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Elon Musk calls manned fighter jets obsolete

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Outgoing Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall criticized Elon Musk’s assertion that crewed fighter jets are obsolete, emphasizing that Musk, while a respected engineer, lacks military experience. Musk has repeatedly claimed that drones will replace traditional fighter jets, a stance he reiterated on his social media platform X in November 2024, calling those developing the F-35 “idiots.”

Kendall countered by stating that while drone technology is advancing, it will take decades before it can fully replace manned aircraft. The Air Force is developing autonomous drone wingmen, known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), which will work alongside crewed F-35 fighters and future Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft. However, Kendall stressed that these autonomous systems still require human oversight.

Musk’s growing political influence, particularly with President-elect Donald Trump, adds weight to his pronouncements. He has been named to a federal task force focused on government efficiency, and his stance on budget matters has already influenced legislative decisions.

Kendall reaffirmed the need for continued investment in the F-35, describing it as a cutting-edge system essential for the Air Force and its allies.

Main Points & Details:

  • Elon Musk’s Claim: Musk argues that manned fighter jets are obsolete in the era of drones and criticized F-35 developers.
  • Frank Kendall’s Response: The outgoing Air Force Secretary disagrees, stating Musk lacks military expertise and that drone tech is still decades away from replacing crewed jets.
  • Current Air Force Plans: The U.S. military is integrating Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs)—autonomous drone wingmen—to complement, not replace, manned fighters.
  • Human Oversight Still Necessary: Even as drone capabilities improve, Kendall emphasized that pilots will remain crucial in managing combat operations.
  • Musk’s Political Influence: Musk, now a key figure in Trump’s administration, has growing influence on federal decision-making, including defense policy and spending.
  • The Role of the F-35: Kendall defended continued investment in the F-35, calling it a “state-of-the-art system” with ongoing upgrades.
  • Future of Air Combat: While AI-powered drones will play a bigger role, full autonomy in warfare is still decades away, not an immediate reality.

FULL ARTICLE: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/12/19/air-force-secretary-elon-musk-not-a-warfighter-needs-to-learn-more/

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