How Cheap DRONE SWARMS could take down $100,000,000 F-35 Fighter Jet!

About this video

Max analyzes whether cheap drone swarms could defeat F-35 fighter jets, arguing this is a key question for military strategists. He examines current drone swarm threats and defensive technologies protecting F-35s, particularly those operating from carriers in the Persian Gulf. Max concludes that while F-35s are vulnerable during takeoff and landing, existing multi-layered defenses—including kinetic weapons and emerging high-powered microwave systems like Leonidas—currently keep F-35s safe at altitude, though he acknowledges drone technology may eventually change this calculus.

Key takeaways

• Max argues F-35s are most vulnerable to drone swarms during takeoff and landing, particularly the F-35B variant during vertical operations, but are relatively safe at high altitude with current drone technology
• Max describes a multi-layered defense system protecting F-35s, including outer defenses (F-35s and F-18s flying defensive counter-air), mid-range systems (SM-2 missiles on destroyers), and close-in weapons (Phalanx and Goalkeeper CIWS guns on carriers)
• Max highlights the Leonidas high-powered microwave system as a promising non-kinetic defense that can disable multiple drones simultaneously using electromagnetic pulse beams, which he suggests could be deployed on carriers or even integrated into future aircraft like the F-47

Episode details: published April 29, 2025 · 28.5K views · 12:57 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The analysis and commentary described are Max Afterburner’s, attributed to him — his channel includes hypothetical-scenario and news-react content, which is presented as his analysis, not established fact.

← Previous: Houthis Fire Missiles at US F-16s and Immediately Regret it! · Next: AIRCRAFT CARRIER Dodges Houthi Threat and Fighter Jet FALLS OFF! →

All Max Afterburner videos · Max Afterburner profile · Max Afterburner on YouTube