Tech billionaire Elon Musk has branded the F-35 fighter jet as outdated in the age of drones, sparking debate over the future of military aviation.
Elon Musk, recently tasked by US President-elect Donald Trump to propose ways to cut federal spending, has turned his focus to military aviation, criticising manned fighter jets like the F-35. According to Musk, the rise of drones makes such aircraft costly, risky, and redundant.
“Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed,” Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter), calling for a shift towards unmanned technologies in modern warfare.
F-35 Fighter Jet in the Spotlight
Musk’s sharpest criticisms were 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 over its high costs and recurring technical problems, especially with its software.
“The F-35 design was broken at the requirements level because it was required to be too many things to too many people. This made it an expensive & complex jack of all trades, master of none. Success was never in the set of possible outcomes,” Musk posted.
In another post, Musk shared a video of drones flying in formation, adding, “Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35.”
Global Defence Asset or Overpriced Relic?
Despite Musk’s remarks, the F-35 remains a staple of defence strategies worldwide. Countries such as Germany, Poland, Finland, and Romania have recently signed contracts to procure the aircraft. Advocates highlight its versatility and cutting-edge technology, while critics often point to its exorbitant development costs and operational expenses.
Expert Pushback
Mauro Gilli, a senior researcher in military technology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), responded to Musk’s claims, pointing out the complexities of defence technology.
“What makes the F-35 or the B-21 expensive is the software and electronics, not the pilot per se … which is important because a reusable drone would need to get all that flashy electronics of an F-35, which is expensive,” Gilli wrote on X.
He also underscored the strategic advantages of the F-35. “By simply existing, the F-35 and the B-21 force Russia and China into strategic choices they would not have to make otherwise, such as budget allocations,” Gilli argued. He suggested that scrapping the F-35 programme might inadvertently benefit US adversaries by reducing their need to counter such advanced systems.
Challenges of the F-35 Programme
The F-35’s development by Lockheed Martin has been fraught with challenges. Entering service in 2015, it is regarded as one of the most advanced fighter jets globally, offering unmatched stealth and intelligence-gathering capabilities. However, its development was marred by cost overruns, delays, and technical issues, particularly with its complex software.
Critics argue that the aircraft was over-designed to meet too many requirements, leading to a costly and overly complex system. Supporters, however, maintain that its technological superiority and adaptability justify its high price tag.
The Future of Air Combat
Musk’s comments reflect a growing debate on the future of air combat. Drones, with their ability to eliminate risks to human pilots and operate autonomously, are increasingly seen as the way forward. However, experts like Gilli caution against dismissing manned aircraft prematurely.
While drones excel in many areas, manned jets like the F-35 are uniquely capable of handling contested airspace and executing diverse missions, roles that may not yet be fully replaceable by unmanned systems.
As military strategies evolve, the F-35 remains a symbol of both the possibilities and limitations of modern defence technology. Whether Musk’s vision of a drone-dominated future will materialise remains to be seen.
