The battlefield of the future may be dominated by drones, according to prominent tech leaders Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen. Andreessen, during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, echoed Musk’s belief that AI-controlled jets are far superior to those piloted by humans.
Marc Andreessen Joins Elon Musk in Backing AI Over Human-Piloted Jets
Marc Andreessen highlighted the advantages of removing humans from the cockpit: “You don’t have to keep a human being alive, which means you can be a lot faster and move more quickly.” His perspective aligns with ongoing developments at the Pentagon, where AI pilots are being tested in F-16 dogfights—and winning against human counterparts.
Musk has also been vocal on the topic, criticizing the costly F-35 program and advocating for reusable drones as more efficient tools for modern combat. “Fighter jets piloted by humans will be destroyed very quickly,” Musk recently stated, emphasizing drones’ role alongside hypersonic missiles in future warfare.
Despite this push, military experts remain cautious. Human pilots offer adaptability and decision-making capabilities that automated systems struggle to replicate, says Justin Bronk, an airpower analyst. Moreover, the advanced capabilities of crewed jets like the F-35 in bombing, surveillance, and communications remain unmatched by current drone technology, notes retired Air Force pilot Mark Gunzinger.
As Silicon Valley deepens its involvement in defense—through drone production and weapons startups—the debate between drones and traditional jets underscores a larger shift in warfare strategy. While drones promise speed and cost efficiency, experts argue that human judgment still holds a critical edge on the battlefield.
