Elon Musk has sparked a debate in the military and technology sphere after suggesting that the United States should get rid of its F-35 Lightning II jetsconsidered one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The billionaire argues that the money invested in these planes should be redirected to the production of swarms of drones, which he considers more profitable and effective in contemporary armed conflicts.
The costs of the F-35: an astronomical investment
The F-35 is a stealth fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin and intended to be the mainstay of the US armed forces and its allies. Its development has been expensive and complex, accumulating a budget of approximately $1.7 billion dollars throughout its life cycle..
Ditch ordinary headgear – this is cutting-edge tech! 🛡️ #DYK the F-35 pilot’s helmet provides a complete 360-degree view of the outside world, straight through the visor? It’s a game-changer for situational awareness. Want the inside scoop from an F-35 Test Pilot? Watch below: ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9FPsfqVCL8
— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) November 27, 2024
Each unit has a base cost of more than $80 million dollarsnot including maintenance costs and technological updates. This astronomical figure has been the target of criticism since the beginning of the project, but Musk has taken the discussion to another level by questioning its strategic relevance in the face of emerging technologies such as drones.
Drone swarms: an economic and tactical solution
Musk proposes that the future of war lies in drones. According to the businessman, these devices offer a clear advantage in terms of cost-benefit. Each drone costs a fraction of what an advanced combat aircraft costs, and its mass production allows the creation of “swarms” capable of saturating enemy defenses. Unlike the F-35, drones can operate autonomously or be controlled remotelyreducing risks for pilots.
Drone swarms also have applications in reconnaissance, surveillance and targeted strikes, areas in which they have proven effective. Musk argues that these capabilities, combined with the speed and flexibility of production, make drones a more viable option for modern conflicts.
Lessons from the war in Ukraine
The recent conflict in Ukraine has shown the impact that low-budget drones can have on the battlefield. Countries such as Ukraine have used modified commercial drones to launch precise strikes against strategic targets such as ammunition depots and command centers. These tactics have challenged traditional standards of warfare, where the most powerful nations used to dominate thanks to their advanced resources.
In particular, Drones have shown their ability to neutralize expensive equipment with minimal budgets. For example, drones costing a few thousand dollars have managed to destroy much more expensive tanks and anti-aircraft systems, underscoring the effectiveness of these tools in asymmetric attacks. For Musk, this is clear proof that traditional technology, represented by aircraft like the F-35, is becoming obsolete.
Yes ok Musk’s proposal has found an echo among experts who advocate the modernization of military spendingnot everyone agrees with his vision. Critics point out that drones, while effective, cannot completely replace fighter jets in certain missions. The F-35, for example, offers advanced capabilities such as stealth, supersonic speed, and a sophisticated arsenal that drones cannot yet match.
Besides, Drones are vulnerable to electronic attacks and advanced defense systems that can deactivate or render them useless. This poses a strategic dilemma: while drone swarms are useful in certain situations, sole reliance on this technology could leave the military at a disadvantage against technologically superior threats.
Musk’s proposal not only questions the efficiency of US military spending, but also reflects a change in the nature of modern conflicts.. As technology evolves, the balance between cost, effectiveness and security becomes a central issue in defense strategies. For now, the debate over the future of the F-35 and the role of drones continues, but Musk’s words have highlighted the need to reassess military priorities.
Keep reading:
– Declassified report revealed serious malfunctions of the F-35 fighter jet
– What is the J-35A like, the fighter jet that China copied from the United States?
– F-35 fighter what is the combat plane that the United States Navy lost