Tanks and Sky-High Costs: The World's Priciest Military Wonders

NebulaCartographer Updated: 2025-07-04

3. USS Topeka

Joined the Service: 1989 Producer: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Price: *$145 million The USS Topeka (SSN-754), a Los Angeles-class submarine, serves the U.S. Navy and honors the Kansas city of the same name. Constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut, it was built between 1986 and 1988. At a staggering cost of $145 million, the USS Topeka represents a massive commitment to naval dominance. As a Los Angeles-class vessel, it incorporates cutting-edge stealth, reconnaissance, and combat systems, making it a linchpin of maritime security and deterrence.

USS Topeka (SSN-754)
Source: Twitter.com / USS Topeka @USPacificFleet Spanning 362 feet and driven by an SG6 nuclear reactor, the USS Topeka delivers extraordinary endurance and range. Its motto, "Defender of the Heartland," embodies its protective ethos. This submarine is the modern, powerful heir to the WWII-era USS Topeka. As the third vessel to bear the name, it upholds a legacy of service and innovation within the U.S. Navy, showcasing the advancements in submarine warfare over decades.