F-35 and B-21 lead US military aircraft spending in 2025

In 2025, the F-35 fighter program is the most expensive U.S. military aircraft program, with a budget of $12.4 billion for 68 aircraft. This marks a decrease from $13.6 billion in 2024. The B-21 bomber is excluded from the aircraft list, categorized under missile defense. The second most costly program is the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, with $3.3 billion allocated for research and development. The program is currently paused as the Air Force evaluates its future direction and costs. The Marine Corps' CH-53K King Stallion helicopter ranks fourth at $2.7 billion, while the KC-46A Pegasus tanker follows at $3.0 billion. The F-15EX Strike Eagle II is fifth, with a budget of $1.9 billion for 18 aircraft.