US’ deadly fighter jet F-35 wreaked havoc in Iran, still it is called useless, Elon Musk calls its makers…

The American F-35 fighter jet, which recently caused havoc in Iran, has found itself at the center of major controversy. According to a U.S. Department of Defense report, the most expensive fighter jet in American history faces critical issues such as reliability, maintenance delays, and cyber defense vulnerabilities during operations. The report also suggested that, under Donald Trump’s administration, the Lockheed Martin-led project could undergo extensive review and face significant funding cuts.
Adding to the criticism, billionaire businessman and a close associate of Trump, Elon Musk, has criticised the F-35. He stated that pilot-operated fighter jets will become obsolete in the drone era and will only lead to pilot casualties. He also slammed Lockheed Martin, calling its decision to build piloted jets “idiotic.” Musk shared a video on X showcasing several drones in flight, emphasising that future aerial combat will rely on drones not pilot-operated fighter jets.
How Much Has the F-35 Fighter Jet Cost America?
Based on the report from the Pentagon, the current Director of the Center for Defense Information, Greg Williams, perceives the F-35 as more of a liability than an asset for the U.S. Air Force. Although it has been active for almost two decades, this aircraft is still dealing with some complications. The U.S. Air Force is contemplating the idea of increasing the aviation fleet size ranging from 60 to 80 units, up from 48. Interestingly, the F-35 is expected to serve not only U.S. interests but also that of NATO and other allies. A series of deals in the past years mirror this proposition. Despite a proposal to sell the F-35 to India, the subcontinent nation has thus far been lukewarm about the possibility.
Recently, Israel used the F-35 to launch missile strikes over 2,000 km away in Iran. To date, the US has spent USD1.8 trillion on the F-35 program. Musk has raised questions on its design and utility, saying that reusable drones without pilots could perform similar tasks more effectively. He also dismissed the importance of stealth technology, claiming any fighter jet could be easily shot down.
Expert Opinions on the F-35 Controversy
Military expert Mauro Gilli supported Musk’s criticism of the F-35 but highlighted some challenges in Musk’s vision. Gilli said the high costs and delays in the F-35 program stem from its complex electronics and software, not its piloted nature. He added that drones face limitations in enemy territory, requiring greater autonomy, which could make them costlier than piloted jets.
Gilli asserts that Musk’s conceptual drones would still require stealth features to dodge being spotted by enemy radar, thus bringing them on par with the complexity level of manned planes. This emphasizes the persistent hurdles faced in innovating current military technology.