Lockheed Martin UK CEO Defends F-35 Amid Criticism from Elon Musk

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Lockheed Martin UK CEO Paul Livingston has defended the F-35 program against claims by Elon Musk that it is obsolete due to advancements in unmanned drones. Livingston highlighted the F-35’s unmatched capabilities, its central role in NATO’s defense, and its projected £45 billion contribution to the UK economy by 2046. He countered Musk’s critique by emphasizing the F-35’s ability to execute complex missions efficiently and integrate seamlessly with unmanned systems. Livingston stated that Musk lacks access to classified threat assessments and concluded, “On this subject, he’s wrong.” He added that by 2035, 650 F-35s will be operated by European nations, reinforcing the aircraft’s dominance in European fighter competitions.

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