The US Air Force and Navy have unveiled plans to expand their fleets of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets, signaling a continued investment in the controversial aircraft despite mounting scrutiny over its readiness and cost. The proposal, part of the administration’s $1.5 trillion defense budget request to Congress, would ramp up purchases of the Air Force variant from 38 jets next year to 48 annually by 2030. Similarly, the Navy and Marine Corps aim to increase their orders to 47 jets in 2025, up from 23 this year.
Criticism Mounts as Costs Balloon
The F-35 program, the most expensive weapons initiative in US history, has faced sharp criticism from figures like Elon Musk, who has labeled the aircraft "an expensive & complex jack of all trades, master of none." Musk, who served briefly in a White House advisory role, has argued that manned fighter jets are becoming obsolete in an era dominated by drone technology. Despite these concerns, the Pentagon’s projections reflect a steadfast commitment to the F-35, with total requested purchases increasing to 85 jets for next year, up from 47 approved in 2024.
Success was never in the set of possible outcomes. And manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed.
Operational Challenges Persist
The expansion comes amid ongoing challenges with the F-35’s performance. According to the Government Accountability Office, the aircraft’s readiness rate remains below standard, and efforts to upgrade its software have stalled. Lockheed Martin, the nation’s top defense contractor, stands to benefit significantly from the increased orders, even as critics question whether the investment aligns with America’s evolving defense priorities.
The proposal faces stiff opposition in Congress, where fiscal conservatives and Democrats alike are wary of further inflating the defense budget. However, proponents argue that expanding the F-35 fleet is essential to maintaining US military dominance in contested regions, including recent missions over Iran.