Discover why knowing the hourly operating cost of fighter jets is crucial. Technical analysis and costs of the F-16, F-35, Rafale, and more.
Why is it important to know how much it costs to operate a fighter jet per hour? Knowing the hourly operating cost of fighter jets is essential for several reasons. It allows armed forces to manage their budgets effectively and make informed decisions about aircraft acquisition and maintenance. These costs directly impact mission planning, pilot training, and long-term strategy for maintaining an operational fleet. In a context where military budgets are often under pressure, this information is crucial for optimizing operations while controlling spending.
The cost per flight hour of modern fighter jets
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is an iconic fighter jet designed in the 1950s for the US Navy. Versatile, it has been used as an interceptor, ground attack aircraft, and reconnaissance aircraft. With a maximum speed of Mach 2.23, it was equipped with two General Electric J79 engines, allowing it to reach an altitude of 18,000 meters. During the Vietnam War, it demonstrated its ability to adapt to various roles, becoming a mainstay in many air forces around the world. However, this versatility came at a cost: the F-4 cost around €10,000 (US$11,000) per hour to operate, a high amount for the time, justified by its complex maintenance and fuel requirements.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, first produced in 1959, is one of the world’s most prolific fighters with over 11,000 units manufactured. This supersonic jet, designed to be both simple and effective, has served in more than 50 countries. With a speed of Mach 2.05 and a ceiling of 17,500 meters, the MiG-21 was mainly used for air defense and has seen many modernized versions over the decades. Its operating cost remains relatively low for a fighter jet, at around €4,000 (US$4,500) per hour, thanks to its mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter developed in the 1970s to provide an affordable solution for air forces. Known for its maneuverability and combat performance, the F-16 is still in service today in many countries. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 and has a range of 3,200 km with external fuel tanks. The operating cost of the F-16 is approximately $27,000 per hour, a figure that reflects its complexity and modern maintenance requirements, although it remains lower than that of newer fighters such as the F-35.
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter developed for the US Navy in the 1980s. Designed as an attack and air defense aircraft, it is capable of operating from aircraft carriers. With a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a payload capacity of over 7,000 kg, the F/A-18 has proven its reliability in a variety of missions. The operating cost of the F/A-18 is approximately €28,000 (US$30,400) per hour, a cost partly due to its maintenance requirements for operating in harsh maritime environments.
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27, designed by the Soviet Union, is an air superiority fighter introduced in the 1980s. With a maximum speed of Mach 2.35 and a range of 3,530 km, the Su-27 was designed to counter American fighters such as the F-15. It was the precursor to several derivatives, including the Su-30 and Su-35. The operational cost of the Su-27 is estimated at €11,000 (US$12,000) per hour, a moderate cost for an aircraft of this size, mainly due to its high-performance engines and technical maintenance.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 is a fourth-generation fighter developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Known for its exceptional maneuverability, it can reach a speed of Mach 2.25 and a ceiling of 18,000 meters. The MiG-29 has been widely exported and is still in service in many countries. Its operating cost is approximately €11,000 (US$12,000) per hour, a moderate cost for a fighter with such maneuverability and combat capabilities.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sweden in the 1990s. Designed to be agile, affordable, and easy to maintain, the Gripen is used by several countries in Europe and elsewhere. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 and an altitude of 15,240 meters. The Gripen is known for its low operating cost of around €7,000 ($7,500) per hour, making it one of the most economical fighter jets in service with Western air forces.
Sukhoi Su-35
The Sukhoi Su-35 is an upgraded version of the Su-27, introduced in the 2000s. This air superiority fighter is equipped with thrust vectoring engines, giving it exceptional maneuverability. The Su-35 can reach Mach 2.25 and has a range of 3,600 km. The operating cost of the Su-35 is estimated at around €14,000 (US$15,000) per hour, a cost that reflects its advanced capabilities and sophisticated systems.
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole fighter aircraft developed jointly by several European countries. Introduced into service in 2003, it features advanced avionics and partial stealth capabilities. The Typhoon can reach a speed of Mach 2 and an altitude of 19,800 meters. Its operating cost, approximately €60,000 (US$65,000) per hour, is one of the highest, reflecting its advanced technology and sophisticated maintenance costs.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor is the first fifth-generation fighter introduced by the United States, with advanced stealth capabilities. Entering service in 2005, the Raptor can reach Mach 2.25 and an altitude of 20,000 meters. Its sophisticated systems and complex maintenance make the F-22 one of the most expensive aircraft to operate, with a cost of around €80,000 (US$85,000) per hour.
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a multirole fighter aircraft designed to meet the needs of the French Air Force and Navy. Capable of operating in air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions, it reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.8. The Rafale is valued for its flexibility and relatively reasonable operating cost of approximately €17,000 (US$18,000) per hour, considering its advanced capabilities.
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a fourth-generation multirole fighter designed by China. Introduced in the 2000s, it was developed to modernize the Chinese air fleet with attack and air defense capabilities. The J-10 can reach Mach 2.0 and has a ceiling of 18,000 meters. Its operating cost is around €8,000 (US$8,500) per hour, making it a competitive option for air forces.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter developed as part of an international program. With versions adapted for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, the F-35 incorporates state-of-the-art sensor and stealth technology. The F-35’s operating cost is very high, at around €40,000 (US$42,000) per hour, due to the complexity of its systems and maintenance challenges.
The hourly operating cost of training aircraft
BAE Systems Hawk
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British training aircraft used by many air forces around the world. Developed in the 1970s, it is mainly used to train pilots on more advanced aircraft such as the Tornado and Typhoon. With a maximum speed of 1,028 km/h and a range of 2,520 km, the Hawk is designed to be an efficient and economical training aircraft. The operating cost of the Hawk is approximately €3,500 (US$3,800) per hour, making it affordable for air forces that want to train their pilots without compromising resources.
Aero L-39 Albatros
The Aero L-39 Albatros is a Czech training aircraft developed in the late 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfin. Designed to be robust and easy to maintain, the L-39 became one of the most widely used training aircraft in the Eastern Bloc countries. It can reach a maximum speed of 750 km/h and has a range of 1,100 km. The L-39’s operating cost is relatively low, at around €2,500 (US$2,700) per hour, making it a popular choice for air forces with tighter budgets.
Northrop T-38 Talon
The Northrop T-38 Talon is the world’s first supersonic training aircraft, introduced in the 1960s to train US military pilots. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.3, it is used to prepare pilots for more advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16. The T-38 has an operating cost of around €5,000 (US$5,400) per hour, a cost justified by its speed and supersonic capabilities, while still being more economical than some newer training aircraft.
Boeing/Saab T-7A Red Hawk
The Boeing/Saab T-7A Red Hawk is a new-generation training aircraft developed to replace the older T-38 Talon in the US Air Force. Designed with modern technology, it provides advanced training for future fighter pilots. Although the T-7A is still relatively new, its operating costs are estimated at around €7,000 (US$7,500) per hour, largely due to its sophisticated design and modern avionics systems.
Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet
The Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet is a French-German light attack and training aircraft developed in the 1970s. Used by several air forces for pilot training as well as reconnaissance and ground attack missions, the Alpha Jet can reach a speed of Mach 0.86. Its operating cost is around €4,500 (US$4,800) per hour, making it competitive for training missions and light operations.
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle is a supersonic training aircraft developed by South Korea in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. Designed to train pilots on modern fighter jets, the T-50 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.5. It is also capable of performing light combat missions. The operating cost of the T-50 is approximately €12,000 (US$13,000) per hour, reflecting its status as an advanced training aircraft with capabilities close to those of operational fighters.
Aermacchi MB-339
The Aermacchi MB-339 is an Italian training aircraft developed in the 1970s. Used by several air forces, it is also famous for being the aircraft of the Italian aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori. The MB-339 has a maximum speed of 898 km/h and a range of 1,690 km. Its operating cost is approximately €3,000 (US$3,200) per hour, making it very competitive for training missions and air shows.
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