Elon Musk Advocates for Drones Over Fighter Jets

Elon Musk has criticized the F-35 stealth fighter jet, labeling it as obsolete in the modern age of drones, which he argues are more efficient and safer, particularly for pilots. His comments come as he leads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reform federal spending, aiming to cut $2 trillion from the budget, with the F-35 program under scrutiny due to its exorbitant costs exceeding $2 trillion. Musk contends that the F-35's design is flawed because it attempts to meet too many conflicting requirements, making it a 'complex jack of all trades, master of none.' While his views have garnered support from political allies like Matt Gaetz, experts warn that the F-35 plays a crucial strategic role in deterring adversaries and that transitioning solely to drones may overlook vital operational capabilities. Despite Musk's strong stance, some analysts argue that the existence of the F-35 has led to advanced developments in rival military technology. The debate over the future of air combat continues as military analysts weigh the effectiveness of manned versus unmanned systems.