Hello everyone! Welcome to “Tang Qing Discusses Current Affairs”.
Today, we are going to delve into a global military topic that has been causing quite a stir – Elon Musk says the world’s most advanced fighter jets are “outdated relics”? Is this boldness or sheer madness, let’s explore together. Musk publicly criticized the advanced American F-35 fighter jet as being “outdated” and “foolish,” advocating for unmanned drones as the future of aerial combat. Why did Musk dismiss the F-35 in such a manner? Is the F-35 really inferior to unmanned drones? Are we standing at the beginning of an aerial combat revolution? How will Musk’s advocacy for unmanned drones impact the global military landscape?
First, let’s take a look at the target of Musk’s criticism – the F-35 fighter jet. As the US’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-35 combines stealth capabilities, versatility, and cutting-edge technology into one, making it the most powerful combat aircraft globally, hailed as the pinnacle of American fighter jet technology. With over 1000 units deployed worldwide, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, the US and its allies have utilized this aircraft to its fullest potential.
In terms of deployment, countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea, major US allies, are actively procuring the F-35. Presently, Australia has 63 active F-35s, Japan has 36, South Korea has 40, with additional orders in progress. Especially in Japan, the US has directly deployed F-35As to the Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture and F-35C carrier-based aircraft stationed at the Iwakuni Air Base, actions undoubtedly targeted at China.
Why are countries rushing to purchase the F-35? The reason is straightforward: the threat posed by China. With China’s continuous provocative actions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, disrupting Taiwan’s airspace and obstructing the Philippines’ supply operations in the South China Sea, tensions in the region have escalated. The deployment of F-35 not only enhances allies’ defense capabilities but also increases pressure on China.
Comparing performance, China’s J-20, touted as a stealth fighter, lags far behind the F-35 in terms of technology. For instance, the wing design of the J-20 significantly compromises its stealth capabilities, allowing the F-35 to detect it from a farther distance. China itself struggles to address core technological issues, particularly the engine shortcomings, which have been a significant challenge.
Contrasting with the F-35, it has already proven its capabilities on the battlefield. In 2018, Israel utilized the F-35 to attack terrorist organizations, showcasing outstanding performance in combat. As for the J-20? It remains merely a presence in promotional videos.
Furthermore, the F-35 possesses formidable joint operational capabilities. It can share data with allied aircraft, enabling coordinated operations. In joint exercises with countries like the US, Japan, and South Korea, the F-35 has demonstrated high interoperability, swiftly forming a combat network to suppress enemies. This is why over 1000 F-35s are in operation globally, serving as the core of US and allied forces in maintaining air superiority and deterring adversaries like China and Russia.
Therefore, we can say that the F-35 is not only America’s ace but also a potent tool in the hands of allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment of these aircraft has effectively formed an invisible encirclement against China.
With the US wielding such a dominant card in the sky, why has Musk criticized it as worthless? He says, “Some fools are still developing manned fighter jets like the F-35.”
Of course, the F-35 has its issues, notably its high cost. According to estimates by the US Government Accountability Office, the total production and maintenance cost of the F-35 exceeds $2 trillion, with unit prices exceeding $100 million. Maintenance costs are even higher, with the total cost of a single F-35 aircraft over its full lifetime exceeding $600 million, where operation and maintenance costs account for 70%.
Therefore, Musk’s criticism of the F-35 is not a spur-of-the-moment decision but perhaps the first shot fired by the new official. Musk, together with Indian-American entrepreneur Rama Swamy, recently appointed by Trump as the Minister of Government Efficiency, has been tasked with cutting government spending and streamlining bureaucratic agencies.
Musk and Rama Swamy published in The Wall Street Journal, sharply criticizing the federal government’s budget issues and singling out the Defense Department for its misplaced spending.
They bluntly stated, “The Pentagon has failed to pass audits for seven consecutive times, indicating that top officials are clueless about where over $800 billion annually is being spent.”
Musk believes that the US should consider unmanned drones more, not only due to the rise of drone warfare but also to make the Air Force more competitive in procurement. He argues that the design of the F-35 excessively pursues “versatility,” leading to being a master of none. He said, “The F-35’s design had flaws from the requirements stage, as it was asked to do too much for too many people.”
Musk’s remarks have triggered mixed reactions, some experts believe he lacks understanding of military matters, while drone supporters are jubilant. So why does Musk believe unmanned drones are the true future?
It’s well known that drones have completely transformed modern battlefields in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, becoming central tactical tools. These drones are cost-effective, highly flexible, low-risk assets that cover a wide range of functions from reconnaissance, disruption, to precision strikes.
In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine launched multiple deep attacks against Russian forces using TB-2 drones, achieving significant military results. Ukraine also utilized low-cost drones like the Harop and Switchblade, and modified suicide drones, causing substantial casualties to Russian forces. After experiencing the bitterness of drone attacks, Russian forces began developing their own drone units. The conflict has evolved into a comprehensive drone warfare situation, with the number of drone types soaring from over 20 pre-war models to over 70, completely changing traditional warfare dynamics.
On the Russia-Ukraine battlefield, small drones swarm the sky, making tanks vulnerable targets that can be located and destroyed within minutes. Previously favored advanced Western tanks, like the M1 tank costing $10 million each, have been substantially damaged. Military forces worldwide are adjusting tactics, enhancing tank mobility, and introducing counter-drone technologies.
At the end of 2023, the Houthis used drones costing only $2,000 to attack a US destroyer, while the US military had to use standard missiles costing up to $2 million for defense. These figures demonstrate that in asymmetric warfare, drones’ high cost-effectiveness poses a significant challenge to conventional weapons.
In an airstrike by Iran on Israel in April 2024, Iran launched 170 drones along with hundreds of missiles. Although Israel’s air defense systems successfully intercepted the majority of the attacks, the cost of a single anti-air missile often exceeded that of multiple drones.
The US has also demonstrated the strategic value of drones in actual deployments, such as in the “Hellscape” operation in the Taiwan Strait. This initiative involves deploying thousands of unmanned submarines, surface ships, and drones in the Taiwan Strait, making it more challenging for Chinese fleets to land on Taiwan and turning the entire strait into a “hellscape” to block China’s invasion. This was revealed by Admiral Paparo, the new commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command.
In fact, the US has made significant advancements in drone technology. A few years ago, the US successfully developed stealth hypersonic drones that can even take off and land on aircraft carriers, and achieved the technology for drones to provide mid-air refueling for fighter jets. Now, the US has made breakthroughs in autonomous artificial intelligence-controlled drone technology. In the past, even advanced drones like the MQ series still required remote control by ground personnel. However, the progress of projects like the “Valkyrie” drone program marks a significant milestone towards machines replacing humans in aerial combat.
As early as 2020, Musk publicly proposed that the US should consider using AI-driven drones to replace the F-35, explicitly stating that “the F-35 has no chance against drones.” With Musk now closely associated with Trump, will Musk assist Trump in developing a hegemonic drone and advancing the US military buildup?
Newsweek reported on the 27th that since Trump took office, he plans to collaborate with Musk to significantly reform NASA, which has been established for 66 years; space defense will be one of the Trump administration’s key priorities. Facing rapid advancements in China’s space programs, Trump will ensure close cooperation between NASA and Musk’s SpaceX to ensure the US maintains its dominance in space and isn’t surpassed by China. The Space Force, established by Trump in his first term in 2017, has been a point of pride for him.
It is said that Musk’s SpaceX has been pushing for a Mars colonization plan, and with Trump in office, this plan might become one of the top priorities for NASA. Trump even personally visited SpaceX’s Starship launch, displaying support for Musk’s space plans. Therefore, the prospects for cooperation between Musk and Trump in space exploration are vast.
What about cooperation in military drone technology? It seems quite likely. Many tech magnates in Trump’s circle have publicly challenged manned aircraft and tanks, believing that drones can accomplish missions more cost-effectively. For example, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen has invested in defense tech startups. Of course, Musk stands out the most.
In reality, countries worldwide, including the US, are advancing the development of loyal wingmen drones that complement manned fighter jets, indicating the direction of future aerial combat development. Therefore, I believe that the F-35 and drones are not a matter of choosing one over the other but a combination that complements each other, mutually reinforcing each other. At least for now.
Musk is a super genius, and his creation of SpaceX, now overshadowing NASA in satellite launches, demonstrates Musk’s innovative and technological capabilities in challenging national institutions. Musk’s current technology can be of great assistance to drones, for example:
– Tesla’s autonomous driving technology can provide drones with autonomous flight capabilities.
– SpaceX’s rocket technology can enhance drones’ endurance and rapid deployment capabilities.
– Battery technology can prolong drones’ loitering time, allowing them to operate continuously on the battlefield.
During Thanksgiving, a video was seen of Trump and Musk having dinner together, alongside Trump’s son Barron and Melania Trump. Trump patted Musk’s back, and Musk immediately gestured in excitement, with netizens joking that Trump had adopted a new son. The collaboration of Trump and Musk will bring forth more innovation and stronger technologies for America.
The era of Trump and Musk’s bold initiatives is approaching, and Musk’s “hegemonic drone” plan may serve as a catalyst for this revolution. From cost reduction to operational efficiency, from autonomous decision-making to swarm cooperation, these technologies will dominate the future skies. The era of drones has arrived, and Musk and his technological innovations may reshape the entire world’s military rules.
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