Elon Musk criticizes the cost and inefficiency of the F-35, arguing for a transition to armed drones, which he sees as the future of aerial warfare.
Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur at the helm of Tesla and SpaceX, recently voiced sharp criticism of the F-35 program, the fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin. In his view, the aircraft is both costly and ineffective, and he advocates a transition to armed drones, which he sees as the future of aerial warfare.
Elon Musk’s criticism of the F-35
Musk argues that the F-35’s design was doomed from the start, as it had to meet too many different requirements, making it a complex and expensive aircraft, good at everything but a master of nothing. He points out that manned fighters are obsolete in the age of drones, and will only endanger their pilots.
F-35 program costs
The F-35 program is the most expensive in U.S. military history. By 2024, costs have risen by 10% to $485 billion. Eventually, the total cost of the program could exceed $2 trillion, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Advantages of armed drones
Armed drones offer several advantages over manned fighter jets. Production costs are generally lower. For example, an MQ-9 Reaper costs around €16 million, while an F-35 costs around €90 million. What’s more, drones can be deployed in greater numbers for the same budget outlay, and their use reduces the risks to human pilots.
Effectiveness of drones in modern conflicts
Drones have demonstrated their effectiveness in recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine, where they play a key role in surveillance and targeted strikes. Their low cost, small size and versatility make them ideal for missions such as reconnaissance, precision strikes and tactical maneuvers.
Pentagon and Lockheed Martin respond
Despite the criticism, the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are defending the F-35. A Pentagon spokesman said that pilots see the F-35 as the fighter they want to take on a mission if necessary. Lockheed Martin describes the F-35 as the world’s most advanced, survivable and connected fighter, and says it is ready to work with the Trump administration.
Debate on the future of air warfare
Elon Musk’s statements have reignited the debate on the future of aerial warfare. Some experts believe that drones represent the future of conflict, while others stress that manned fighter jets remain indispensable for certain missions requiring superior range, speed and carrying capacity.
Elon Musk’s criticism of the F-35 program highlights the challenges faced by armed forces in adapting to technological advances. The debate between the use of armed drones and manned fighter jets reflects a major strategic evolution in the way air conflicts may be fought in the future.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.