In response to a tweet by former robotics programmer Cody James, who shared a photo of Japan unveiling its first F-35 with a Shinto priest blessing it, Elon Musk offered a unique perspective. He stated, "When push comes to shove, it will be about the drones. Putting humans in aircraft just slows them down."
Musk's comment highlights a significant shift in military aviation. It suggests that drones offer substantial advantages over manned aircraft in terms of speed, safety, and technological capabilities, making them the superior choice in critical situations.
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James’s photo depicts the first F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter assembled in Japan, unveiled during a ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, on June 5, 2017. A Shinto priest blessed the first domestically produced F-35 in Japan, a practice that many find intriguing.
However, such blessings are not unique to Japan. In Russia, orthodox priests frequently bless military equipment before it is deployed. In 2017, a bishop sanctified the S-400 Triumf missile system, a tradition that persisted even after Ukraine war began, despite discussions about banning the practice since 2019.
Drone warfare has surged in the past five years thanks to rapid advancements that have greatly enhanced drone capabilities with improved AI, better sensors, and more precise targeting systems. Initially used as reconnaissance tools, drones have evolved into highly capable weapons with longer flight times, superior cameras, and enhanced precision. These improvements have made drones more effective and versatile on the battlefield.
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Drones are designed to be smaller and quieter than traditional aircraft, making them harder to detect and target. They are also much cheaper than conventional military airplanes.
The military can deploy and operate drones more quickly than manned aircraft, as they do not require human pilots who need rest, training, or physical presence in the plane. Drone pilots can operate from anywhere globally and are easier to train. In the future, it’s highly likely that drones won’t need pilots at all.
By eliminating the need for human pilots onboard, drones remove the risk to human life during dangerous missions. This allows for more aggressive or risky tactics without the concern of losing personnel, making drones an attractive option for missions in hostile environments. Consequently, drones routinely operate in settings that would be too dangerous or challenging for human pilots, such as extreme weather conditions or highly contested airspaces.
Elon Musk also commented on drones in response to news of the sixth U.S. Reaper drone falling into Houthi hands in Yemen at the end of May, Musk remarked, "That design is getting stale," prompting many to speculate about the potential for a Tesla drone.
Given that several Silicon Valley startups, most notably Palmer Luckey’s Anduril Industries, are working on drones for the U.S. military, this idea isn’t far-fetched. Anduril Industries recently contracted with the U.S. Air Force to develop autonomous fighter jets.
Elon Musk’s comments reflect a broader trend in military strategy toward greater reliance on drones over manned aircraft. Drones’ advantages — cost-efficiency, reduced risk to human life, and advanced technological capabilities — make them increasingly integral to modern warfare. As drone technology advances, it is poised to play an even more prominent role in future military operations.
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