When Russian President Vladimir Putin went to Anchorage, Alaska, to meet US President Donald Trump, the US military showcased its power. B-2 Stealth Bombers and F-22 Raptor jets flew overhead at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, leaving spectators in awe.
While the summit between the two leaders drew global attention, much of the public discussion quickly shifted to the cost of the B-2 Bomber. Videos of the aircraft went viral, and people online began asking: How much does this jet actually cost?
B-2 Stealth Bomber Cost: Over $2 Billion Each
One of the most advanced aircraft B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, comes with a massive price tag, and according to Britannica Encyclopedia Online, each B-2 unit costs more than $2 billion, when factoring in design updates made in 1997.
It’s #B2uesday!
The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program. @US_Stratcom pic.twitter.com/LIypEPDwKU
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) December 11, 2018
With the entire program costing the US around $44 billion, only 21 units were ever built. That makes the B-2 not only a rare asset but also one of the most expensive aircraft ever created.
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On top of the production costs, each bomber costs about $40 million every year to maintain, making it a long-term financial investment for the US military.
Why Is the B-2 Bomber So Expensive?
The B-2 Bomber’s cost is justified by its unique design and excellent craftsmanship, and because of its advanced stealth technology, it can evade radar detection.
Its ability to carry both conventional & nuclear missiles gives it an unmatched assault capability, and its flying wing design, radar-absorbing materials, & long range between refueling make it one of the most capable aircraft in history.
This combination of stealth, technology, and firepower is what drives the cost into billions.
Comparisons: F-22 Raptor vs. B-2 Bomber
While the B-2 is the star, the F-22 Raptor also turned heads during the flyover. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported last year that the F-22 program cost over $67 billion in total. That puts the cost per aircraft at about $350 million.
Even with that price, the B-2 still stands out as the most expensive plane in the US military’s arsenal.
Beyond the Price Tag
The ceremonial flyover using F-22 Raptors and B-2 Bombers during the Trump-Putin meeting was a powerful demonstration of the vast financial and technological resources supporting US defense, while inside the base, international leaders engaged in political discussions.
The B-2 Bomber remains both a symbol of American power and a reminder of the cost of cutting-edge military technology.
