Pricey Armored Titans: The World’s Costliest Military Engineering Marvels

11. Raptor F-22

The F-22 Raptor, built by Lockheed Martin, entered service in 1997 and is valued at about $350 million. This single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter emerged from the Advanced Tactical Fighter program, marking a major leap in military aviation.
While designed mainly for air superiority, the F-22 also performs electronic warfare, ground attack, and intelligence missions. Its stealth gives it a decisive edge.
The F-22 Raptor, primarily developed by Lockheed Martin, also includes Boeing components such as the aft fuselage, avionics, and wings. The USAF calls the F-22 a “critical component” of tactical air power. A total of 195 F-22s were produced, with 187 still in service. The production line closed in 2011 due to the arrival of the F-35 and shifting strategic needs.

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