In this era, we're seeing that fighter jet planes are shifting their technology from 4th to 5th generation. The upgradations in these expensive fighter jets are usually stealth features, advanced electronics and weaponry. You know all of these things are important in good fighter jets and are very important, but the thing is, these features are too expensive that you couldn't even imagine.
So today's list is dedicated to the most expensive fighter jet in the world. So without any further delay, let's get started with the list of top 10 most expensive fighter jet in the world. Please note that expensive doesn't mean it is the best. If you're interested in best fighter jets and military stuff, you can click on the links.
The 10th most expensive fighter jet in the world is the Mikoyan MiG-35. Mikoyan MiG-35 is a Russian multi-role fighter jet designed by Mikoyan and marketed as a 4++ generation jet fighter. It first started in production in the year 2007, but only 8 of them are every build from which 6 are testing and 2 are serial aircraft.
Currently, its primary user is the Russian Aerospace Forces. This fighter jet is the upgraded version or development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB fighters. The MiG-35 was in service on June 2019, and its unit cost is 48.6 million US dollars.
At number 9th position the expensive fighter jet is the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. This fighter jet is a multirole air superiority fighter jet design by Russia's Sukhoi and is currently manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Its production started in the year 2000, and as of March 2020, the total number of 272 Sukhoi Su-30MKI are ever built. This fighter jet is developed from Sukhoi Su-30 and has abilities and features very similar to the Sukhoi Su-35.
It was first introduced on 27 September 2002 and is still in service. Its primary user is Indian Air Force, and it is considered to be to the backbone of IAF (Indian Air Force). The unit cost of this fighter jet is also 50 million US dollars.
Read More: Top 10 Military Helicopter
Moving on to number 8, we have Mikoyan MiG-31 also known as Foxhound. This is an interceptor aircraft and attack aircraft manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevich/Mikoyan. It was introduced on 6 May 1981, and its primary users are Russian Aerospace Forces and Kazakhstan Air Force.
Mikoyan MiG-31 produced from 1975 to 1994, but it is still in service, and Russian Defence Ministery is expecting it to stay in service for 2030 or beyond. As for the number of this fighter jet built is 519. This fighter jet has the characteristic of being one of the fastest combat jets in the world. The unit cost of this jet fighter is 57 million US dollars making it the eighth-most costliest jet fighter in the world.
At number 7, we have the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light single-engine, fighter, attack and reconnaissance aircraft. This expensive aircraft is manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab.
This fighter jet started in production in 1987, and its production still continues. The total number of 306 of this fighter jet is ever built. It is still in service, and its primary users are the Swedish Air Force, South African Air Force, Czech Air Force and Hungarian Air Force. It was first in service on 9th June 1996. The unit cost of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen is 60 million US dollars.
Read More: Top 10 Fastest Aircraft Ever Recorded
Coming up next at number 6, we have Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. This is a carrier-capable multi-role and twin-engine fighter aircraft manufactured by McDonnell Douglas Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
This fighter jet is the Super Hornet that entered service with the United States Navy in 2001. Its primary users are the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Its production started in 1995, and as of October 2018, total 600 are built. The unit cost of this jet fighter is 70.5 million US dollars.
One of the most expensive fighter jet in the world is non-other then Sukhoi Su-35. Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable aircraft design by Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association. Su-35 is a developed version of the Su-27, and this variant has several improvements in engines aerodynamics, avionics and construction methods.
This super manoeuvrable aircraft was built mainly for the Russian Air Force and now People's Liberation Army Air Force is also using it. The total number of 115 are ever produced. Its production started in the year 2007, and it introduced just six years back, that is February 2014. The unit cost of the Sukhoi Su-35 is 83-85 million US dollars.
Read More: Top 10 Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks
The 4th most expensive fighter jet in the world is Dassault Rafale. Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft. Dassault Rafale is designed and built by Dassault Aviation.
This fighter aircraft is equipped with a wide range of weapons. Its production started in the year 1986, and its primary users are French Air Force, French Navy, Egyptian Air Force, Qatar Air Force and Indian Air Force. Total 201 are built as of 12/2019, and it was first introduced on 18th May 2001. The unit cost of Dassault Rafale's latest variant is US$85.5 million.
The third most expensive fighter jet is the Eurofighter Typhoon. Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4th generation, twin-engine, canard delta wing and multi-role fighter aircraft with surface attack capability. It is designed to be a supremely effective dogfighter in combat, and it is manufactured by Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. It is a multinational aircraft made by the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain with collaboration.
This fighter jet is being used by Royal Air Force, German Air Force, Italian Air Force, Spanish Air Force and other nations. The Eurofighter Typhoon entered operational service on August 4th 2003, and 565 numbers are produced so far. It costs about 95 million US dollars.
Read More: Top 10 Infantry Fighting Vehicles
The second most costly fighter jet in the world is Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, fifth-generation, multi-role combat aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. This aircraft is mainly designed for ground attack and air superiority missions.
Its primary users are United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, Royal Air Force and other nations. F-35 has three main variants, but the most expensive one is the F-35B which costs about 115.5 million US dollars. Its production started in 2006, and as of 7 March 2020, the total number of 520 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II are produced.
Now the world's most expensive fighter jet is the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. This is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, stealth tactical fighter aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Boeing Defense and Space & Security. This one of the world's best fighter jet has set the bar to which countries like Russia and China have been trying to achieve.
Its production started in the year 1996 ended in 2011. It is still in service, and its primary user is the United States Air Force. It first entered service on 15 December 2005, and the total number of 195 are every built. The unit cost of this fighter is 150 million US dollars.
I hope you find this list informative. If you find any mistake in the list or in the article, please let us know in the comment section.
So today's list is dedicated to the most expensive fighter jet in the world. So without any further delay, let's get started with the list of top 10 most expensive fighter jet in the world. Please note that expensive doesn't mean it is the best. If you're interested in best fighter jets and military stuff, you can click on the links.
Context
- Most Expensive Fighter Jet
- Mikoyan MiG-35
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
- Mikoyan MiG-31
- Saab JAS 39 Gripen
- Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- Sukhoi Su-35
- Dassault Rafale
- Eurofighter Typhoon
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
- Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
- Conclusion
Most Expensive Fighter Jet
10. Mikoyan MiG-35
The 10th most expensive fighter jet in the world is the Mikoyan MiG-35. Mikoyan MiG-35 is a Russian multi-role fighter jet designed by Mikoyan and marketed as a 4++ generation jet fighter. It first started in production in the year 2007, but only 8 of them are every build from which 6 are testing and 2 are serial aircraft.
Currently, its primary user is the Russian Aerospace Forces. This fighter jet is the upgraded version or development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB fighters. The MiG-35 was in service on June 2019, and its unit cost is 48.6 million US dollars.
Summary
- Role: Multirole fighter
- National origin: Russia
- Design group: Mikoyan
- Introduction: 17 June 2019
- Status: In-service
- Primary user: Russian Aerospace Forces
- Produced: 2007–present
- Number built: 8
- Unit cost: US$48.6 million
9. Sukhoi Su-30MKI
At number 9th position the expensive fighter jet is the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. This fighter jet is a multirole air superiority fighter jet design by Russia's Sukhoi and is currently manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Its production started in the year 2000, and as of March 2020, the total number of 272 Sukhoi Su-30MKI are ever built. This fighter jet is developed from Sukhoi Su-30 and has abilities and features very similar to the Sukhoi Su-35.
It was first introduced on 27 September 2002 and is still in service. Its primary user is Indian Air Force, and it is considered to be to the backbone of IAF (Indian Air Force). The unit cost of this fighter jet is also 50 million US dollars.
Summary
- Role: Multirole air superiority fighter
- National origin: Russia
- Design group: Sukhoi
- Introduction: 27 September 2002
- Status: In-service
- Primary user: Indian Air Force
- Produced: 2000–present
- Number built: 272 as of March 2020
- Unit cost: US$50 million
Read More: Top 10 Military Helicopter
8. Mikoyan MiG-31
Moving on to number 8, we have Mikoyan MiG-31 also known as Foxhound. This is an interceptor aircraft and attack aircraft manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevich/Mikoyan. It was introduced on 6 May 1981, and its primary users are Russian Aerospace Forces and Kazakhstan Air Force.
Mikoyan MiG-31 produced from 1975 to 1994, but it is still in service, and Russian Defence Ministery is expecting it to stay in service for 2030 or beyond. As for the number of this fighter jet built is 519. This fighter jet has the characteristic of being one of the fastest combat jets in the world. The unit cost of this jet fighter is 57 million US dollars making it the eighth-most costliest jet fighter in the world.
Summary
- Role: Interceptor aircraft, attack aircraft
- National origin: Soviet Union
- Manufacturer: Mikoyan-Gurevich/Mikoyan
- Introduction: 6 May 1981
- Status: In-service
- Primary users: Russian Aerospace Forces, Kazakhstan Air Force
- Produced: 1975–1994
- Number built: 519
- Unit cost: US$57 million
7. Saab JAS 39 Gripen
At number 7, we have the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light single-engine, fighter, attack and reconnaissance aircraft. This expensive aircraft is manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab.
This fighter jet started in production in 1987, and its production still continues. The total number of 306 of this fighter jet is ever built. It is still in service, and its primary users are the Swedish Air Force, South African Air Force, Czech Air Force and Hungarian Air Force. It was first in service on 9th June 1996. The unit cost of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen is 60 million US dollars.
Summary
- Role: Fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft
- National origin: Sweden
- Manufacturer: Saab Group
- Introduction: 9 June 1996
- Status: In-service
- Primary users: Swedish Air Force, South African Air Force, Czech Air Force, Hungarian Air Force
- Produced: 1987–present
- Number built: 306
- Unit cost: US$ 60 million
Read More: Top 10 Fastest Aircraft Ever Recorded
6. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Coming up next at number 6, we have Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. This is a carrier-capable multi-role and twin-engine fighter aircraft manufactured by McDonnell Douglas Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
This fighter jet is the Super Hornet that entered service with the United States Navy in 2001. Its primary users are the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Its production started in 1995, and as of October 2018, total 600 are built. The unit cost of this jet fighter is 70.5 million US dollars.
Summary
- Role: Carrier-based multirole fighter
- National origin: United States
- Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas Boeing Defense, Space & Security
- Introduction: 2001
- Status: In-service
- Primary users: United States Navy, Royal Australian Air Force
- Produced: 1995–present
- Number built: 600
- Unit cost: US$70.5 million
5. Sukhoi Su-35
One of the most expensive fighter jet in the world is non-other then Sukhoi Su-35. Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable aircraft design by Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association. Su-35 is a developed version of the Su-27, and this variant has several improvements in engines aerodynamics, avionics and construction methods.
This super manoeuvrable aircraft was built mainly for the Russian Air Force and now People's Liberation Army Air Force is also using it. The total number of 115 are ever produced. Its production started in the year 2007, and it introduced just six years back, that is February 2014. The unit cost of the Sukhoi Su-35 is 83-85 million US dollars.
Summary
- Role: Multi-role air superiority fighter
- National origin: Soviet Union / Russia
- Built by: Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association
- Introduction: February 2014
- Status: In-service
- Primary users: Russian Air Force, People's Liberation Army Air Force
- Produced: 2007–present
- Number built: 115
- Unit cost: US$83–85 million
Read More: Top 10 Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks
4. Dassault Rafale
The 4th most expensive fighter jet in the world is Dassault Rafale. Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft. Dassault Rafale is designed and built by Dassault Aviation.
This fighter aircraft is equipped with a wide range of weapons. Its production started in the year 1986, and its primary users are French Air Force, French Navy, Egyptian Air Force, Qatar Air Force and Indian Air Force. Total 201 are built as of 12/2019, and it was first introduced on 18th May 2001. The unit cost of Dassault Rafale's latest variant is US$85.5 million.
Summary
- Role: Multirole fighter
- National origin: France
- Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
- Introduction: 18 May 2001
- Status: In-service
- Primary users: French Air Force, French Navy, Egyptian Air Force, Qatar Air Force, Indian Air Force
- Produced: 1986–present
- Number built: 201
- Unit cost: US$85.5 million
3. Eurofighter Typhoon
The third most expensive fighter jet is the Eurofighter Typhoon. Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4th generation, twin-engine, canard delta wing and multi-role fighter aircraft with surface attack capability. It is designed to be a supremely effective dogfighter in combat, and it is manufactured by Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. It is a multinational aircraft made by the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain with collaboration.
This fighter jet is being used by Royal Air Force, German Air Force, Italian Air Force, Spanish Air Force and other nations. The Eurofighter Typhoon entered operational service on August 4th 2003, and 565 numbers are produced so far. It costs about 95 million US dollars.
Summary
- Role: Multirole fighter
- National origin: Multi-national
- Manufacturer: Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH
- Introduction: 4 August 2003
- Status: In-service
- Primary users: Royal Air Force, German Air Force, Italian Air Force, Spanish Air Force and others
- Produced: 1994–present
- Number built: 570
- Unit cost: US$95+ million
Read More: Top 10 Infantry Fighting Vehicles
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The second most costly fighter jet in the world is Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, fifth-generation, multi-role combat aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. This aircraft is mainly designed for ground attack and air superiority missions.
Its primary users are United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, Royal Air Force and other nations. F-35 has three main variants, but the most expensive one is the F-35B which costs about 115.5 million US dollars. Its production started in 2006, and as of 7 March 2020, the total number of 520 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II are produced.
Summary
- Role: Stealth multirole fighter
- National origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
- Introduction F-35B: 31 July 2015
- Status: In-service
- Primary users: United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, Royal Air Force and other nations
- Produced: 2006–present
- Number built: 520 as of 7 March 2020
- Unit Cost F-35B: US$115.5 million
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Now the world's most expensive fighter jet is the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. This is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, stealth tactical fighter aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Boeing Defense and Space & Security. This one of the world's best fighter jet has set the bar to which countries like Russia and China have been trying to achieve.
Its production started in the year 1996 ended in 2011. It is still in service, and its primary user is the United States Air Force. It first entered service on 15 December 2005, and the total number of 195 are every built. The unit cost of this fighter is 150 million US dollars.
Summary
- Role: Stealth air superiority fighter
- National origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
- Introduction: 15 December 2005
- Status: In-service
- Primary user: United States Air Force
- Produced: 1996–2011
- Number built: 195
- Unit cost: US$150 million
Conclusion
It was the list for the Top 10 most expensive fighter jet in the world today. We've told you about the ten most expensive fighter jets in the world. If you want to know about the fastest aircraft ever recorded and fastest WWII aircraft then click on the links. These are the most expensive fighter jet:- Mikoyan MiG-35
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
- Mikoyan MiG-31
- Saab JAS 39 Gripen
- Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- Sukhoi Su-35
- Dassault Rafale
- Eurofighter Typhoon
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
- Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
I hope you find this list informative. If you find any mistake in the list or in the article, please let us know in the comment section.