Lockheed Martin faces significant obstacles as the F-35 program struggles alongside a shifting defense landscape targeting unmanned systems. Lockheed Martin expects to adapt under the new Trump administration. Elon Musk highlights his concerns about the F-35 program.
Elon Musk’s Critique of the F-35 Program
Elon Musk has been vocally critical of the F-35 stealth jet, calling into question its viability and cost-effectiveness. He labeled the jet as ineffective and suggested that the $2 trillion program should be a target for federal spending cuts under the Trump administration. Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, is focused on reducing government waste, with defense spending as a substantial target.
Musk argues that the F-35 tries to fulfill too many roles, rendering it a “jack of all trades, master of none.” He believes that drones could effectively replicate the F-35’s battlefield role. However, the Joint Program Office defends the F-35’s importance, citing its adoption by 20 countries and technology advancements.
Why is the F-35 the world's most advanced aircraft? Hear from an F-35 pilot as they explain a real-world scenario of how the aircraft safeguards skies today ⬇️👂 pic.twitter.com/kfOYpsyJP0
— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) November 25, 2024
Lockheed Martin’s Financial and Strategic Adjustments
Lockheed Martin is currently navigating adjustments in defense spending strategies under the new administration. CFO Jay Malave expects shifts in priorities to occur, a common scenario when administrations change. Lockheed’s adaptability is crucial for operating in this environment, which involves adjusting to potential cuts and reallocations.
“I would expect, over time, that there will be different priorities in this administration. It typically happens, [that] the administration prioritizes things that maybe the prior one didn’t. I think the good thing about Lockheed Martin is that we’re accustomed to that. We know how to operate in that environment and how to adjust quickly,” said Jay Malave.
Financially, Lockheed faces challenges from delays in finalizing F-35 production contracts. The delays have resulted in $700 million uncollected last quarter. Additionally, increased costs due to inflation and technological advancements have reversed previous cost declines for F-35 lots 18 and 19.
The F-35 design was broken at the requirements level, because it was required to be too many things to too many people.
This made it an expensive & complex jack of all trades, master of none. Success was never in the set of possible outcomes.
And manned fighter jets are… https://t.co/t6EYLWNegI
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 25, 2024
Navigating the Shift Toward Unmanned Systems
Musk’s critiques emphasize a significant debate about the future of military systems. While he advocates for the shift to “locally autonomous drone warfare,” others caution that current technological limitations hinder replacing crewed aircraft with unmanned systems. Defense analysts still regard the F-35 as a critical multirole fighter jet vital for U.S. military capabilities through 2088.
“Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35,” said Elon Musk.
Lockheed Martin, while defending the F-35’s role, must address these criticisms and adapt to a changing defense landscape. Congressional opposition also complicates proposed cuts, given the job creation associated with the F-35 program.