What's happened
Elon Musk has criticized the F-35 fighter jet, calling it obsolete in the age of drones. His comments come as he prepares to influence defense spending through Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, raising questions about the future of manned aircraft in military operations.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Elon Musk's recent comments on the F-35 have sparked debate among military analysts and tech leaders. According to Ryan Pickrell from Business Insider UK, Musk labeled the F-35 as 'idiotic' and suggested that manned jets are 'obsolete' due to the rise of drones. In contrast, a Pentagon spokesperson defended the F-35, stating it is 'the most advanced, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft in the world.' This highlights the ongoing tension between advocates for drone warfare and supporters of traditional manned aircraft. Mauro Gilli, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, noted that the F-35's existence forces adversaries like Russia and China to allocate resources to counter it, suggesting that eliminating the program could have strategic repercussions. Read more from Business Insider UK for a detailed analysis of Musk's influence on defense policy.
How we got here
Musk's remarks follow a history of criticism towards the F-35, which has faced scrutiny for its high costs and operational issues. As the U.S. military explores drone technology, Musk's position may impact future defense budgets and aircraft development.
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