In an unprecedented move, high-profile billionaires and influential backers of President-elect Donald Trump have launched a public campaign against crewed aircraft and tanks, advocating for the increased use of drones in military operations. With their close ties to the incoming administration and significant investments in unmanned technologies, these individuals are pushing for a major overhaul of the Pentagon’s weapons programs, favoring pilotless planes and driverless vehicles over expensive and often problematic crewed fighter jets.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and co-leader of an advisory group focused on reducing government waste, has been one of the most vocal proponents of replacing manned fighter jets with drones. In a series of posts on his platform X, Musk boldly stated that “manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones,” even sharing a video showcasing advanced Chinese drone technology while criticizing ongoing efforts to develop crewed fighter jets like the F-35.
Venture capital investor Marc Andreessen, who donated millions to Trump’s campaign and has started investing in small defense startups, echoed Musk’s sentiments. On his podcast, Andreessen emphasized that the country that excels in drone warfare will have the strongest military. He also highlighted how drones are becoming increasingly intelligent and capable of operating in swarms, making them highly effective tools for various missions.
Musk and Andreessen are not alone in their support for drone technology within Trump’s inner circle. Other tech evangelists and financiers with ties to the president-elect have been nominated or considered for government positions. John Phelan, a businessman nominated by Trump to lead the Navy despite having no previous ties to naval operations, exemplifies this trend. Additionally, Trae Stephens, co-founder of defense tech startup Anduril Industries with backing from Palmer Luckey (another Trump supporter), is reportedly being considered for deputy secretary of defense. Stephen Feinberg, a billionaire investor and co-chief executive of Cerberus Capital Management, is also rumored to be in the running for a top Pentagon position.
The idea of accelerating the deployment of drones within the Department of Defense (DOD) has raised both excitement and concerns. Byron Callan, a defense industry analyst at Capital Alpha Partners, believes that while it is possible to expedite the development and deployment of drones, it is crucial to strike a balance between crewed and uncrewed systems. Musk’s social media posts criticizing Lockheed Martin caused a temporary dip in the company’s stock price, highlighting the potential impact these debates can have on defense contractors.
In addition to replacing crewed aircraft, some investors have also set their sights on challenging traditional military tactics in other areas. Former Google chief Eric Schmidt suggested that the Army should get rid of “useless” tanks and replace them with AI-powered drones. Schmidt, who founded startup White Stork focused on developing AI-enabled military drones, argued that storing thousands of tanks is unnecessary when drones can provide more efficient capabilities.
However, not everyone supports this shift towards increased reliance on drones. Adm. Samuel Paparo, chief of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, cautioned against abandoning crewed ships and fighter planes in favor of smaller uncrewed platforms. He emphasized that each theater of operation requires a tailored approach and cited China’s significant military assets as an example. Paparo questioned whether relying solely on drones would be sufficient to maintain air and maritime superiority in the Pacific region.
As these debates continue to unfold within Trump’s circle and the broader defense community, it remains unclear how much influence these billionaires will have over shaping future military strategies. The prospect of an accelerated drone revolution presents both opportunities for technological advancements and challenges regarding ethics, international relations, and maintaining battlefield superiority.