For the airframe and mission equipment only, the Lot 15-17 cost of F-35s ranges “from $70.2 million to $69.9 million for the F-35A, $80.9 million to $78.3 million for the F-35B, and $90 to $89.3 million for the F-35C,” a Lockheed spokesperson said.

In 2026, the unit cost of the F-35 Lightning II has stabilized due to "Full-Rate Production" and large-scale international orders. Under the latest "Lot 18 and 19" contracts finalized in late 2025, the average cost across all variants is approximately $82.4 million per aircraft. Specifically, the F-35A (the conventional takeoff version used by the Air Force) is the most "affordable," priced at roughly $75–$78 million. The F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing for the Marines) remains the most expensive at over $105 million due to its complex lift-fan system, while the F-35C (carrier-based for the Navy) sits around $95 million. It is important to note that these figures represent the "flyaway cost"—the price of the airframe and engine. Total "program costs," which include long-term maintenance, spare parts, and the massive Block 4 software upgrades currently rolling out in 2026, bring the lifetime cost of each aircraft significantly higher. Despite the high price tag, the F-35 remains the primary choice for 18+ nations due to its unmatched stealth and sensor-fusion capabilities.