World’s Strongest Military North Korea Is Afraid Of

USS Gerald R. Ford – Cost: $13.3 Billion

Let’s start with the most expensive military unit, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. According to Bloomberg, by 2020, its cost had reached $13.3 billion, making it the most expensive warship in the world. The primary purpose of the giant is to transport and service military aircraft.

The ship is 76 meters high and more than 330 meters long. In early 2020, it successfully passed a series of tests, after which it was equipped with elevators for feeding ammunition. It is expected that by 2024, it will be fully ready for combat operations.

Boeing C-17A Globemaster III – Cost: $328 million

This strategic transport vehicle was designed to transport military equipment, personnel, and cargo to the most remote and inaccessible areas of the planet. In service since the 1990s, it is capable of delivering troops and supplies even to the most challenging terrain.

Although the designers aimed to combine power and an affordable price, the cost of one aircraft reached $328 million. However, the investment is justified: Boeing not only produces the C-17A, but is also responsible for its maintenance under a long-term contract.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – cost: $350 million

The fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter is considered one of the most advanced in the world. Its price is about $350 million per unit, but every dollar of investment has fully justified itself. The aircraft is part of the US global strike force and, to this day, has no direct competitors.

It is capable of attacking ground targets, developing supersonic speed without the need for afterburners, and is equipped with a powerful arsenal, ranging from JDAM-guided bombs to medium-range missiles.

Virginia-class submarine – cost: $3.4 billion

These nuclear submarines replaced the Los Angeles-class submarines and became a more affordable alternative to the expensive Seawolves. The length of the submarine is 115 meters, and the displacement is 7.3 thousand tons. Since 1998, the US Navy has received more than 30 of these submarines.

The main tasks are the destruction of enemy ships and submarines, as well as reconnaissance. The Virginia is capable of speeds of up to 25 knots and is equipped with modern weapons and tracking systems.

USS America – cost: $3.4 billion

The fourth ship, USS America, was delivered to the Navy in 2014. This is a universal landing ship, 257 meters long, which can accommodate more than 3,000 people.

In addition to the air wing and hangars for servicing equipment, the ship has fuel storage facilities, a hospital, and support units. USS America is capable of acting as a full-fledged floating base in international missions.

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III – cost: $366.2 million

This model is one of the most versatile transport aircraft in the history of the US Air Force. It participated in missions in Bosnia and Kosovo, and also entered service with India, Australia, Kuwait, and other countries.

The aircraft can carry nearly 171,000 pounds of cargo and perform landings on short strips. If necessary, the C-17 is also used as an airborne hospital.

Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion – cost: $131 million

The heavy-lift CH-53K King Stallion helicopter, created to replace the aging Super Stallions, costs the United States $131 million per unit. The Marine Corps plans to purchase about 200 machines by 2029.

The helicopter is equipped with powerful T408-GE-400 engines and has been undergoing active testing since 2021. It should enter service by 2023.

M1A2 Abrams – cost: $6.21 million

One of the most famous and modern tanks in the world was developed back in the 1990s. The M1A2 is externally similar to the M1A1, but has updated electronics and more advanced control systems.

The tank crew consists of 4 people. The main armament is a smoothbore 120-mm M256 cannon, recognized as more reliable than automatic systems of other models.

Boeing AH-64 Apache – cost: $13 million

The Apache multi-role combat helicopter has become a symbol of the US Army’s strike aviation. Its key advantage is durability and reliability.

The helicopter is equipped with a Longbow radar system, which allows it to identify and classify targets. It is armed with missiles and cannon weapons. Since its first flight in the 1970s, the Apache has undergone numerous upgrades.

Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider – cost: $550 million

The new strategic bomber of the US Air Force will be the first since the late 1980s. Its task is to counter Russian and Chinese analogues.

The aircraft features a unique stealth design, characterized by a smooth transition from the wing to the fuselage and the absence of a tail, which makes it nearly invisible to radar. The name Raider refers to the legendary bombing of Tokyo in 1942.