Elon Musk’s recent comments on the F-35 program have sparked a heated debate on the future of defense spending and military technology. Musk, now at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency, has pledged to cut $2 trillion in federal spending, and it seems the F-35 program is squarely in his crosshairs.
Musk’s criticism began with a tweet comparing the F-35 unfavorably to emerging drone technology. He described the jet as a “jack of all trades, master of none” and argued that manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones. His remarks sent shockwaves through the defense industry, with Lockheed Martin’s share price dropping by over 3%.
Musk elaborated that drones offer significant advantages over traditional fighter jets. He highlighted their ability to operate without the logistical overhead of a human pilot, their resilience against advanced air defense systems, and their cost-effectiveness. The limitations of stealth technology, according to Musk, are another reason why the F-35 and similar aircraft are no longer viable. Musk stated that advancements in AI-powered detection systems make stealth increasingly irrelevant.
Critics of the F-35 program have long pointed to its troubled history. Over a decade behind schedule and $180 billion over budget, the jet has faced persistent issues with reliability and performance. While proponents argue the F-35 has proven its capabilities in combat and training scenarios, detractors view it as an example of a program that’s “too big to fail,” with costs spiraling out of control.
Musk’s vision for the future of military technology centers on drone swarms—large numbers of small, AI-enabled drones operating cooperatively with minimal human oversight. Companies like Anduril, Shield AI, and Palantir, which specialize in such technologies, are well-positioned to benefit if Musk’s influence shifts Pentagon priorities. These Silicon Valley disruptors align more closely with Musk’s ethos than the traditional defense giants like Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
The debate over whether drones can fully replace traditional airpower remains unresolved. While the Ukraine conflict has demonstrated the strategic value of drones, the U.S. military has yet to adopt them at scale. If Musk succeeds in reshaping defense spending, the future may see fewer F-35s in the skies and a significant uptick in drone deployment.
As Musk pushes for innovation and efficiency, the defense industry faces a pivotal moment. Whether his vision of a drone-dominated military becomes reality depends on the Pentagon’s willingness to embrace new technologies and the political landscape surrounding defense budgets. With billions of dollars and national security at stake, this debate is far from over.