Why the F-22 Raptor Costs $674 Million Per Unit: The World’s Most Expensive Fighter Unveiled!The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, the world’s first operational fifth-generation fighter, remains one of the most advanced and expensive jets ever built. The high cost per unit, around $350 million, stems from its groundbreaking stealth technology, advanced materials, and extensive research and development. The F-22 pushed the boundaries of aircraft design, incorporating features to minimize radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.