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Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who can be co-head of the brand new Division of Authorities Effectivity that’s advising President-elect Donald Trump, referred to as out the F-35 stealth fighter on Sunday whereas endorsing drones over jets piloted by people.
On his social media platform X, he reposted a video of synchronized drone swarms flying in elaborate formations and added, “In the meantime, some idiots are nonetheless constructing manned fighter jets just like the F-35.”
Under a remark from a consumer who mentioned “Drones are the brand new degree of warfare,” Musk replied with the “100” emoji that signifies sturdy help.
In the meantime, some idiots are nonetheless constructing manned fighter jets just like the F-35 🗑️ 🫠pic.twitter.com/4JX27qcxz1
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 24, 2024
“We have now fight succesful plane in operation at present they usually carry out exceptionally nicely in opposition to the risk for which they have been designed. Pilots frequently emphasize that that is the fighter they need to take to battle if referred to as upon,” a spokesman for the Pentagon’s joint program workplace mentioned. “The air system’s worldwide footprint amplifies the platform’s advantages, and it’s the plane of alternative for Companions and Allies. This system consists of the U.S. Companies, seven Worldwide Companions and 12 International Navy Gross sales prospects, and FMS curiosity within the platform continues to develop. Within the subsequent 10 years, there will probably be 700 F-35s in Europe and solely 60 of those will belong to the US.”
Lockheed Martin, which is the prime contractor, mentioned the corporate will work with the brand new administration and backed the F-35’s capabilities.
“As we did in his first time period, we stay up for a powerful working relationship with President Trump, his staff, and in addition with the brand new Congress to strengthen our nationwide protection,” an organization spokesperson mentioned in a press release. “The F-35 is essentially the most superior, survivable and linked fighter plane on this planet, a significant deterrent and the cornerstone of joint all-domain operations.”
To make sure, the Pentagon has been flying a variety of drones for many years, together with for surveillance missions and air strikes. And an idea for a future next-generation air dominance program consists of a mixture of manned and unmanned fighters.
However Silicon Valley protection startups like Anduril are additionally creating drones whereas trying to change how the Pentagon develops and buys weapons. The truth is, Anduril’s government chairman has reportedly consulted with Trump and his staff about revamping the army.
In the meantime, lots of of F-35s are already in use within the U.S. army and amongst high allies world wide. Over its manufacturing cycle, the Pentagon plans to purchase about 2,400 F-35s for the Air Power, Navy and Marine Corps, to switch getting older, non-stealth fighters.
The Pentagon first awarded Lockheed the contract in 2001, however this system has been a perennial punching bag as a result of value overruns, delays, and its huge price ticket.
After together with the bills to develop, manufacture, function, and preserve its eventual fleet of F-35s over the fighter’s complete service life, which may prolong into 2088, the Protection Division estimates that the F-35 will value $1.8 trillion, making it the Pentagon’s costliest weapons program.
A not too long ago declassified report from the Protection Division’s weapons testing chief discovered that the F-35’s reliability, maintainability and availability are “under service expectations.” In response to that report, Lockheed has mentioned the F-35 “persistently meets or exceeds the reliability efficiency necessities we’re contracted to ship.”
In a Wall Road Journal op-ed Wednesday laying out DOGE’s agenda, Musk and fellow co-head Vivek Ramaswamy didn’t spotlight any weapons applications however famous the the Pentagon not too long ago failed a seventh consecutive audit, “suggesting that the company’s management has little thought how its annual price range of greater than $800 billion is spent.”
Any adjustments to the protection price range and weapons procurement in the end should undergo Congress, and F-35 manufacturing is unfold throughout numerous districts and subcontractors.
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