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Musk highlighted the perceived inefficiency of traditional fighter jets, such as the F-35, suggesting that unmanned aircraft could potentially provide better operational capabilities. He stated that drones might extend the range of missiles and engage in combat without the overhead costs of a human pilot. While he acknowledges that fighter jets can drop heavy payloads, he argued that unmanned systems could more efficiently cover those missions.
Musk's comments revealed a belief in drone swarms as the future of aerial warfare, suggesting that autonomous drones could outperform manned jets. He posited that current fighter jets are vulnerable, especially when facing peer opponents, and stated that piloted aircraft would struggle in future conflicts dominated by drones and hypersonic weapons.