Find out how much it costs to buy, operate and maintain the F-35, F-22, Dassault Rafale, MiG-29, F/A-18 Hornet and Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

Understanding fighter aircraft costs

The acquisition of fighter aircraft represents a major investment for armed forces around the world, involving costs that go far beyond the initial purchase price. A thorough understanding of the different categories of expenditure associated with these aircraft is crucial to proper budget planning and efficient resource allocation. These costs can be grouped into three main categories: purchase cost, operational cost and maintenance cost.

The purchase cost refers to the initial price to acquire the aircraft, which can vary significantly depending on the model and desired specifications. For example, a latest-generation fighter such as the F-35 Lightning II can have a unit cost in the tens of millions of dollars, influenced by factors such as on-board technology, combat capabilities, and bulk orders from different countries.

The operational cost, on the other hand, covers the expenses required to operate the aircraft, including fuel, pilot training and military exercises. This cost is generally expressed per flight hour, and varies according to the type of aircraft, its fuel efficiency, and the nature of the missions performed. For example, an aircraft requiring a large quantity of fuel or sophisticated systems on a continuous basis will have a higher operational cost.

Finally, the cost of maintenance includes all the expenses involved in keeping the aircraft running smoothly and safely. This includes regular maintenance, unscheduled repairs, and replacement of worn or obsolete parts. Aircraft with complex systems or advanced technologies may require more specialized, and therefore more expensive, maintenance.

Controlling these costs is essential to optimize military operations and guarantee aircraft availability without compromising defense budgets.

Fighter aircraft purchase costs

F-35 Lightning II
The average unit price of the F-35 Lightning II varies according to the specific model and purchase agreements. According to recent sources, the cost can reach up to $109 million per aircraft. This figure reflects the advanced technology and multi-role capabilities of this aircraft (Simple Flying).

F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation fighter focused on air superiority, has a high acquisition cost, often exceeding $150 million per unit. This high cost is justified by its technological advances and exceptional stealth capabilities.

Dassault Rafale
For the air force, a Dassault Rafale costs around $100 million per aircraft. This price includes not only the aircraft itself, but also a range of advanced weapons and sensor systems, making the Rafale particularly well-suited to a variety of missions (Defense News).

MiG-29 Fulcrum
The purchase price of a MiG-29 Fulcrum on the international market is generally between $20 and $30 million, depending on the version and level of modernization. This Russian aircraft remains a popular choice for many countries due to its relatively low cost and solid air combat performance.

F/A-18 Hornet
The initial cost of an F/A-18 Hornet to governments varies, with recent estimates suggesting a price of around $70 million per unit. This cost includes specific adaptations requested by each government to meet their particular operational requirements.

Mirage 2000
The estimated purchase price for a Mirage 2000 is around $23 million, although this figure can fluctuate depending on desired configurations and upgrades. The Mirage 2000 continues to be appreciated for its reliability and versatility in a variety of combat roles.

Operational cost per flight hour

F-35 Lightning II
Operational costs for the F-35 Lightning II are estimated at around $42,000 per flight hour. These costs include maintenance, fuel and personnel requirements. A major factor influencing these costs is the aircraft’s advanced technology, requiring specialized maintenance skills and expensive spare parts.

F-22 Raptor
The hourly cost of operating the F-22 Raptor is estimated at around $85,325. This high cost is explained by the stealth nature of the aircraft, which requires specific materials and maintenance techniques, thus increasing overheads.

Dassault Rafale
The Rafale’s flying time is estimated at 20,000 euros, according to information provided by the French Air Force. Compared with its American counterparts, the Rafale has a lower operating cost, the result of a design focused on efficiency and ease of maintenance.

Costs per flight hour for the MiG-29, F/A-18 Hornet and Mirage 2000 are imprecise, so we won’t give figures.

Maintenance costs

F-35 Lightning II
Maintaining the F-35 Lightning II represents a significant financial challenge. The basic cost of maintaining an F-35 over a four-year period is around $203 million in civilian costs, not including military personnel, training or spare parts. The program is estimated to cost nearly $1.7 trillion in maintenance costs over its lifetime.

F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor, due to its stealthy characteristics and advanced technology, requires costly maintenance to remain in operational condition. Although exact figures are difficult to obtain due to the program’s classification, it is acknowledged that the cost per flight hour is among the highest for modern combat aircraft, indirectly reflecting high maintenance expenditure.

Dassault Rafale
The Rafale benefits from a preventive and corrective maintenance approach that helps optimize its operating costs. The Rafale’s flight hour is estimated at around 20,000 euros, including maintenance costs. This efficiency is attributed to the aircraft’s modular design and emphasis on maintainability from the earliest design phases.

MiG-29 Fulcrum
Annual maintenance costs for the MiG-29 Fulcrum are said to be more affordable than for its Western counterparts, mainly due to the relative simplicity of its design and the availability of spare parts. However, costs can vary considerably depending on the condition of the aircraft and the intensity of its use.

F/A-18 Hornet
Maintenance costs over the life of an F/A-18 Hornet depend largely on the aircraft variant and its use. Designed to be robust and easy to maintain, the Hornet’s overall maintenance costs are competitive with those of similar-generation aircraft, thanks to standardized maintenance procedures and logistical efficiency.

Mirage 2000
Repair and maintenance costs for the Mirage 2000 are generally considered moderate in the context of combat aircraft. The aircraft’s proven design and emphasis on ease of maintenance have helped keep operating costs at a reasonable level throughout its service life.

Although maintenance costs vary widely from one combat aircraft model to another, factors such as the complexity of on-board technology, aircraft design and the maintenance strategies adopted by armed forces play a crucial role in determining these costs. Latest-generation aircraft such as the F-35 and F-22 present particular challenges in terms of maintenance costs, due to their advanced technology and stealth capabilities.

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