How Much Does a Hellfire Missile Cost?
The Hellfire missile is a widely used precision-guided munition developed by the United States military. It is designed to destroy a variety of targets, including tanks, bunkers, and buildings. The cost of a Hellfire missile is a significant factor in military budget planning, and it is essential to understand the various costs associated with this weapon system.
Direct Answer: How Much Does a Hellfire Missile Cost?
The cost of a Hellfire missile varies depending on the specific variant and the country purchasing it. The United States military typically purchases Hellfire missiles in bulk, which reduces the cost per unit. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the cost of a Hellfire missile is:
- $50,000 to $70,000 per unit: This is the typical cost of a Hellfire missile purchased by the United States military.
- $100,000 to $150,000 per unit: This is the typical cost of a Hellfire missile purchased by foreign governments.
- $200,000 to $300,000 per unit: This is the typical cost of a Hellfire missile with advanced guidance systems or special features.
Breakdown of Hellfire Missile Costs
The cost of a Hellfire missile includes several components:
- Guidance system: The guidance system is the most expensive component of the Hellfire missile, accounting for approximately 50% of the total cost.
- Warhead: The warhead is the explosive component of the Hellfire missile, accounting for approximately 20% of the total cost.
- Motor: The motor is the propulsion system of the Hellfire missile, accounting for approximately 15% of the total cost.
- Control surfaces: The control surfaces are the fins and other components that guide the Hellfire missile to its target, accounting for approximately 10% of the total cost.
- Other components: Other components, such as the electronics and software, account for the remaining 5% of the total cost.
Variants of the Hellfire Missile
The Hellfire missile comes in several variants, each with its own unique features and costs:
- AGM-114K: This is the basic variant of the Hellfire missile, used by the United States military. The cost of this variant is approximately $50,000 to $70,000 per unit.
- AGM-114L: This variant has a longer range and more advanced guidance system than the AGM-114K. The cost of this variant is approximately $100,000 to $150,000 per unit.
- AGM-114M: This variant has a more advanced guidance system and is used by the United States military for precision strikes. The cost of this variant is approximately $150,000 to $200,000 per unit.
- AGM-114N: This variant is used by the United States military for precision strikes and has a more advanced guidance system than the AGM-114M. The cost of this variant is approximately $200,000 to $300,000 per unit.
Table: Hellfire Missile Costs
| Variant | Cost per Unit |
|---|---|
| AGM-114K | $50,000 to $70,000 |
| AGM-114L | $100,000 to $150,000 |
| AGM-114M | $150,000 to $200,000 |
| AGM-114N | $200,000 to $300,000 |
Conclusion
The cost of a Hellfire missile is a significant factor in military budget planning. The cost of a Hellfire missile varies depending on the specific variant and the country purchasing it. The United States military typically purchases Hellfire missiles in bulk, which reduces the cost per unit. The cost of a Hellfire missile includes several components, including the guidance system, warhead, motor, control surfaces, and other components. The variants of the Hellfire missile have different features and costs, ranging from approximately $50,000 to $300,000 per unit.
References
- Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). (2022). Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of the AGM-114 Hellfire Missile.
- Lockheed Martin. (2022). Hellfire Missile.
- United States Department of Defense. (2022). Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request.
