P-8A Poseidon

Boeing Defense, Space & Security developed and manufactured the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, an American maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft modified from the 737-800ERX. It ranks last on this list of the most expensive military weapons in the world. It was created for the American Navy (USN). The anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks are all performed by the P-8. It can monitor and drop sonobuoys, carry torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It can also work with other equipment, such as the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Royal Australian Air Force, the Indian Navy, the United States Navy and the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom all fly the P-8. Additionally, the German Navy, the Republic of Korea Navy, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force have also placed orders for it.

The P-8 is a 737-800ERX with 737-900-based wings that have been weaponized. The USN's C-40 Clipper transport plane, which is based on the 737-700, has a fuselage that is comparable to but longer than that one. In place of the blended winglets found on 737NG variants, the P-8 incorporates raked wingtips similar to those supplied to the Boeing 767-400ER and a strengthened fuselage for low-altitude operations. The P-8's 180 kVA electric generators on each engine, which replace the 90 kVA generators on civilian 737s, are used to power additional onboard electronics; this required reworking the nacelles and their wing mountings. Compared to the P-3 that came before it, the P-8 boasts a smoother flight experience, exposing personnel to less turbulence and fumes, allowing them to focus more intently on missions.

Cost: $1.6 billion

Country: United States