Eleven most expensive fighter jet aircraft in the world

A few days ago, a group of my colleagues in my office were talking about something. I got close to them and the question was, “Do you know which are the most expensive fighter jets in the world?” Some were saying B-2 Spirit is the most expensive one and  the cheaper one is F/A-18 Hornet, but then I thought this is an interesting question so why not make a list of at least 10 or more most expensive fighter aircrafts in the world and publish them here at hubpages, so I researched a little bit and made a list of 11 of them. This list of fighter aircrafts includes strategic bombers, stealth jets, and multifunctional combat aircrafts plus I am happy to make this list because I can also show it off to my colleagues. One more thing, I have marked the numbers to these fighter jets in reverse order, so the cheapest is displayed right here and the most expensive is at the end. Now read this interesting info.
11.  F/A-18 Hornet: Cost 94 million USD
The F/A-18 Hornet was first used in a combat in Operation Desert Storm. This is an aircraft that can attack both air and ground targets. This aircraft is currently serving the United States Navy "Blue Angels" demonstration team and the US Navy in general. Other countries including Australia, Canada, Finland, Malaysia, Kuwait, Switzerland and Spain are also using F/A-18 Hornet. This aircraft is serving since 1980s.


An F/A-18 Hornet flying past another one.
10.  EA-18G Growler: Cost 102 million USD
The EA-18G Growler is a two seat American carrier-based warfare aircraft which is an improved version of the previous F/A-18 Hornet. This electronic attack aircraft is not only able to disrupt the anti-radar aircraft of the enemy, but it also interferes with enemy communications with its advanced electronic warfare technology.
EA-18G Growler complete view real pic
9. V-22 Osprey: Cost 118 million USD
V-22 Osprey is a military warfare tiltrotor aircraft that is capable of performing short take and landing which is called VTOL technology and vertical take off and landing which is called STOL technology. It can land just like a helicopter, but do not consider V-22 to be just like a helicopter as it has the ability to fly faster and comes under the category of competent jet fighters. This unique aircraft become popular after it was first used in combat in Iraq in 2007. This aircraft is also famous for killing at least 30 marine soldiers and civilians due to some technical design and construction defaults at the time of its development but despite this the U.S. Marine Corps V-22 s Osprey finds groove in Afghanistan. Read this special report
V-22 Osprey can fly like a plane and land like a helicopter.
8.  F-35 Lightning II: Cost 122 million USD
This most advanced combat aircraft in the world was developed by Lockheed Martin as part of "Joint Strike Fighter Program" which is currently modified as Joint Advanced Strike Technology between United States of America and its allies. Between 2007 and 2008, there was some news all over the world that Cyber spies have infiltrated the computer network of JSF and have stolen design records containing thousands of codes for implementation of Joint Strike Fighter program which raised concerns that now it would be possible for the enemy to copy the design of the F-35 Lightning and could develop an improved version after knowing its weaknesses. In April of 2009, Lockheed Martin claimed that their program is not compromised and there are no security threats to their system.
122 million $US F-35 Lightning II
7. B-1B Lancer Strategic Bomber: Cost 200 million USD
This strategic bomber was developed by Rockwell Foundation to serve the United States Air Force in 1980s to support a nuclear mission with numerous other planes. It is interesting to note that this strategic bomber as it name suggests is the backbone of USA’s long range bomber force.
B-1B Lancer Strategic Bomber Take off
6.  E-2D Advanced Hawkeye: Cost 232 million USD
This 232 million dollar aircraft is a very important step for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition. This latest version of the previous E-2 Hawkeye has a powerful and advanced radar system that will increase approximately 300% the range of territory that an aircraft can handle. The development of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has been completed and 2 test versions were sent to the United States Navy.  US also offered Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to India which will serve the Indian Defense as a strategic defensive and spy aircraft.
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye - Latest version of E-2
5. VH-71 Kestrel: Cost 241 million USD
Recently, President Barack Obama ordered the design and construction of high-tech VH-71 Kestrel helicopters in order to replace the aging fleet of presidential helicopters but shortly after the inauguration of this, President Obama announced to suspend the production of this helicopter because of its high cost but finally on 22nd of July, the Committee on Appropriations of the United States House of representatives unanimously approved 485 million UDS to finance these big VH-71 Kestrel helicopters.
VH-71 Kestrel Large
4.  P-8A Poseidon: Cost 290 million USD
The P-8A Poseidon is an improved version of Boeing 737 that will be used by the U.S. Navy to conduct anti-submarine warfare and intelligence activities. It is slated to carry missiles, torpedoes, and other weapons required by the US Navy but this 290 million dollar aircraft will enter service in 2013.
P-8A Poseidon - God of the Sea
3.  C-17A Globemaster III: Cost 328 million USD
The C-17A Globemaster military warfare aircraft is used by the United States Armed Forces to move troops towards war zones. This aircraft will also help USAF in emergenc medical evacuation missions and to carry out launches of paratroopers. The C-17A Globemaster entered service in 1993 and since then, it has delivered troops and humanitarian aid in Iraq and Afghanistan.
C-17A Globemaster III thrusting
C-17A Globemaster III Inner View seating arrangements
F-22 Raptor Standing Stil
F-22 Raptor in Stealth action
Russian PAK FA - F-22 Raptor's latest competitor
Sukhoi PAK FA - F-22 Raptor's Latest Challenge
2. F-22 Raptor Stealth Jet: Cost 350 million USD versus PAK FA New Launch by Russia
Special Report:  Up until now, the F-22 Raptor had been the most advanced fighter jet in the world and was designed initially by company Lockheed Martin Corporation for the United States Armed Forces during the Cold War to confront and "compete" against next-generation Russian fighter jet which today is in the news. According to the Daily Times, Russia has produced an all-new advanced stealth fighter to rival against F-22 Raptor. This is a fifth generation fighter aircraft known as PAK FA which has been developed by the famous Sukhoi company and can travel above the speed of sound and is able to create or alter database from satellites and other planes while flying at its topmost speed. This report of Daily Times says that PAK FA’s launch test has been successful.
Now coming back to F-22 Raptor, it is well known that Raptor is a multi-mission high tech plane of its kind and can carry out missions including air to air combats, air to ground assaults, electronic warfare, can bring down enemy cruise missiles. F-22 can fly long distances at supersonic speeds as seen in the STEALTH movie and becomes invisible in front of all types of radar systems of enemies due to its stealth technology. F‑22 Raptor entered United States Armed Forces service officially in December 2005 as F-22A, but on July 21st, 2009, the United States Senate voted unanimously to stop production of 7 more than the 187 aircraft already ordered because of its high manufacturing costs.
1. B-2 Spirit Bomber: Cost 2.400 million USD
Oh my God. The B-2 Spirit bomber is so expensive that the United States Congress in 1987 reduced its initial purchase order from 132 to 21 aircrafts. Currently, 20 B-2 Spirit are in service after the crash of one Spirit in 2008. The reason behind its being so costly is that a B-2 Spirit is very difficult to detect through infrared signals and electromagnetic or radar signals due to its highly advanced stealth technology. Due to this ability, this warfare aircraft can stealthily penetrate any enemy’s targets and destroy them anywhere in the world without being detected on the radars. B-2 Spirit was used in the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.
B-2 Spirit Bomber - Most Expensive aircraft - A spaceship or a fighter jet
B-2 Spirit bomber bombing the targets
B-2 Spirit is so costly that US stopped its production and currently there are only 20 B-2 Spirits in the world. 

Eleven most expensive fighter aircrafts in the world in the News

  • Fighter jets swoop over Cairo in show of forceOtago Daily Times2 days ago
    Fighter jets swooped low over Cairo in what appeared to be an attempt by the military to show its control of a city beset by looting, armed robbery and anti-government protests. read more
  • Fighter jets fly over protesters as chaos rules CairoDawn47 hours ago
    CAIRO: Egypt`s most prominent advocate for reform called on Sunday for President Hosni Mubarak to resign after the powerful military stepped up its presence across the anarchic capital, closing roads with tanks and sending F-16 fighter jets streaking over Tahrir Square, the rallying point for protesters.
  • Fighter jets swoop over Cairo in show of forceChannel 8 San Diego2 days ago
    Egypt's powerful military stepped up its presence across the anarchic capital on Sunday, closing roads with tanks and sending F-16 fighter jets streaking over downtown in a show of force after a day of looting, armed robbery and anti-government protests.
  • Fighter jets swoop over Cairo in show of forceManila Bulletin2 days ago
    CAIRO (AP) – Fighter jets swooped low over Cairo Sunday in what appeared to be an attempt by the military to show its control of a city beset by looting, armed robbery and anti-government protests. Minutes before the start of a 4 p.m. curfew, at least two jets appeared and made multiple passes over downtown, including a central square where thousands of protesters were calling for the departure ...
  • Fighter Jets fly over Egyptian protestsThe Kentucky Post31 hours ago
    CAIRO, Egypt - CAIRO (AP) -- Fighter jets swooped low over Cairo Sunday in what appeared to be an attempt by the military to show its control of a city beset by looting, armed robbery and anti-government protests.
  • Military defends F-35 purchaseToronto Sun24 hours ago
    The acquisition of F-35 fighter jets is the most cost-effective way for Canada to keep up with its military partners, said a high-ranking military official.
  • Fighter Jets Swoop Over Cairo In Show Of ForceWGAL 8 Susquehanna Valley2 days ago
    Fighter jets swooped low over Cairo Sunday in what appeared to be an attempt by the military to assert control of a city beset by looting, armed robbery and anti-government protests.
  • Fighter jets swoop over Cairo in show of forceABC 13 Houston2 days ago
    Fighter jets have been swooping low over Cairo in what appears to be an attempt by the military to show its control of a city beset by looting, armed robbery and anti-government protests
f16_6 facing each other
f18c shooting twelve missiles at once
Stealth fighter jet F35s gets invisible at the enemy's radar station
Four F-16 fighter jets in one pic
Plane or Ship - brilliant masterpiece

Unreal dogfight of unreal aircrafts from unreal Stealth movie

Military Aviation in the News

  • Contenders for Indian fighter deal to show in force at Aero India 2011
    All six participants of a tender to supply 126 light fighter jets to the Indian air force will showcase full flight displays at Aero India 2011 air show, the organizers said. - 7 hours ago
  • Boeing to revise bid for US military tanker deal
    Boeing said Tuesday it would submit a new, "final" bid for a $35 billion contract to supply the US military with 179 aerial refueling tankers, as it tries to beat European rival Airbus. - 7 hours ago
  • Boeing Delivers 11th C-40A to US Navy
    The Boeing Company delivered the 11th C-40A transport aircraft to the U.S. Navy on Jan. 28 from the company’s Wichita facility. In this photo, the aircraft taxis at the site just prior to delivery. - 31 hours ago
  • Czech Republic to support modernization of Azerbaijani military aircraft
    Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic reached an agreement to carry out joint projects for the modernization of military aircrafts. - 31 hours ago
  • Israel 'needs F-35 to stay on top'
    Israel seems determined to acquire a fleet of Lockheed Martin's costly F-35 stealth fighters despite the plethora of problems plaguing the development of the fifth-generation jet. - 31 hours ago
  • Aero India 2011: Homegrown birds to steal the show
    Besides the Eurofighter Typhoons and the F16s, two home-grown metal birds— the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy— will be seen at the upcoming Aero India 2011, which will be held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka between February 9 and 13. - 31 hours ago
  • Analysis: U.S. military says keeps up with China; Is it enough?
    U.S. military commanders are expressing confidence that they can hold their own in the face of faster-than-expected advances by China's military, but looming cost cuts are adding to doubts about the future of American power in the Pacific. - 31 hours ago
  • S. Korea seeks to deploy stealth fighters in 2015
    South Korea is seeking to purchase its first stealth fighter jets at an earlier date to replace aging Air Force fighters and to secure capabilities to counter North Korea's increasing provocations, government sources said Sunday.