Elon Musk believes the future of warfare will be dominated by artificial intelligence and drones. In a newly released video from his conversation at the US Military Academy in West Point, New York, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO warned that the US must ramp up drone production or risk falling behind in modern warfare.
Drones Are Already Changing the Battlefield
Speaking in a fireside chat with Brigadier General Shane Reeves on August 16, Musk, 53, highlighted how drones are already shaping conflicts, using the ongoing war in Ukraine as an example.
“The current war in Ukraine is very much a drone war already,” he stated. “If there’s a major power war, it’s very much going to be a drone war.”
Musk emphasized that nations often prepare for the last war rather than the next, urging US military leaders to prioritize AI and drone technology. He argued that traditional warfare strategies are becoming outdated and that the country needs to shift its focus to cutting-edge innovations.
Musk’s Growing Influence in Washington
Musk’s increasing involvement in US politics adds weight to his words. Since aligning himself with President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, he has played a significant role in shaping government policies. His newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is now auditing multiple federal agencies, examining data systems, spending, and contracts.
His influence extends to military communications as well. Musk pointed out that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system has been crucial for Ukraine’s military, providing an unbreakable communication link in war zones where fiber optics, cell towers, and geostationary satellites are easily disabled.
“Starlink is the backbone of the Ukrainian military communications system because it can’t be blocked by the Russians,” Musk explained. “On the front lines, all the fiber connections are cut, the cell towers are blown up, the geostationary satellite links are jammed. The only thing that isn’t jammed is Starlink.”
Musk’s Approach to Military Innovation
Beyond just advocating for more drones, Musk criticized the bureaucratic inefficiencies in military procurement. He described his “first-principles algorithm,” a decision-making approach that he uses across his companies:
- Simplify the requirements.
- Remove unnecessary processes or components.
- Optimize the system.
- Increase speed.
“Military procurement goes wrong right at the outset with excess requirements,” Musk stated, suggesting that a more streamlined approach could significantly enhance US military capabilities.
What’s Next?
As AI and drone technology continue to advance, Musk’s warnings may prove prescient. Whether or not US military leaders act on his advice, the global arms race in autonomous warfare is accelerating.
