F-35 Program Faces Criticism From Elon Musk

The F-35 fighter jet face criticism from Elon Musk as Lockheed Martin gears up for possible changes under the new Trump administration.

At a Glance

Elon Musk criticized the F-35 for being obsolete compared to drones.
The F-35 program struggles with ongoing cost issues and delays.
Lockheed Martin prepares for potential changes in defense spending under a new Trump administration.
Preliminary agreements for future F-35 production are in place, awaiting contract finalization.

Criticism from Elon Musk

Elon Musk has called out the F-35 program for its alleged inefficiencies and failures compared to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Frequent delays, technological shortfalls, and cost overruns have plagued the program, making it the most expensive military project. Musk’s perspective aligns with a broader strategic vision emphasizing drones’ precision and reduced risk to pilots.

In a recent social media post, Musk uploaded a video of Chinese drones and said, “Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35.”

Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will be running the Department of Government Efficiency under the new Trump administration, have been critical of Pentagon spending. They have pushed for at least $2 trillion in federal budget cuts. Musk’s criticism has raised questions about the future of the expensive F-35 program, despite its defenders citing combat performance.

Elon Musk criticizes F-35 as 'obsolete master of none,' calls for refocusing on drone warfare. https://t.co/Hd4soXnc0K

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) November 30, 2024

Financial and Strategic Adjustments

Lockheed Martin’s Chief Financial Officer, Jay Malave, addressed the potential for change at the UBS Global Industrials & Transportation Conference, where inflationary pressures and technical advancements were highlighted as contributors to increasing costs for production. This financial strain is further amplified by a year-long delivery pause. “I would expect, over time, that there will be different priorities in this administration,” emphasized Malave.

The aerospace giant awaits finalization of preliminary F-35 production agreements while also bracing for anticipated changes under the Trump administration’s possible defense policy shifts. Such shifts may realign priorities and budget allocations, significantly affecting Lockheed’s strategic direction.

Future Defense Prospects

Musk’s advocacy for drone integration reflects a growing trend in defense strategy. The capability to perform high-risk missions without endangering pilots increasingly positions UAVs as the future of military operations. The assertion remains that such a move could thwart potential Congressional cuts and cement drones as principal players in defense strategy, a stance gaining traction globally.

Lockheed’s preparation involves not just cost management but also aligning technology with emerging warfare paradigms. Whether drones will replace traditional fighter jets remains under debate. The broader defense community acknowledges the strategic value of such technologies as the next frontier of operational capability.