What Happened
Global Defense Spending on Advanced Fighter Aircraft
AeroTime has compiled a list of the top 10 most expensive fighter jets in 2026, with the F-22 Raptor taking the top spot at $143 million per unit. The ranking highlights the significant investment in advanced fighter aircraft, with the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon following closely. The F-35 Lightning II, despite being the most expensive weapon system ever, ranks fifth at $109 million per unit. The list also includes Chinese models, such as the J-20 and FC-31, which are being marketed as cost-effective alternatives to other stealth multirole fighters. The high costs of these aircraft may impact defense budgets and influence future procurement decisions, as reported by AeroTime.