Top 10 Most Expensive Fighter Jets in 2025 – Price & Power Compared
In 2025, modern air forces continue to invest billions of dollars into cutting-edge fighter jets. These aircraft are not only symbols of military power but also represent the pinnacle of aviation technology—combining stealth, speed, advanced avionics, and unmatched combat capabilities. With costs ranging from $80 million to well over $200 million per jet, owning and maintaining these fighters requires massive defense budgets.
Nations such as the United States, Russia, and China dominate the list, but several European and Asian programs are also pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering. This ranking highlights the 10 most expensive fighter jets in 2025, comparing their price, performance, and strategic value on the battlefield.
Which is the Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World?
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor currently holds the title of the world’s most expensive fighter jet, with a unit price of $143 million according to the US Air Force. However, when considering production and development costs, the true value of each aircraft far exceeds this sticker price.
Following closely is the Dassault Rafale, valued at approximately $125 million per unit. The multinational Eurofighter Typhoon comes in third, with rising program costs pushing its unit price to around $117 million. These jets represent the peak of modern fighter technology, combining speed, agility, and advanced avionics at a premium cost.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Key Statistics
- Origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Boeing (as partner)
- Role: Stealth air superiority fighter
- Introduced: 2005
- Top Speed: Mach 2.25 (around 1,500 mph / 2,414 km/h)
- Range: 1,850 miles (2,975 km) with ferry tanks
- Service Ceiling: 65,000 ft (19,812 m)
- Unit Cost: Estimated $150 million – $250 million per jet
- Status: In service with the U.S. Air Force, no export allowed
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is often regarded as the most advanced stealth fighter ever built, and in 2025 it still stands among the most expensive fighter jets in the world. Developed under the Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the F-22 combines stealth technology, supercruise capability, and unmatched maneuverability, giving it a decisive edge in air superiority missions.
When discussing the F-22 Raptor cost, figures vary depending on what is included in the calculation. The basic F-22 unit cost is often quoted around $150 million, but when factoring in research, development, and long-term sustainment, the price of F-22 can exceed $250 million per aircraft. This makes it one of the most expensive fighter jets ever built, even when compared to newer designs like the F-35 Lightning II or the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Unlike the F-35, which was designed for export, the F-22 Raptor was never offered on the international market. Congress banned foreign sales due to the aircraft’s sensitive stealth and avionics technologies. This makes the Raptor unique in the sense that it has no global price competition, further elevating its reputation as a rare and elite platform.
Performance-wise, the F-22 is capable of flying at supercruise speeds (above Mach 1 without afterburners), has thrust-vectoring nozzles for extreme agility, and can carry a combination of AIM-120 AMRAAMs, AIM-9 Sidewinders, and precision-guided bombs internally to preserve its radar stealth profile.
Even though the F-22 program was capped at 187 operational jets, the aircraft continues to serve as a backbone of U.S. air dominance in 2025. The F-22 fighter jet price and high maintenance costs have been subjects of debate, but the Raptor’s unmatched combat performance ensures its place at the top of any ranking of the world’s most expensive and capable fighter jets.
2. Dassault Rafale – $125 Million
Dassault Rafale key statistics
- Origin: France
- Primary users: France, India, Egypt, Qatar, UAE
- Manufactured: 1986 – present
- Number built: 259
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8
- Range: 2,000 nmi
The Dassault Rafale is France’s versatile multirole fighter, designed from the outset to handle air-to-air combat, ground strikes, reconnaissance, carrier operations, and even nuclear deterrence. Its delta wing and canard configuration provide exceptional agility, while the SPECTRA electronic warfare system enhances survivability by jamming enemy targeting.
Pricing varies depending on configuration, with the twin-seat Rafale B averaging around $125 million per unit in modern terms. Over 250 aircraft have been delivered, with France as the primary operator. Export customers include India (36 jets), Egypt (54), Qatar (36), and a major $19 billion deal for 80 jets with the UAE. The Rafale remains a highly capable and flexible platform in the global fighter market.
3. Eurofighter Typhoon – $117 Million
Key Statistics
- Origin: Multinational (UK, Germany, Italy, Spain)
- Primary Users: UK, Germany, Italy, Spain
- Manufactured: 1994 – present
- Number Built: 592
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.35
- Range: 1,800 nmi
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a cutting-edge 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed through a multinational collaboration between the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Since its introduction in 1994, over 590 Typhoons have been built, making it one of Europe’s most successful modern combat aircraft. Designed for air superiority and dogfighting, the Typhoon boasts an exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio near 1:1, a maximum speed exceeding Mach 2.0, and a versatile weapons payload capable of engaging both air and ground targets.
One of the Typhoon’s strongest features lies in its advanced sensors and avionics:
- Captor-E AESA Radar: Enhances detection, tracking, and resistance to jamming.
- Pirate IRST (Infrared Search and Track): Detects enemy aircraft, including stealth jets, without revealing the Typhoon’s position via radar.
- DASS (Defensive Aids Sub-System): Provides missile warning, radar jamming, and electronic countermeasures.
- Sensor Fusion: Combines data from multiple sensors to create a unified battlefield picture, similar to the approach used by the F-35.
According to the UK National Audit Office, the unit cost of a Typhoon for export customers is approximately £73 million (around $117 million). Participating nations that helped develop the aircraft can procure it for as little as $50 million per jet. However, these figures don’t fully reflect the total program cost, which is estimated at $120 billion. When including development, upgrades, and sustainment, the per-jet price is effectively around $250 million.
4. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon – $120 Million
Key Statistics
- Origin: China
- Primary Users: People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)
- Manufactured by: Chengdu Aerospace Corporation
- Number Built: Estimated 200+ (as of 2025)
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0
- Range: 3,400 miles
The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon is China’s answer to U.S. fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Designed with stealth shaping, advanced avionics, and supercruise capabilities, the J-20 represents Beijing’s rapid push into high-end air superiority. Its long range, advanced radar, and heavy payload capacity make it a formidable platform intended for both offensive and defensive roles. Unlike earlier Chinese jets, the J-20 was purpose-built as a stealth fighter from the ground up, signaling a major leap in Chinese aerospace technology.
When it comes to fighter jet cost, the J-20 has an estimated unit price of around $120 million, making it one of the most expensive fighter jets in the world in 2025. While cheaper than the F-22 Raptor, the cost of operating and maintaining the J-20 is significant, as China continues to upgrade its avionics, engines, and stealth coatings. The program cost remains classified, but estimates suggest that China has invested billions into the J-20 project to achieve parity with Western fighters.
The J-20’s biggest challenge lies in its engine technology, as earlier models relied on Russian-made AL-31F engines. By 2025, newer variants with indigenous WS-15 engines are entering service, giving the aircraft improved thrust and supercruise. With production ramping up, the J-20 is expected to outnumber Western fifth-generation jets in Asia, making it a central piece of China’s regional power projection.
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – $109 Million
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Key Statistics
- Origin: United States
- Primary Users: United States
- Manufactured: 2006 – present
- Number Built: 1,100+
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6
- Range: 1,500 nmi
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is widely recognized as the most expensive weapon system ever developed. As a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter, it carries some of the highest operational and lifecycle costs in the world, making the aircraft costly both to purchase and maintain. Since 2022, the unit cost has risen further due to inflation, reduced production quantities, and enhanced capabilities.
In a report published in May 2023, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated that the increased procurement cost is largely attributed to extended production timelines for airframes and engines, along with additional expenses for support equipment, technical data, and training.
The F-35 program includes three distinct variants: the F-35A (conventional takeoff), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing – STOVL), and F-35C (carrier-based). Among these, the F-35B is the most expensive, with a unit cost of approximately $109 million. This variant is specially designed to operate from amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers, providing unmatched versatility in constrained operational environments.
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – $97 Million
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II Key Statistics
- Origin: USA
- Primary Users: United States Air Force (USAF)
- Manufactured: 2011 – present
- Number Built: 8
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.5
- Range: 2,100 nmi
The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is the most advanced variant of the F-15 series, designed to provide the U.S. Air Force with a highly upgraded, non-stealth air superiority and multirole fighter. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, modern survivability systems, and advanced weapons capabilities, the F-15EX combines proven airframe reliability with next-generation technology.
Initially estimated at under $80 million per unit, the cost rose to $90 million and further increased to $97 million by Fall 2023, reflecting production improvements and enhanced capabilities.
The F-15EX is the fastest fighter jet currently in U.S. production, reaching speeds up to Mach 2.5. Unlike stealth-focused aircraft, it emphasizes raw firepower and payload capacity, capable of carrying up to 13.6 tons of weapons, including as many as 16 missiles in a single sortie.
Even with a robust fleet of F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning IIs, the USAF continues to rely on the F-15EX as a long-term replacement for aging F-15C/Ds. Its lower operational costs and high payload make it an ideal “missile truck” and support platform, complementing stealth fighters in modern combat. With these capabilities, the F-15EX is expected to remain a dominant force for the U.S. and allied air forces well into the 2050s.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 – $85 Million
Sukhoi Su-35 Key Statistics
- Origin: Russia
- Primary Users: Russia, China
- Manufactured: 2007 – present
- Number Built: 151
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.25
- Range: 1,900 nmi
The Sukhoi Su-35 is Russia’s most advanced 4.5-generation air superiority fighter, developed as an evolution of the Su-27 Flanker. It is designed to compete with Western fighters like the F-15EX, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Dassault Rafale. The Su-35 features upgraded avionics, advanced thrust-vectoring engines, and enhanced combat capabilities, making it a highly maneuverable platform in modern aerial warfare.
Although it does not incorporate stealth technology like the F-22 or F-35, the Su-35 compensates with exceptional speed, agility, and combat versatility. Its Saturn AL-41F1S engines with thrust-vectoring nozzles give it unrivaled maneuverability, only comparable to the F-22 and Su-57.
The estimated cost of a Sukhoi Su-35 is around $85 million per unit, though actual prices can vary depending on configuration, export agreements, and exchange rates. Some reports even suggest production costs as low as $18 million per aircraft under certain conditions.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen – $85 Million
Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen Key Statistics
- Origin: Sweden
- Primary Users: Sweden, Brazil, South Africa, Hungary
- Manufactured: 1987 – present
- Number Built: 300+
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2
- Range: 2,500 nmi
The Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen represents the latest evolution of Sweden’s iconic multirole fighter line. The E variant is a single-seat model, while the F variant is a two-seat version designed for advanced training and operational flexibility. Modernized with AESA radar, enhanced payload capacity, extended range, upgraded electronic warfare systems, and new engines, the Gripen E/F remains highly competitive on the global fighter market.
The unit cost of the Gripen E is approximately $85 million, reflecting Saab’s efforts to balance cutting-edge capabilities with affordability. Earlier projections for the next-generation JAS 39 placed costs above $100 million, but improvements in production efficiency and technology integration have lowered the price, making the aircraft attractive to export customers.
Known for its survivability, ease of maintenance, and advanced electronics, the Gripen is sometimes called a “smart fighter.” Its full data-link integration allows for real-time battlefield awareness, while AI-assisted mission systems analyze threats and recommend optimal tactics, giving pilots a decisive edge in modern combat scenarios.
9. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet – $73 Million
Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Key Statistics
- Origin: USA
- Primary Users: USA, Australia, Kuwait
- Manufactured: 1995 – present
- Number Built: 630+
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6
- Range: 1,800 nmi
The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is a carrier-capable multirole fighter developed from the earlier McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. Designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, it comes in two main variants: the F/A-18E single-seat and the F/A-18F tandem-seat models. Its unit cost ranges from $67 million to $73 million depending on the block and configuration.
Entering service with the U.S. Navy in 2001, the Super Hornet replaced the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was fully retired by 2006. It is approximately 20% larger than the original Hornet and carries significantly more fuel, providing extended range and endurance compared to its predecessor.
A specialized variant, the EA-18G Growler, focuses on electronic warfare. With advanced jamming, surveillance, and electronic attack capabilities, the Growler is the most expensive aircraft in the F/A-18 family, costing around $80 million per unit depending on configuration. Its versatility and carrier suitability make the Super Hornet and its variants critical to U.S. naval aviation.
10. Shenyang FC-31 / J-35 – $70 million
Key Statistics
- Origin: China
- Users: People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), possible exports
- Manufactured: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
- Number Built: Estimated 6–10 prototypes and early units
- Top Speed: Mach 1.8 (estimated)
- Range: 1,200 km (combat radius, estimated)
The Shenyang FC-31, also known as the J-35 in its naval variant, is China’s answer to the need for an affordable stealth fighter to complement the more expensive J-20 Mighty Dragon. With an estimated price tag of $70 million, it is one of the cheapest fifth-generation stealth jets, making it highly attractive for both domestic use and potential exports.
Designed with twin engines, internal weapons bays, and advanced stealth shaping, the J-35 fighter jet is being developed primarily for China’s aircraft carriers. Compared to Western rivals like the F-35 Lightning II, the J-35 may lack proven combat performance, but its lower cost makes it competitive in markets where affordability is key.
China hopes the FC-31 price point will allow it to compete globally, especially in regions like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where nations are seeking fifth-generation capabilities without paying Western premiums. While still in limited production, the aircraft signals Beijing’s ambition to expand its stealth fighter fleet beyond the J-20.
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