Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX,
Tesla, and the social platform X, has sparked a debate by criticizing the current use of manned fighter jets, advocating instead for drones in modern combat.
He specifically targeted Lockheed Martin's F-35, calling it obsolete material.
The F-35, known for its stealth capabilities and intelligence-gathering features, has been adopted by countries like Germany, Poland, Finland, and Romania, despite high operating costs and design challenges.
Mauro Gilli, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, pointed out that the software and electronics contribute significantly to the F-35's cost.
Gilli also noted that the existence of the F-35 forces strategic developments in countries like Russia and China, indicating its strategic importance.
Despite Musk's criticisms, experts argue that eliminating such programs could weaken U.S. defense strategies.