The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
The Hourly Cost Of Operating An F-35 Compared To An F-22 In 2026
The F-22 is likely the most expensive fighter in service today, while the F-35 is much cheaper, but still more expensive than most fourth gen fighters
The Hourly Cost Of Operating An F-35 Compared To An F-22 In 2026
Simple Flying reports that flyaway cost, or base purchase price, does not capture the full expense of operating a fighter jet, noting the ongoing maintenance and support requirements as a major factor in total costs.
The analysis contrasts two Lockheed Martin fighters, the F-35 and the F-22, highlighting that the F-35 generally has lower flyaway costs than some contemporary jets but incurs higher operating costs over time due to its specialized support needs.
According to the piece, the F-22 is described as likely the most expensive fighter currently in service, suggesting a higher ongoing cost profile relative to other aircraft examined.
The article also states that while the F-35 is cheaper than the F-22 overall, it remains more expensive to operate than most fourth-generation fighters, indicating a significant gap in life-cycle costs between these platforms.
No specific dates, locations, injuries, or detailed aircraft specifications are provided in the source material beyond the general cost comparison and the relative ranking of the two fighters.