Tiberius Posted December 28, 2024 Posted December 28, 2024 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/12/27/china-sixth-generation-fighter-jet-flight/ Images of advanced aircraft cruising at low altitudes in China on Thursday have surprised analysts, who say they could mark the maiden flights of sixth-generation fighter jets, representing a major breakthrough for the country’s military. Sign up for Fact Checker, our weekly review of what's true, false or in-between in politics. Photos and videos originating on Chinese social media platforms and reposted to X on Thursday show large triangular aircraft making sweeping slow turns at a very low altitude. The images appear to show two different aircraft, one smaller than the other — both featuring a tailless, stealthy design suggesting they rely on advanced computational technology to be piloted. The Chinese display of new military technology also follows criticism from Elon Musk — whom President-elect Donald Trump has tasked with advising on budget cuts — regarding the F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet program, which has been saddled with faulty technology and cost overruns. Musk called the F-35 builders, Lockheed Martin, “idiots” and suggested that manned fighter jets should be replaced with drones. “It seems quite intentional that [the Chinese military] wanted us to see this aircraft flying. I would think personally that the timing on this is really curious because they’re aware of this debate and it almost seems designed to influence that debate,” said Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center. Amid uncertainty over the manned fighter project, Pentagon officials have said they want to create an unmanned “hellscape” of drones to defend Taiwan. “[China] might be more worried about the United States Air Force going in that direction,” said Grieco. A sweeping anti-corruption crackdown has ensnared key military units over the past 18 months, including the disappearance of two top defense ministers. The campaign initially targeted the PLA Rocket Force, which oversees the country’s strategic missile systems, but has since widened. This week, two more generals were removed from key positions, overseeing critical aspects of China’s military strategy in the army and the South China Sea navy. 1
sherpa Posted December 28, 2024 Posted December 28, 2024 The Chinese have launched an extremely loud flying Dorito.
Tiberius Posted December 28, 2024 Author Posted December 28, 2024 1 hour ago, sherpa said: The Chinese have launched an extremely loud flying Dorito. Musk is right about drones being the future. Don't you think Trump should scrap the F-35 and spend the money better?
sherpa Posted December 28, 2024 Posted December 28, 2024 Just now, Tiberius said: Musk is right about drones being the future. Don't you think Trump should scrap the F-35 and spend the money better? This is an extremely complicated issue with many variables that involve capability, existing or soon to exist technology, and most importantly, timing with the current mission requirements and responsibilities. Too complicated for me to discuss here, especially with you.
Tiberius Posted December 28, 2024 Author Posted December 28, 2024 52 minutes ago, sherpa said: This is an extremely complicated issue with many variables that involve capability, existing or soon to exist technology, and most importantly, timing with the current mission requirements and responsibilities. Too complicated for me to discuss here, especially with you. That's what I like about Elon. He is not afraid to take a stand on an issue. Drones are obviously the future and the sooner we stop waisting money on old programs the better. The USS Lexington and Saratoga were originally laid down as battlecruisers in the early 1920's but as Billy Mitchell and his fellow travelers pushed for more use of air power those ships were converted to aircraft carriers. Time to roll with the changes
sherpa Posted December 28, 2024 Posted December 28, 2024 2 minutes ago, Tiberius said: That's what I like about Elon. He is not afraid to take a stand on an issue. Drones are obviously the future and the sooner we stop waisting money on old programs the better. The USS Lexington and Saratoga were originally laid down as battlecruisers in the early 1920's but as Billy Mitchell and his fellow travelers pushed for more use of air power those ships were converted to aircraft carriers. Time to roll with the changes As I said, this is a very complicated issue and Musk is a child in his knowledge of this. He has absolutely no idea regarding the F-35 capability or how it's being deployed to ensure the mission requirement is met, every day, everywhere, all the time. This is an issue that you cannot rest on, even for a moment. Reading his view reminds me of countless other views I have seen from people who have no idea of the hour by hour requirement. Been there. 1
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