Elon Musk Criticizes F-35 Program, Advocates for Drone Warfare

As co-lead of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, Musk targets costly military programs, calling manned jets outdated in the drone era.

Elon Musk labeled the F-35 fighter jet program as inefficient and outdated, advocating for a shift to reusable drones in modern warfare.
The F-35 program, the Pentagon's most expensive weapons system with a projected $2 trillion lifetime cost, faces scrutiny under Musk's government spending reform role.
Musk's comments align with broader tech industry calls to prioritize drones, though experts argue current drone technology cannot fully replace manned aircraft.
Analysts emphasize the need for a mix of manned and unmanned systems, citing drones' limitations in payload, range, and adaptability in critical combat scenarios.
Lockheed Martin defended the F-35 as a versatile and advanced platform, highlighting its pivotal role in U.S. and allied military operations globally.