Fighter Jet Price List

I was at an air show a few years back, watching an F-35 demonstration, when someone behind me asked casually, “So what does one of those cost?” The pilot’s response over the PA – “About as much as your neighborhood” – got a laugh, but it also got me curious. Probably should have led with this, honestly: modern fighter jets represent some of the most expensive single items any government can purchase. The numbers are staggering, and understanding them helps explain why defense budgets seem perpetually insufficient and why international arms deals make headlines.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

The F-35 program is simultaneously the most advanced and most expensive weapons system ever developed. It comes in three variants, each designed for different operational requirements:

• F-35A: Conventional takeoff and landing, the “standard” version
• F-35B: Short takeoff and vertical landing capability for Marines and allied forces
• F-35C: Carrier-based variant for Navy operations

Current approximate prices:

• F-35A: $79.2 million
• F-35B: $115.5 million
• F-35C: $108.8 million

That’s what makes the F-35 program endearing to us defense watchers – it’s a technological marvel that also illustrates everything complicated about modern procurement.

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The Super Hornet has been the U.S. Navy’s backbone for decades. It handles both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with proven reliability. The two variants differ mainly in seating:

• F/A-18E: Single-seat
• F/A-18F: Tandem-seat for pilot and weapons systems officer

Unit cost runs around $70.5 million – relatively reasonable by modern standards, with a combat record that inspires confidence.

Eurofighter Typhoon

The Typhoon emerged from European collaboration between the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It’s an agile air superiority fighter with ground attack capabilities added over time. Pricing varies significantly based on customer requirements and order size:

• Estimated cost per unit: $90-120 million

The wide range reflects the reality of international defense sales – nothing is ever simple.

Dassault Rafale

France went its own way with the Rafale, a multi-role fighter that operates from both land bases and aircraft carriers. The flexibility has made it attractive to buyers worldwide:

• Rafale B (twin-seat): Approximately $85 million
• Rafale C (single-seat): Approximately $76 million
• Rafale M (carrier version): Approximately $88 million

Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Sweden’s Gripen takes a different approach – lightweight, cost-effective, and designed for rapid turnaround and maintenance. It’s the practical choice for nations that need capable aircraft without F-35 budgets:

• Estimated cost per unit: $60 million

The Gripen won’t win in absolute performance comparisons, but cost-per-capability is a metric that matters to most air forces.

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II

The F-15 platform is decades old, but the EX variant represents a comprehensive modernization. New avionics, advanced radar, upgraded weapon systems – it’s essentially a new aircraft wearing familiar clothes:

• Per unit cost: Approximately $87.7 million

Sukhoi Su-35

Russia’s Su-35 builds on the proven Su-27 platform with enhanced everything – better engines, improved avionics, superior maneuverability. Pricing is competitive, which matters for export customers:

• Estimated cost: $40-65 million

Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon

The venerable F-16 has served air forces worldwide for decades. The latest F-16V variant incorporates modern avionics and capabilities while maintaining the type’s legendary reliability:

• Current F-16V pricing: $32-35 million

For many nations, the F-16 represents the sweet spot between capability and affordability.

Sukhoi Su-57

Russia’s fifth-generation answer to the F-22 and F-35 includes stealth, supercruise, and advanced systems. Production numbers remain limited, and export interest has been modest:

• Estimated cost per unit: $50 million

Chengdu J-20

China’s entry into the fifth-generation fighter domain, the J-20 is designed for air superiority with stealth characteristics. Information is limited, but estimates suggest:

• Estimated cost per unit: $110 million

Conclusion

These numbers represent just the airframes themselves. Factor in training, maintenance, spare parts, weapons, upgrades, and support infrastructure, and the true cost of operating a modern fighter fleet becomes almost unfathomable. But for nations concerned with defense and deterrence, these investments remain essential – expensive as they are.