The Most Expensive Military Planes That Have Ever Flew
This is one of the main reasons why governments spend billions of dollars on the development and acquisition of huge airplanes.
The defense industry is one of the most profitable in the world. The global profit from this industry is estimated to be roughly $389 million each year. Aerospace technology is a significant source to this revenue. Despite the fact that warplane construction is still relatively new, it is a sought-after asset for every armed force. This is one of the main reasons why governments spend billions of dollars on the development and acquisition of huge airplanes. For example, it is not uncommon for high-tech military planes to cost more than one billion dollars.
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
This F-15E Strike Eagle was designed with the idea of the original F-15 Eagle, which was also manufactured by Boeing’s McDonnell Douglas. However, the Strike Eagle can fly in any weather due to it being a multi-role strike fighter.
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle, continued
The McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle entered service in 1989 and remains in use while costing $138 million. The aircraft’s darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks are unique features that make the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle distinguishable.
EA-18G Growler, continued
It entered into service in 2009, after first taking flight in 2006. Over 90 percent of the Growler’s design is the same as the Super Hornet. Both of these aircraft share the same weapon systems, AESA Radar, and airframe.
F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat is a twin-tail, two-seat, variable-sweep, twin-engine, supersonic fighter jet that was created by Northrop Grumman. This fighter jet entered the service in 1970 and has a value of $63.9 million. However, it retired from the USAF in 2006. Northrop Grumman initially developed it for the US Navy’s Naval Fighter Experimental Program.
Panavia Tornado
The Panavia Tornado is a fleet of variable-sweep, twin-engine multi-role combat aircraft that was created by the joining of forces between Italy, Germany, and the UK.
Panavia Tornado, continued
It cost $59.6 million and retired from the RAF in 2019 after being introduced to the service in 1979. The Panavia Tornado has three different types of planes. These are the ECR (reconnaissance/electronic combat), the IDS (interdictor strike), and the ADV (interceptor aircraft).
VH-71 Kestrel
This military aircraft was entered into the service in 2007 and costs $241 million. Although the VH-71 Kestrel first took flight in 2007, its high cost led to its elimination in 2009.
VH-71 Kestrel, continued
The total amount of 28 Kestrels cost a whopping $13 billion. The initial reason for the creation of the Lockheed Martin was to act as a replacement of the One Presidential Transport Fleet.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Saab is the Swedish company that produced this aircraft. It’s designed with a single-engine and features lightweight multi-role capabilities. It cost approximately $45 million to $55 million and was first entered into service in 1988. The Gripen’s engine is a Volvo RM12, while the flight controls are all equipped with fly-by-wire capabilities.
Su-30
This is a Moscow creation that was designed by the Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. Some capabilities are that it can conduct air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions. Its creation was initially meant as an internal development project.
Su-30, continued
However, that changed when the Russian Defense Ministry found out about the discovery in 1996. It was initially used by the Soviet Union and Russian Air Force, but it’s now present in the Venezuelan Airforce, Vietnam People’s Air Force, and the Algerian Air Force.
