Most Expensive Military Planes
A nation’s military is one of the most important aspects that contribute towards its confidence and might at the global level. However, talking in terms of the financial capability required for a country to afford a modern and well-equipped military force, it comes at a very high cost indeed.
We took a look at some of the top military air transports that are used by various militaries from around the world and the prices of these air transport vehicles were simply astonishing.
Here is a look at some of the most expensive military planes:
1. B-2 Spirit - Price : $2.4 B
The B-2 Spirit is a truly expensive fighter plane with a price tag of an astounding $2.4 billion. Although started with an original intent of making around 132 of these advanced stealth jet aircrafts in 1987, the US Congress decided to reduce the number to 21 due to the unexpected huge expenses required in manufacturing it.
2. F-22 Raptor - Price : $350 M
The F-22 is significantly less expensive than the previous entry; however it is priced at almost $350 million each. It is still the second most expensive military plane in the world. This Lockheed Martine-made fighter jet can detect and disable long-distance airborne missiles and has effective anti-radar technology for maximum stealth.
3. C-17A Globemaster - Price : $328 M
The C-17A Globemaster is a personnel carrier fighter aircraft priced at around $328 million, making it the third most expensive military plane. It has been used actively in various military campaigns such as Afghanistan and Iraq since its introduction in 1993.
4. P-8A Poseidon - Price : $290 M
The P-8A Poseidon, made by Boeing, is a military version of the gigantic 737 Jet priced at around $290 million. This huge jet is mainly used in Navy campaigns involving submarine transport and weapons supply.
5. VH-71 Kestrel - Price : $241 M
The first helicopter, and probably the most expensive in the world, the VH-71 Kestrel is priced at around $241 million. Although decommissioned due to its increasing maintenance costs now, this small chopper was used extensively for security purposes.
6. E-2D Hawkeye - Price : $232 M
The E-2D Hawkeye is a surveillance aircraft priced at around $232 million. This big plane is equipped with powerful radar surveillance systems.
7. F-35 Lightning - Price : $122 M
The F-35 Lightning is another joint effort by US and allies in creating an ideal military plane to replace their old jets. Priced at around $122 million, this plane is used extensively worldwide.
8. V-22 Osprey - Price : $118 M
The V-22 Osprey is priced at $118 million. Qualifying as a VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft, it has seen impressive use in the Iraq war since 2007.
9. EA-18G Growler - Price : $102 M
The EA-18G Growler jet is priced at around $102 million. This light-weight military aircraft has been recently updated by the US Navy for added recon powers.
10. F/A-18 Hornet - Price : $94 M
The F/A-18 Hornet is the last, but certainly not the least expensive military plane in the world at $94 million. This double-engine military jet excels in air-to-air as well as air-to-ground combat.
These are some of the most expensive military airplanes that are used by the US military mainly, but the security and strength these aircrafts provide are definitely worth the price.
