The main factor in the strength of the armed forces is, of course, a strong economy, which allows for the modernization of weapons. The most expensive developments are closely tied to technological progress and can cause destruction and chaos anywhere on the planet. Warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers with nuclear reactors and the most powerful engines are so expensive that not every country can afford them. It's therefore not surprising that most of them are in service in the United States.
1. Vikramaditya – $2.35 billion
India acquired Vikramaditya to demonstrate its seriousness regarding its security. The modified aircraft carrier was developed by the military-industrial complex.
Vikramaditya's parameters: weight - 44,500 tons, length - 274 meters, width - 53 meters, maximum distance for one voyage - 7,000 nautical miles, 8 diesel boilers, 6 turbo generators, 6 diesel generators.
This giant can accommodate approximately 2,000 crew members on board at any one time. Additionally, it can carry a maximum of 30 aircraft, helicopters, and other equipment.
2. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber – $2.4 billion
The US operates the B-2 Spirit bomber, tasked with the most complex and dangerous missions. This expensive toy features a unique airframe that absorbs radar signals and repels radiation. The aircraft's unique aerodynamic characteristics allow it to shield the jet streams from its engines, which generate a maximum thrust of 4 x 7,700 kgf.
The B-2 Spirit can carry up to 27 tons of combat weapons, including 16 nuclear warheads. It can travel 6,000 nautical miles with full combat gear and a full tank.
The exterior design is based on a design known in aerodynamics as a "flying wing".
3. Aircraft carrier Varyag – $2.4 billion
The Varyag aircraft carrier, completed in the 1990s with only 70%, was transferred to Ukrainian ownership. A Chinese travel agency purchased it for $20 million, minus its engine and rudder, planning to turn it into a floating hotel. The Varyag was transferred to China, but never fulfilled its intended purpose, drying out in dry dock. Currently, the carrier remains under US surveillance, and its future fate is unknown. Experts speculate that it could serve as an excellent training platform, but it's also possible that it will eventually become a fully-fledged Chinese aircraft carrier.
4. Virginia-class submarine – $2.5 billion
Submarines of this type are designed for operations in deep and shallow waters.
The nuclear reactor produces 29 megawatts of energy, 2 gas turbine engines and a jet pump, 4 torpedo tubes, 12 vertical launchers for launching 16 missiles simultaneously.
Despite its size, this boat is stealthy and can therefore transport Navy task forces for reconnaissance and combat missions.
5. USS America – $3.4 billion
The aircraft carrier is an amphibious assault ship and one of the US military's innovations. It can carry 34 aircraft at a time, which are stowed on the runway. A separate 11,000-square-meter ammunition deck is also provided.
The maximum range an aircraft carrier can travel is 22,000 nautical miles at a speed of about 12.5 knots.
For movement between decks, weapons and cargo elevators are provided.
6. Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle – 4 billion
France's first aircraft carrier to be powered by a nuclear engine. Its construction and commissioning entailed numerous challenges, decades of delay, and even more expense. The carrier's two nuclear reactors generate 117,000 kilowatts, enabling it to carry 40 aircraft and 1,900 crew members.
Charles de Gaulle: length - 261 meters, width - 64 meters, 4 diesel generators, 4 gas turbine and 4 turbo generators.
7. HMS Astute – $5.5 billion
Recently, a British submarine ran aground off the coast of Scotland while on a mission. Even its powerful nuclear engine couldn't solve the problem, and the rescue required the assistance of tugs. But beyond this unfortunate error, HMS Astute is otherwise capable of sinking vessels within a 30-mile radius, as it is equipped with advanced bow-mounted torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, which can strike targets over 1,000 miles away.
8. Zumwalt-class destroyer DDG 1000 – $7 billion
This inconspicuous destroyer, packed with the latest technology, was designed to evade enemy defenses and perform all kinds of support operations. Despite its power and size, the ship is nearly invisible to radar, showing no more of a signature than a fishing boat. A distinctive feature of this destroyer is the automation of half of its processes, allowing it to reduce its manpower by half.
9. HMS Queen Elizabeth – $9.3 billion
The Queen's largest warship.
Dimensions: length - 284 meters, width - 73 meters, crew - 1,600 people, maximum range without refueling - 10 thousand nautical miles.
Over time, it underwent upgrades, which doubled its budget but halved its support crew. The ship also acquired F-35B Lightning II fighter-bombers.
10. USS Gerald Ford – $13 billion
The USS Gerald Ford is the most expensive aircraft carrier in the world. Its construction was originally planned to cost only $10 billion.
Dimensions: length - 337 meters, crew - 5,000 people, including 4,000 marines.
This giant is capable of performing 220 takeoff and landing missions per day thanks to its two runways. Despite these performance figures, it remains undetectable to enemy radar thanks to the use of highly classified technologies on board.
The launch of this marvel of military technology is planned for 2020, leaving behind all the most effective similar platforms of its type.