The United States military operates some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, showcasing cutting-edge technology and sophisticated weapons systems. From air superiority fighters to large military cargo planes, these aircraft come with price tags that reach hundreds of millions of dollars. This article delves into some of the priciest military aircraft in the U.S. inventory.
5 Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Price in 2024: $232 million
- Max takeoff weight: 57,500 lb (26,082 kg)
- Maximum speed: 350 knots (400 mph, 650 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 256 knots (295 mph, 474 km/h)
- Ferry range: 1,462 nautical miles (1,682 miles, 2,708 km)
- Service ceiling: 34,700 ft (10,600 m)
At the bottom of our list is the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, priced at $232 million in 2024. This fourth version of the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft that took its first flight in 2007. Notably, the E-2 family is the first aircraft specifically designed for AEW missions and has been in production since its initial variant debuted in 1960.
Photo: US Navy
The E-2D is powered by two Allison/Rolls-Royce T56-A turboprop engines, each providing 5,100 shaft horsepower (3,800 kW) at takeoff. Since its introduction in 2007, 88 units of the E-2D have been built, and production remains ongoing.
4 Boeing P-8 Poseidon
Price in 2024: $290 million
- Max takeoff weight: 189,200 lb (85,820 kg)
- Maximum speed: 564 mph (907 km/h, 490 knots)
- Cruise speed: 509 mph (815 km/h, 440 knots)
- Combat range: 1,383 miles (2,225 km, 1,200 NM)
- Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
Fourth on our list is the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, costing $290 million in 2024. Developed from the Boeing 737-800 commercial aircraft, this maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft was created for the United States Navy (USN), making its first flight in April 2009 and entering service in November 2013.
The P-8 Poseidon comes armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, making it adept for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, alongside intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It’s powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engines, each delivering 27,300 lbf (121 kN) of thrust. Since 2009, a total of 178 units have been produced, with ongoing production continuing.
3 C-17A Globemaster III
Price in 2024: $328 million
- Max takeoff weight: 585,000 lb (265,352 kg)
- Cruise speed: 450 knots (520 mph, 830 km/h) (Mach 0.74–0.79)
- Range: 2,420 nautical miles (2,780 miles, 4,480 km) with a payload of 157,000 lb (71,214 kg)
- Ferry range: 6,230 nautical miles (7,170 miles, 11,540 km)
- Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (14,000 m)
Taking the third spot is the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, which will cost $328 million in 2024. This large military transport vehicle was designed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by McDonnell Douglas in the early 1990s, making its first flight in September 1991 and entering service in January 1995.
Following the acquisition of McDonnell Douglas in 1997, Boeing continued the production of the C-17 Globemaster III. The aircraft is powered by four Pratt & Whitney PW2000 turbofan engines, each generating 40,440 lbf (179.9 kN) of thrust. A total of 279 units have been produced.
2 F-22 Raptor
Price in 2024: $350 million
- Max takeoff weight: 83,500 lb (38,000 kg)
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph or 2,414 km/h) at high altitude
- Supercruise: Mach 1.82 (1,220 mph or 1,963 km/h) at high altitude
- Range: 1,600 nautical miles (1,800 miles or 3,000 km) or more with two external fuel tanks
- Combat range: 460 nautical miles (530 miles or 850 km)
- Service ceiling: 65,000 ft (20,000 m)
The runner-up on our list of the most expensive military jets is the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor, which costs $350 million in 2024. Designed for the USAF as part of the advanced tactical fighter program, this all-weather, twin-engine fighter jet is utilized for close air support, ground attack, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance missions.
Photo: USAF
The F-22 Raptor made its first flight in September 1997 and entered military service in December 2005. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofan engines, which deliver 26,000 lbf (116 kN) of thrust each.
Although the USAF initially planned to acquire 750 units, the order was later scaled back to 381, with only 187 being built. The steep production costs and the emergence of the more adaptable F-35 Lightning II led to the F-22 program being halted.
1 B-2 Spirit
Price in 2024: $737 million
- Max takeoff weight: 376,000 lb (170,600 kg)
- Maximum speed: 630 mph (1,010 km/h, 550 knots) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m) altitude / Mach 0.95 at sea level
- Cruise speed: 560 mph (900 km/h, 487 knots) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m) altitude
- Range: 6,900 miles (11,000 km, 6,000 nautical miles)
- Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,200 m)
Leading our list is the Northrop B-2 Spirit, with an astonishing cost of $737 million. Designed in the late 1980s, this stealth bomber features low-observable technology intended to evade enemy radar. It can carry both conventional and thermonuclear bombs, boasting a payload capacity of 40,000 lb.
Photo: Mike Mareen | Shutterstock
The B-2 Spirit is powered by four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engines, each providing 17,300 lbf (77 kN) of thrust at takeoff. Although the U.S. military initially aimed to buy 132 B-2 bombers, the high production costs and a reduced requirement for stealth bombers following the Cold War led to a change in plans. Ultimately, only 21 units were constructed.
