World’s Most Interesting Military Vehicles and What they Really Cost to Build

The United States of America doesn’t mess around when it comes to military vehicles. Over the course of history, the United States has spent billions to ensure that they have the best aircraft and ships money can acquire, as well as the most cutting-edge technology. Other countries are just as eager to ensure that they have a stake in the game.
Thanks to enterprises like Lockheed Martin and foreign firms like Almaz-Antey, Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Airbus, worldwide military spending reached $1917 billion in 2019. It’s easy to see why these remarkable vehicles receive so much funding – they’re not just rafts or cars. They’re truly engineering marvels. Here we bring you 30 of the most incredible military vehicles.

F-22 Raptor – USA

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Boeing
Primary Users: U.S. Air Force
Program Cost: $67.3 billion

The US Air Force developed the F-22 Raptor: a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather tactical pocket rocket. The F-22 was a product of the Advanced Tactical Fighter Program produced from 1996 to 2011.

It features a plethora of high-tech gadgets, including signal intelligence. The training systems, avionics integration, aft fuselage, and wings were produced by Boeing, while the systems and airframe were built by Lockheed Martin. It’s one of the most remarkable aircrafts in the Air Force’s fleet.

Seawolf-Class Submarine – USA

Manufacturer: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Primary Users: United States Navy
Program Cost: $15 billion

The Seawolf-class is an SSN used by the United States Navy. A total of 29 submarines were planned to be built during a 10 year period, however due to budget constraints and decreased demand, only three submarines were built.

The Seawolf-class was first developed in 1989 by General Dynamics. It’s faster, bigger, and quieter than the Los Angelessubmarines. It can transport a massive amount of cargo as well as accommodate up to 150 crew members.

B-2 Spirit – USA

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman, Northrop Corporation, Hughes Aircraft Company
Primary Users: United States Air Force
Program Cost: $44.75 billion

Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the B-2 Spirit is regarded as one of the most stealthy aircraft in the US Air Force’s inventory. It can slip in like a thief in the night, which is why it’s frequently tasked with the most perilous assignments.

It can fly missions at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and it has an internal fuel range of over 6,900 kilometers. The B-2 Spirit has been in production since 1987.

Queen Elizabeth-Class Aircraft Carrier – UK

Manufacturer: Aircraft Carrier Alliance
Primary Users: United Kingdom’s Royal Navy
Program Cost: $7.6 billion

Two aircraft carriers make up the Queen Elizabeth class, one named after Queen Elizabeth I and the other after the Prince of Wales. The HMS Queen Elizabeth, was christened on July 4, 2014 and the HMS Prince of Wales on December 21, 2017.

Designed in a STOVL configuration, they’re equipped with Lockheed Martin F-35B fighter jets. The Prince of Wales was supposed to be built in a CATOBAR form but it was abandoned in 2012.