A round-up of the 10 most expensive military aircraft ever built, with key figures and their impact on the industry.
The race for technological innovation in the military sector has led to a significant increase in aircraft development costs. Aircraft such as Northrop Grumman’s B-2 Spirit or Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II have become emblematic of the massive investments devoted to air superiority. Their prices reach several billion euros, reflecting both their technical complexity and their ability to meet advanced strategic requirements.
Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit: a colossal investment
The B-2 Spirit is a strategic stealth bomber designed to operate in highly protected environments. Launched in 1989, this aircraft is distinguished by its ability to avoid radar detection thanks to a unique combination of stealth coating and continuous-curve design.
- Unit cost: 2.1 billion euros (adjusted for 1997 modifications).
- Hourly operating cost: 135,000 euros.
- Dimensions: length 21 metres, wingspan 52.4 metres.
- Payload: up to 18 tonnes of armament.
- Range: 11,100 km.
Each aircraft undergoes a major overhaul every seven years, at a cost of around 60 million euros. With a fleet limited to 21 units, the B-2 Spirit remains one of the most notorious symbols of American technological superiority.
Air Force One: an air command post
The two Boeing VC-25s, nicknamed Air Force One, serve as the U.S. presidential transport. Based on the Boeing 747-200, these aircraft are equipped with advanced communications systems and electronic countermeasures.
- Total cost: 660 million euros for the two aircraft.
- Hourly operating cost: 206,000 euros.
- Technical specifications: range 13,000 km, maximum speed 1,012 km/h.
- Defense systems: radar jamming equipment and thermal decoy ejection.
Two new aircraft, Boeing 747-8s, are scheduled to enter service in 2024, at an estimated cost of 3.9 billion euros.
F-22 Raptor: open-air domination
The F-22 Raptor, produced by Lockheed Martin, embodies versatility with its stealth capabilities and exceptional maneuverability.
- Total cost: 350 million euros per unit, with a total program cost of around 66 billion euros.
- Key technologies: AESA AN/APG-77 radar, Mach 1.82 supercruise without afterburner.
- Range: 2,960 km.
However, the program was halted in 2012 due to high costs and maintenance problems. The aircraft remains in service and is scheduled to operate until 2060.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III: a strategic carrier
The C-17 Globemaster III is the backbone of military transport operations.
- Program cost: between 328 and 368 million euros per aircraft.
- Payload: up to 77.5 tonnes.
- Range: 4,482 km without refueling.
Following the end of production in 2015, the 279 aircraft produced remain indispensable for global logistics operations.
P-8a Poseidon: a submarine hunter
The P-8A Poseidon, based on the Boeing 737, is designed for anti-submarine warfare.
- Unit cost: 290 million euros.
- Key features: cruising speed of 926 km/h, range of 7,242 km.
- Weapons: air-to-surface missiles and torpedoes.
Used by several countries, including the United States, India and Australia, it is an essential component in ocean control.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: an astronomical price tag
The F-35 Lightning II program is one of the most expensive in military history.
- Average unit cost: 115.5 million euros.
- Overall program: 1.5 trillion euros over 50 years.
- Capabilities: advanced stealth, electronically scanned radar.
Despite technical problems and crashes, this aircraft has been adopted by more than 10 countries.
VH-71 Kestrel: a cancelled program
The VH-71 Kestrel, designed to replace the Presidential Marine fleet, was marked by significant costs and delays.
- Total cost: around 241 million euros per aircraft.
- Technical specifications: General Electric CT7-8E engines, 19.5-meter length, 1,400 km range.
The project was cancelled in 2009 after costs escalated to 13 billion euros. Some of the aircraft were resold to Canada for spare parts.
Northrop Grumman E-2d Advanced Hawkeye: the eye in the sky
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is an advanced surveillance aircraft designed to provide tactical air control.
- Unit cost: 232 million euros.
- Features: range of 2,708 km, maximum speed of 647 km/h, equipped with APY-9 radars.
Thanks to its advanced communications capabilities, this aircraft enables effective coordination between different theaters of operation.
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey: alti tude versatility
The V-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor aircraft combining the capabilities of a helicopter and an airplane.
- Unit cost: 118 million euros.
- Features: maximum speed of 509 km/h, range of 1,627 km.
Despite a controversial accident history, it remains an essential tool for rapid transport and operational missions.
Chengdu J-20 Black Eagle: the Chinese answer
The Chengdu J-20, China’s first stealth aircraft, reflects the country’s advances in military technology.
- Unit cost: 110 million euros.
- Features: maximum speed of 2,100 km/h, range of 2,700 km.
Its deployment marks a major evolution in China’s defense strategy, offering a competitive edge over Western forces.
Economic and strategic consequences
These staggering costs raise questions about the effectiveness of public spending. Each aircraft represents a balance between innovation and budgetary constraints. Technological developments are also influencing global military strategies, redefining the norms of modern warfare.
In conclusion, these aircraft represent not only major technical advances, but also a significant investment in national security.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.