Why Elon Musk Is Being Trolled for His Comments on F-35 Fighters

Tech billionaire Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy, and his recent critique of the F-35 fighter jet has ignited a fiery debate online. Musk’s assertion that manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones has drawn both support and sharp criticism, particularly from military experts and aviation enthusiasts.

Let’s dive into what Musk said, why his comments sparked backlash, and the broader implications for the future of military aviation.

Musk’s Take on F-35 and Manned Jets

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk called out the F-35, Lockheed Martin's state-of-the-art stealth fighter, labeling it as outdated and inefficient. He argued that drones have rendered manned fighter jets redundant, stating:

• Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed."

Musk didn’t stop there. He went on to criticize the design philosophy behind the F-35:

• 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.”

Accompanying his posts, Musk shared videos of drones flying in formation, suggesting that unmanned systems are the future of air combat.

Why the Backlash?

While Musk’s comments struck a chord with some advocating for increased use of drones, they also triggered significant pushback from defense experts and aviation professionals.

Expert Rebuttals

Mauro Gilli, a senior researcher in military technology at ETH Zurich, highlighted the complexities of replacing manned jets like the F-35 with drones. He pointed out that the high costs of fighter jets stem largely from their sophisticated electronics and software—components that would also be required for reusable drones.

• What makes the F-35 or the B-21 expensive is the software and electronics, not the pilot per se," Gilli noted.

He also emphasized the strategic value of advanced fighter jets in maintaining a geopolitical edge. According to Gilli, aircraft like the F-35 compel adversaries such as Russia and China to divert significant resources to counter these advanced systems.

Critiques of Musk’s Oversimplification

Many experts argue that Musk’s view oversimplifies the role of manned aircraft in modern warfare. While drones excel in certain scenarios, manned jets like the F-35 are indispensable for operating in contested airspace and handling complex, multi-role missions.

The F-35 Debate: Asset or Relic?

The F-35, despite its cutting-edge capabilities, has faced its fair share of criticism. Development delays, cost overruns, and technical glitches have marred its reputation. Critics often cite the program’s enormous price tag, while supporters highlight its versatility and technological superiority.

Key Strengths of the F-35

• Stealth and intelligence: The F-35 boasts unmatched stealth capabilities and advanced intelligence-gathering systems.
• Versatility: It can perform a variety of missions, from air-to-air combat to ground strikes.
• Global Adoption: Nations like Germany, Poland, and Finland continue to invest in the F-35, reinforcing its relevance on the world stage.

However, critics agree with Musk’s sentiment that trying to make the F-35 "everything for everyone" has led to unnecessary complexity and cost.

Drones: The Future of Air Combat?

Musk’s comments bring attention to an ongoing shift in military strategies. Drones offer numerous advantages:

• Reduced Risk: They eliminate the dangers faced by human pilots.
• Autonomy: Drones can operate independently, reducing the need for direct control.
• Cost-Effectiveness: In theory, drones could be cheaper to build and deploy.

However, drones are not without limitations. They struggle in contested airspaces and cannot yet fully replicate the strategic flexibility of manned jets.

What’s Next for Military Aviation?

The debate sparked by Musk underscores a larger question: Are we ready to replace manned aircraft with drones? While unmanned systems are undoubtedly the future, experts caution against dismissing manned fighter jets prematurely.

As technology evolves, a hybrid approach—leveraging both manned jets like the F-35 and advanced drones—may dominate military aviation for the foreseeable future.

Final Thoughts

Elon Musk’s bold claims have reignited discussions about the future of air combat. Whether drones will entirely replace manned fighter jets remains uncertain, but the conversation highlights the rapid technological advancements reshaping modern warfare.

For now, the F-35 continues to play a crucial role in global defense, serving as both a cutting-edge asset and a lightning rod for controversy.

Reference from:-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/why-elon-musk-is-being-trolled-for-his-take-on-f-35-fighters/articleshow/115734075.cms