Elon Musk, the tech billionaire known for his innovative thinking, has set his sights on the U.S. Air Force’s F-35 fighter jets, calling them “obsolete” and unfit for modern warfare.

In a series of posts on his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Musk has argued that fighter jets, particularly the F-35, are outdated in an era dominated by drones and AI-driven combat systems. His remarks, which have ignited intense debate, suggest that the U.S. military should shift focus toward low-cost, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) rather than continuing to invest in expensive, manned jets.

Musk’s blunt criticism, which led to a 3% drop in Lockheed Martin’s stock, isn’t just a swipe at one military program—it’s part of his broader vision for the future of warfare. According to Musk, drones are the way forward, offering cost-effective, flexible, and increasingly autonomous platforms that can outperform traditional fighter jets in modern combat scenarios.

Drones: The Future of Warfare

Musk has consistently championed the development of remote-piloted combat systems over traditional fighter jets, claiming that the days of manned aircraft are numbered. He highlights the rise of drone warfare as a pivotal shift in military strategy.

Drones, Musk believes, not only offer a more cost-effective approach to air combat, but they also allow for greater speed in innovation. His argument is simple—drones are cheaper, safer, and capable of performing coordinated missions with minimal human oversight.

In contrast to the F-35’s $80 million price tag, small drones used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 each. Musk suggests that, given the escalating costs and complexity of traditional fighter jets, drones provide a much better return on investment. By removing the human element, drones eliminate the risks faced by pilots and allow for large-scale, swarming operations that can overwhelm traditional defense systems.

The F-35 program, one of the most ambitious and costly military projects in history, has long been a target for criticism. Designed as a multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35 was intended to meet a wide range of military needs, from air-to-air combat to precision strikes.

However, the program has been plagued by cost overruns, delays, and technical challenges. Despite these setbacks, the F-35 remains a cornerstone of the U.S. and allied air forces, largely due to its advanced stealth technology, sensors, and interoperability with other defense systems.

Critics, however, argue that the F-35 is over-designed to meet too many requirements, making it an unnecessarily complex and expensive system.

Musk’s Vision for the Future

Musk’s call to replace piloted fighter jets with AI-driven drones isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about rethinking the way we approach air combat. With the growing role of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in conflicts around the world, from reconnaissance to precision strikes, it’s clear that the battlefield is evolving. Drones have already proven their value, offering flexible, highly adaptable solutions that are reshaping military operations.