Tech billionaire Elon Musk has called the F-35 fighter jet obsolete in the age of drones, sparking debate about the future of military aviation.
Elon Musk, recently tasked by US President-elect Donald Trump with proposing ways to cut federal spending, has turned his attention to military aviation, criticizing manned fighter jets like the F-35. According to Musk, the rise of drones makes such aircraft expensive, dangerous and redundant.
“Manned fighter jets are obsolete anyway in the age of drones. Will only kill pilots,” Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter) to address unmanned technology in modern warfare.
F-35 fighter jet in the spotlight
Musk’s sharp criticism was directed at the F-35, Lockheed Martin’s next-generation stealth fighter jet, which has been in service since 2015. The aircraft, renowned for its advanced stealth capabilities and intelligence systems, has faced scrutiny due to its high cost and repeatability. Technical problems, especially with its software.
“The F-35 design broke down at the level of requirements because it had to be too many things for too many people. This made him an expensive and complicated jack of all trades, master of none. Success was never a set of possible outcomes,” Musk posted.
In another post, Musk shared a video of drones flying in formation and added, “Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35.”
Global Defense Asset or Overpriced Relic?
Despite Musk’s comments, the F-35 is a key part of defense strategies around the world. Countries like Germany, Poland, Finland and Romania have recently signed agreements to buy the aircraft. Advocates highlight its versatility and sophisticated technology, while critics often point to its exorbitant development costs and operational costs.
Expert pushback
Mauro Gili, a senior researcher in military technology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), responded to Musk’s claims by pointing out the complexities of defense technology.
“What makes the F-35 or B-21 expensive is the software and electronics, not per pilot…which is important because a reusable drone would need to get all the fancy electronics of the F-35, which is expensive,” Gilley told X wrote on
He also emphasized the strategic advantages of the F-35. “By simply existing, the F-35 and B-21 force Russia and China to make strategic choices, such as budget allocations, that they would not otherwise have to make,” Gilley argued. He suggested that canceling the F-35 program could inadvertently benefit US adversaries by reducing their need to counter such advanced systems.
Challenges of the F-35 Program
The development of the F-35 by Lockheed Martin has been fraught with challenges. Entering service in 2015, it is considered the most advanced fighter jet globally, offering unmatched stealth and intelligence gathering capabilities. However, its development was plagued by cost overruns, delays and technical problems, particularly its complex software.
Critics argue that the aircraft was overdesigned to meet too many requirements, leading to an expensive and overly complex system. Proponents, however, maintain that its technical excellence and adaptability justify its high cost.
The future of air combat
Musk’s comments reflect a growing debate over the future of air combat. Drones, with their ability to operate autonomously and eliminate threats to human pilots, are increasingly seen as the way forward. However, experts like Gilley caution against prematurely dismissing manned aircraft.
While drones excel in many areas, unmanned jets like the F-35 are uniquely capable of controlling contested airspace and conducting a variety of missions, roles that cannot yet be fully replaced by unmanned systems.
As military strategy evolves, the F-35 continues to symbolize both the possibilities and limitations of modern defense technology. Whether Musk’s vision of a drone-dominated future will come to fruition remains to be seen.