Elon Musk is not wrong about the F-35, and it's time something was done

Arizona hosts a large number of F-35 Lightning II aircraft across several military installations.

PUBLISHED NOV 28, 2024

Phoenix, Arizona: Elon Musk's recent criticism of the F-35 program, hits close to home in Arizona. The state hosts a significant number of F-35 Lightning II aircraft across several military installations, primarily at Luke Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma.

As of September 2022, Luke AFB housed 111 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, and supports multiple F-35 training squadrons, including the 61st, 62nd, 63rd, 308th, and the recently reactivated 310th Fighter Squadron as of June 2023.

The exact number of F-35B aircraft at MCAS Yuma isn't specified in public sources. However, the station is home to multiple squadrons operating the F-35B variant, including Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), which was the first operational F-35B squadron.

A US Navy Petty Officer launches an F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex, before the F-35B's first combat strike, Sept. 27, 2018. (Photo by Cpl. Francisco J. Diaz Jr./U.S. Marine Corps via Getty Images)

Musk called the aircraft "outdated and overly complex". He argued that the design, which aims to fulfill multiple roles, is inherently flawed and cost-prohibitive. Musk also emphasized the obsolescence of manned jets, advocating instead for the potential of autonomous drones in modern warfare.

Musk's remarks have sparked discussions among defense experts and industry leaders. While some acknowledge the growing role of drones, others highlight that current drone technology lacks the range, payload capacity, and survivability of crewed aircraft like the F-35. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, defends the jet's critical role in modern warfare, highlighting its multifaceted capabilities that drones have yet to match.

But Musk's strident opinion on the beleagured F-35 and its arduous development is not a a voice in the wilderness. The program has been heavily criticized from day one by a host of experts. In fact, it would be safe to say it has also been one of the most controversial military programs in history.

For starters, the F-35 program is the most expensive weapons system in history, with estimated lifetime costs exceeding $1.7 trillion for development, production, and sustainment. Early in the program, individual F-35s were priced at around $100–150 million per aircraft, making it far more expensive than predecessors like the F-16. Further more, high operational and maintenance expenses have raised questions about affordability for partner nations.

The F-35 relies heavily on advanced software, which has faced repeated bugs and development delays, including in its Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) and later its replacement, ODIN.

US President-elect Donald Trump with Elon Musk at the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on November 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Also, issues such as problems with the aircraft's canopy, ejection seats, and engine durability have plagued the program. Early F-35s often failed to meet mission-capable rates, limiting their availability for combat.

The F-35 was designed to serve various roles for different branches of the US military and international partners, leading to criticisms that it compromises too much to fulfill diverse needs. Initial reports suggested it performed poorly in close-range aerial combat compared to older fighters like the F-16.

The F-35 is sold to US allies, but its high costs and stringent restrictions (e.g., technology sharing) have caused friction with partner nations. Critics argue that the program fosters over-reliance on the US for upgrades, parts, and support.

Another important criticism is that given its reliance on interconnected systems, the F-35 is seen as vulnerable to cyber threats from adversaries.

The F-35, however, has been used in combat and performed exceptionally when called upon. The first time it was used in combat was in 2018 when Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-35s were usedd in strikes against targets in the Middle East, likely in Syria. Israel was the first country to deploy the F-35 in combat.

A few months later, the US Marine Corps became the first US force to use the F-35B (STOL/VTOL variant) in combat during an airstrike on Taliban targets.

The aircraft were launched from the USS Essex, and conducted precision strikes.

The United Kingdom has also used its F-35's in combat. In June 2021 the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Navy launched F-35Bs from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and conducted strikes against ISIS targets in the Middle East.