Unrivaled Giants: Unveiling the World's Largest and Costliest Military Aircraft

5. The Sukhoi Su-35

Entered Service: 1988

Retirement Status: N/A

Price Range: $40–$65 Million

NATO calls it Flanker-E, but the Sukhoi Su-35 is Russia’s answer to top Western fighters. First flown in 1988, this agile multirole jet boasts powerful engines and advanced avionics.

Following the Soviet breakup, Russia offered the Su-35 to export customers to compete with companies like Lockheed Martin. Domestic units cost about $25 million, while export versions climb to roughly $43 million.

In brief, the Su-35 blends speed, range, and radar power, keeping it central to Russian and PLAAF air strategy.

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A multifunction radar lets the Su-35 track and engage numerous targets at once, making it a formidable player in contested skies.