25 Most Expensive Military Fighter Jets 2022

25 Most Expensive Military Fighter Jets 2020 - One of the most versatile jets on this list, the The F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET is an evolved F/A-18. It operates off of an aircraft carrier and performs electronic warfare missions, air-to-air interdiction and bombing missions as well as others. It’s first combat mission was in 2002 over the Persian Gulf, where it enforced the “no-fly” zone. Two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans power this U.S. Navy aircraft, giving it a max speed of 1,190 mph or Mach 1.6.
Number 8
Entering service in 2004, the DASSAULT RAFALE is France’s most updated multi-role fighter jet. With three main variants, the Rafale is capable of air superiority, aircraft carrier operations, strategic target destruction, and nuclear deterrence missions. Two SNECMA M88-2 afterburning turbofan engines give the Rafale a maximum speed of Mach 1.8. It has a combat radius of 1000 nautical miles, but can extend to twice that with three fuel drop tanks mounted on its hard points.
Number 7
The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version of the United States’ newest and most technologically advanced jet, the F-35A belongs to the U.S. Air Force. The fifth-generation fighter combines air-to-air as well as air-to-ground attack capabilities. It’s advanced avionics suite tracks, locks and engages the enemy before the enemy is aware the F-35A is there, eliminating the need for a dogfight scenario. One Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine powers the F-35A, giving it a max speed of roughly 1,200 mph or Mach 2.
Number 6
The EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON is a twin engine multirole fighter. It was created by a large number of European designers, most notably, Eurofighter. It deployed in 2003 and while the multirole fighter isn’t as adept at air-to-ground combat as the Panavia Tornado – it’s been suggested the Typhoon outperforms most American fighters in air-to-air superiority. Two Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines propel the Eurofighter Typhoon’s max speed to 1,550 mph, well over Mach 2.
Number 5
Contracted, designed and built in secrecy, the F-117 is the U.S. Air Force’s first stealth aircraft. Even breaking the numbered naming norm of American fighters was a move to confuse the enemy. The F-117 NIGHTHAWK would have been F-19. This stealth attack aircraft entered service in 1982 and officially retired in 2008. Two General Electric F404-F1D2 turbofans power the F-117 Nighthawk, giving it a max speed of over 700 mph. It comes in at No. 5 on the list of most expensive military jets in the world.
Number 4
The Chinese CHENGDU J-20 BLACK EAGLE is a twin-engine, multi-role, fifth-generation strike fighter jet. It entered service for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force in 2017. PRC projects to use the fighter until the 2050s. Twin afterburning turbofan engines give the J-20 a max speed of 1,350mph.
Number 3
The short-takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version of the United States’ newest and most technologically advanced jet, the F-35B belongs to the U.S. Marine Corps. The fifth-generation fighter combines air-to-air as well as air-to-ground attack capabilities. The F-35B contains the Rolls-Royce patented LiftFan propulsion system and an engine that can swivel 90 degrees. This gives the U.S. Marine Corps the option to land at the forefront of battle without a long, structured runway. One Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine powers the F-35B, giving it a max speed of roughly 1,200 mph or Mach 2.
Number 2
The carrier version of the United States’ newest and most technologically advanced jet, the F-35C belongs to the U.S. Navy. The fifth-generation fighter combines air-to-air as well as air-to-ground attack capabilities. The most expensive of the F-35 family, the F-35C has larger wings and more robust landing gear. One Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine powers the F-35C, giving it a max speed of roughly 1,200 mph or Mach 2.
Number 1
The U.S. Air Force maintains the F-22 RAPTOR costs only $143 million per unit, as of 2015. Even then, that price tag may be understated. Regardless, the F-22 Raptor air superiority fighter jet is the most expensive military jet on the planet. This stealthy fifth-generation fighter entered service in 2005 and projects to be around for three to four decades. Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines with afterburners and two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles give the F-22 unmatched maneuverability and a top speed of over 1,500mph with supercruise capability. It is the most expensive out of all the most expensive military jets in the world.

0.00 Intro
1.10 MiG-21
2.02 NUMBER 28 F-16 FIGHTING FALCON
2.52 MIRAGE 2000
5.53 SU-27 FLANKER
8.58 JAS 39 GRIPEN
9.44 PANAVIA TORNADO
12.04 SU-35 FLANKER-E
12.51 FIA-18E/F SUPER HORNET
14.13 F-35A
14.58 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
15.40 F-117 NIGHTHAWK
16.13 Air Force Report
16.22 CHENGDU J-20 BLACK ENGLE
18.16 F-22 RAPTOR