has positioned it as one of the Western aircraft of the highest caliber, but at a very low cost. Its J-35 carrier-capable naval variant, with a starting price of $70 to $85 million depending on the configuration, makes it among the least expensive stealth fighters on the global market.
9. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet – $73 Million
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the main component of the Navy fleet-air wings. It is an improvement of the original Hornet, adding more fuel, a greater range, and higher payload capacity. It is available as a single-seater (E) or double-seater (F) and costs around $73 million, while the electronic warfare version E/A-18G Growler has a significantly higher price. After taking over the F-14 Tomcat’s position in 2001, the U.S. and its allies have benefited from its reliable performance as a versatile fighter.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen – $85 Million
Sweden’s Gripen E/F is small, nimble, and loaded with cutting-edge electronics. The latest models come with AESA radar, increased range, greater payload, and contemporary electronic warfare. Low operating cost and easy maintenance render it appealing to smaller air forces who want modern performance without outrageous expense. Each one is currently valued at about $85 million, down from initial projections of more than $100 million.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 – $85 Million
Russia’s top 4.5-generation fighter, the Su-35, is a direct descendant of the Su-27 Flanker. Equipped with thrust-vectoring engines, advanced avionics, and phenomenal maneuverability, it is a dogfighting machine. Not as stealthy as fifth-generation aircraft, but raw power and maneuverability make it a threat. Prices are usually around $85 million, although end costs are based on customer requirements and configurations.
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – $97 Million
The F-15EX Eagle II updates one of the classics of aviation design. Able to fly at Mach 2.5 and carry over 13 tons of bombs and missiles, it serves as a “missile truck” backing up more stealthy planes. Originally projected to cost less than $80 million, added features and inflation drove the price to roughly $97 million. Its strength and reduced maintenance requirements mean it will be flying for decades to come.
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – $109 Million
It is the world’s most cutting-edge fighter and costliest weapons program ever, with an estimated lifetime price of $1.7 trillion. It has three variants: F-35A for traditional runways, F-35C for carriers, and F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing capability. F-35B is the most costly, at about $109 million per plane. Stealth, sensor fusion, and cutting-edge networking make it the hub of allied air power.
4. Eurofighter Typhoon – $117 Million
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a joint UK, German, Italian, and Spanish project. This twin-engine fighter has a Mach 2-plus speed and a thrust-to-weight ratio of close to 1:1. Its advanced AESA radar, infrared search-and-track system, and defensive suite make it capable of air superiority and strike missions. The export price is around $117 million, though partner countries pay less.
3. Dassault Rafale – $125 Million
The Rafale of France is a multi-purpose machine that can be very handy in aerial combat, as well as in strike missions and nuclear deterrence. The delta-canard layout of the plane gives it the “maneuverability”, and the fighter’s “electronic warfare suite – SPECTRA” is also a factor that increases the survivability of the aircraft. Besides being able to supercruise and conduct separation on airlines, it is estimated to have $125 million for every unit. Its popularity around the world is also demonstrated by big sale loans, e.g., the United Arab Emirates buying 80 aircraft.
2. Chengdu J-20 – $110 Million
The J-20 fighter jet is a 5th-generation stealth interceptor that can go on long-range flights. Part of its radar-absorbing material, hidden weapon bays, and small wings on the front and rear of the fuselage help to lower the aircraft’s radar cross-section value. New versions of the aircraft are said to have Chinese engines that enable supercruise and the application of the thrust vector in the future. The price of one copy is around $110 million, which makes it among the most sophisticated aerial fighting machines in the world today.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – $143 Million
The F-22 Raptor is still the gold standard when it comes to air supremacy. Equipped with advanced stealth, thrust-vectoring engines, and supercruise capability at Mach 1.8, it is unrivaled in the skies. The flyaway cost is $143 million, but adding R&D, each aircraft costs more than $350 million. Only 195 were made, and U.S. law forbids foreign sales to safeguard its cutting-edge technology.
From record-breaking maneuverability to state-of-the-art stealth, these planes embody the height of aerospace engineering. In modern times, air superiority is less a question of speed or firepower—it’s a question of who can afford to invest in technology that controls the skies.