In September 2025, a second B-21 Raider was delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in California for testing and evaluation. The new aircraft, which represents the sixth generation of stealth bombers, is intended to eventually replace the Air Force’s current long-range bomber fleet of B-1 Lancers and B-2 Spirits. The U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman the contract to design and manufacture the next generation bomber in October 2015, and with an estimated inflation-adjusted unit cost of about $797.4 million, the B-21 will be among the most expensive military aircraft in the USAF.
Still, when it reaches operational readiness, the B-21 Raider will be only one of many military aircraft with nine figure price tags. According to the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force had a total budget of over $353.5 billion in fiscal 2025, more than China’s total military expenditure in 2024. Much of the Air Force’s annual spending funds research, development, and procurement of new aircraft, like the B-21 stealth bomber, as well as operations and maintenance for its existing fleet.
According to the 2025 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aerospace industry publication, the U.S. Air Force has an estimated 4,875 aircraft at its disposal. These include fighter jets, stealth bombers, and combat helicopters, as well as a wide range of reconnaissance, special mission, transport, and training aircraft. This fleet was developed over decades, and estimated unit costs for each individual aircraft vary, from less than $5 million to more than $2 billion.
Using data from the U.S. Air Force, 24/7 Wall St. identified the most expensive aircraft in the Air Force. We ranked over three dozen Air Force fixed and rotary wing aircraft with available data on their reported unit cost. When possible, costs were adjusted for inflation using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator and are expressed in current U.S. dollars. All supplemental data is also from the USAF and the 2025 World Air Forces report. Aircraft are ranked from the least expensive to the most expensive.
The aircraft on this list serve a range of functions, from communications and transport to heavy bombers and fighter jets. Half of the aircraft on this list have an estimated unit cost of at least $100 million in today’s dollars. Notably, unit costs are only one element of the expenses associated with the aircraft on this list. The cost to operate some of these aircraft can reach tens of thousands of dollars per hour. Additionally, the missiles and bombs loaded onto USAF combat aircraft can cost hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars each.
These are the most expensive aircraft in the U.S. Air Force.
Why It Matters
While not the largest branch of the U.S. military, the Air Force is one of the best funded. Outsized investment in the Air Force is a direct reflection of the branch’s importance. By virtue of its ability to rapidly deploy virtually anywhere in the world to carry out strikes, gather intelligence, or conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions, the U.S. Air Force is both a powerful deterrent to American adversaries, and a critical pillar of national security. The backbone of these capabilities is the nearly 5,000 aircraft in the USAF fleet.
37. T-1A Jayhawk
- Est. unit cost: $4.1 million (not adjusted for inflation)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Advanced airlift and tanker trainer aircraft
- Approx. maximum altitude: 41,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 538 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,557 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 178
- Primary contractor(s): Raytheon Corp.
36. T-6A Texan II
- Est. unit cost: $4.3 million (not adjusted for inflation)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Entry-level/primary pilot trainer
- Approx. maximum altitude: 31,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 320 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,036 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 442
- Primary contractor(s): Raytheon Corp.
35. C-21
- Est. unit cost: $6.5 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Passenger and cargo airlift
- Approx. maximum altitude: 45,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 530 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,306 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 19
- Primary contractor(s): Learjet, Inc.
34. T-38 Talon
- Est. unit cost: $8.2 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Advanced jet pilot trainer
- Approx. maximum altitude: 55,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 812 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,093 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 546
- Primary contractor(s): Northrop Grumman
33. PC-12 U-28A Draco
- Est. unit cost: $16.5 million (not adjusted for inflation)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
- Approx. maximum altitude: N/A
- Reported speed capability: N/A
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,726 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 23
- Primary contractor(s): Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
32. E-9A
- Est. unit cost: $16.5 million (not adjusted for inflation)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Airborne telemetry support
- Approx. maximum altitude: 30,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 280 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,000 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 2
- Primary contractor(s): Bombardier, Sierra Research
31. King Air 350 MC-12W Liberty
- Est. unit cost: $17.3 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
- Approx. maximum altitude: N/A
- Reported speed capability: N/A
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,762 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 30
- Primary contractor(s): L-3 Communications
30. A-10C Thunderbolt II
- Est. unit cost: $19.7 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Close air support, combat search and rescue
- Approx. maximum altitude: 45,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 420 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 800 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 234
- Primary contractor(s): Fairchild Republic Co.
29. F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Est. unit cost: $29.3 – $37.7 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Multirole fighter
- Approx. maximum altitude: 50,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 1,500 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,002 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 842
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
28. HH-60G Pave Hawk
- Est. unit cost: $59.0 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Personnel recovery
- Approx. maximum altitude: 14,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 184 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 580 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 99
- Primary contractor(s): United Technologies/Sikorsky Aircraft Company
27. F-15 Eagle
- Est. unit cost: $55.9 – $59.9 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Tactical fighter
- Approx. maximum altitude: 65,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 1,875 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 3,450 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 368 (incl. F-15 Strike Eagle)
- Primary contractor(s): McDonnell Douglas Corp.
26. F-15E Strike Eagle
- Est. unit cost: $62.4 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Air-to-ground attack aircraft
- Approx. maximum altitude: 60,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 1,875 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,400 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 368 (incl. F-15 Eagle)
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing
25. KC-135 Stratotanker
- Est. unit cost: $79.4 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Aerial refueling and airlift
- Approx. maximum altitude: 50,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 530 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 11,015 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 375
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing
24. F-35A Lightning II
- Est. unit cost: $81.1 million (estimated average)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Fifth generation multirole fighter
- Approx. maximum altitude: 50,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 1,200 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,350 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 385
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
23. C-40B/C
- Est. unit cost: $88.5 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: High-priority personnel transport
- Approx. maximum altitude: 41,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 322 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 5,754 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 11
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing, CFM International
22. C-37A/B
- Est. unit cost: $72.2 – $89.9 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Special airlift missions for high ranking military and government officials
- Approx. maximum altitude: 51,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 345 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 6,300-6,700 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 13
- Primary contractor(s): Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
21. CV-22 Osprey
- Est. unit cost: $91.8 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Special operations, long range infiltration, exfiltration, resupply
- Approx. maximum altitude: N/A
- Reported speed capability: N/A
- Approximate, reported flight range: 575 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 51
- Primary contractor(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Boeing Company, Defense and Space Group
20. HC-130J Combat King II
- Est. unit cost: $98.7 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Personnel recovery
- Approx. maximum altitude: 33,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 364 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 4,000 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 40
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
19. C-130 Hercules
- Est. unit cost: $15.9 – $100.7 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Global airlift
- Approx. maximum altitude: 19,000-28,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 345-417 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,438-2,417 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 310
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
18. HC-130P/N King
- Est. unit cost: $118.2 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Rescue platform
- Approx. maximum altitude: 33,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 289 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 4,000 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 36
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
17. B-52H Stratofortress
- Est. unit cost: $120.1 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Heavy bomber
- Approx. maximum altitude: 50,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 650 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 8,800 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 72
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing
16. MC-130J Commando II
- Est. unit cost: $131.6 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Special operations infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply
- Approx. maximum altitude: N/A
- Reported speed capability: N/A
- Approximate, reported flight range: 3,000 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 57
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
15. EC-130J Commando Solo
- Est. unit cost: $134.5 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Airborne Information Operations Broadcasting, Electronic Warfare
- Approx. maximum altitude: 28,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 335 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,647 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 3
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
14. WC-130 Hercules
- Est. unit cost: $143.7 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Weather reconnaissance
- Approx. maximum altitude: 28,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 417 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,841 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 10
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
13. AC-130W Stinger II
- Est. unit cost: $149.2 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Close air support and air interdiction
- Approx. maximum altitude: 28,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 345 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,877 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 3
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
12. F-22 Raptor
- Est. unit cost: $156.4 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Multirole fighter
- Approx. maximum altitude: 50,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 1,500 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,850 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 178
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing
11. AC-130J Ghostrider
- Est. unit cost: $168.3 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Close air support and air interdiction
- Approx. maximum altitude: N/A
- Reported speed capability: N/A
- Approximate, reported flight range: 3,000 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 29
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
10. KC-10 Extender
- Est. unit cost: $177.2 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Aerial tanker and transport
- Approx. maximum altitude: 42,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 619 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 11,500 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 59
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing
9. MC-130H COMBAT TALON II
- Est. unit cost: $195.7 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Special operations infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply
- Approx. maximum altitude: 33,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 300 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 3,107 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 13
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp.
8. EC-130H Compass Call
- Est. unit cost: $224.8 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Electronic warfare, air defense suppression, counter information
- Approx. maximum altitude: 25,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 300 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 2,295 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 4
- Primary contractor(s): BAE Systems, L3 Communications
7. AC-130U
- Est. unit cost: $256.9 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Close air support, air interdiction, and force protection
- Approx. maximum altitude: 25,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 300 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 1,496 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 17
- Primary contractor(s): Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing
6. C-17 Globemaster III
- Est. unit cost: $405.6 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Cargo and troop transport
- Approx. maximum altitude: 45,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 518 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: Global (with in-flight refueling)
- Estimated USAF inventory: 220
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing
5. B-1B Lancer
- Est. unit cost: $425.4 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber
- Approx. maximum altitude: 30,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 900 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: Intercontinental
- Estimated USAF inventory: 40
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing, Defensive Avionics
4. E-4B
- Est. unit cost: $447.5 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Airborne operations
- Approx. maximum altitude: 30,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: N/A
- Approximate, reported flight range: 12 hours
- Estimated USAF inventory: 4
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing
3. E-8C Joint Stars
- Est. unit cost: $490.0 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Airborne battle management
- Approx. maximum altitude: 42,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 587 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 9 hours
- Estimated USAF inventory: 16
- Primary contractor(s): Northrop Grumman
2. E-3 Sentry (AWACS)
- Est. unit cost: $541.3 million (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Command and control
- Approx. maximum altitude: 29,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: 360 mph
- Approximate, reported flight range: 5,754 miles
- Estimated USAF inventory: 19
- Primary contractor(s): Boeing
1. B-2 Spirit
- Est. unit cost: $2.3 billion (inflation adj. to August 2025 dollars)
- Aircraft’s primary function: Multi-role heavy bomber
- Approx. maximum altitude: 50,000 feet
- Reported speed capability: High-subsonic
- Approximate, reported flight range: Intercontinental
- Estimated USAF inventory: 18
- Primary contractor(s): Northrop Grumman Corp., Boeing, General Electric
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