Despite these views, military experts argue that there are still advantages to manned fighter jets, including a human pilot's flexibility and the extensive capabilities of the F-35 in bombing, surveillance, battle management, and communications. A Pentagon spokesperson defended the performance of the US's combat-capable aircraft, stating that pilots prefer these fighters for war situations.
Key takeaways:
- Marc Andreessen, a cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz, stated that AI-controlled jets are superior to crewed fighter jets, as they can move faster and don't have to keep a human alive.
- Andreessen's comments echo those of Elon Musk, who criticized the Pentagon's F-35 program and advocated for drone warfare, stating that crewed fighter jets are an inefficient way to extend the range of missiles or drop bombs.
- Musk was recently appointed as the co-lead of President-elect Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, and his comments on the F-35 program have gained significance.
- Despite the advantages of drones, military experts argue that there are still benefits to having manned fighter jets, such as a human pilot's flexibility and the extensive capabilities of the F-35.