In a twist that feels straight out of satire, Elon Musk’s dream of seeing the Tesla Cybertruck in military service is coming true but not in the way he might have hoped. Rather than hauling soldiers or tackling rough combat zones, these distinctive electric pickups are set for a far more destructive mission. The US Air Force has acquired two Cybertrucks, planning to use them as targets for testing destructive capabilities.
Procurement documents reveal that the US Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is securing two of the futuristic EVs for delivery to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This location is well known for testing some of the most advanced weapon systems globally.
The Cybertrucks are included in a larger order of 33 target vehicles, alongside a variety of regular sedans, SUVs, and traditional pickup trucks. Notably, while no specific brands were named for the other vehicles, the Air Force made an explicit request for two Tesla Cybertrucks by name.
The reasoning behind this choice is both practical and somewhat ironic. Official documents suggest the military is preparing for the possibility that enemy forces could deploy Cybertrucks in future battlefields. The report highlights that these electric vehicles have been “found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact,” thanks to their unconventional stainless-steel exoskeleton. To prepare for such scenarios, the Air Force plans to test its precision-guided munitions directly against the Cybertruck’s unique build, ensuring weapons remain effective in real-world combat situations.
The notion of a foreign power deploying Cybertrucks might sound improbable, but it has already happened. Last year, photos and videos emerged showing the leader of the Chechen Republic with a fleet of Cybertrucks, reportedly modified and used in the war in Ukraine. While this instance is limited in scope, it lends real-world weight to the US military’s decision to test its weapons against one of the most distinctive EVs on the market.
For Tesla, the sale marks a curious and ironic twist. Elon Musk has consistently marketed the Cybertruck as a tough, apocalypse-ready beast, boasting about its “bulletproof” shell and even suggesting it could serve as a capable military vehicle. Now, that same durability is the reason the Air Force has chosen it not for service, but as a high-tech target in live-fire testing.
For a vehicle that has struggled to hit its lofty sales ambitions, any order no matter the purpose offers a small boost. With production and deliveries falling far short of Musk’s original 500,000-units-per-year target, this government purchase is a modest yet noteworthy win. In a way, the Air Force’s interest could be seen as a backhanded compliment: the Cybertruck’s unconventional design and tough stainless-steel build have made it so unique that it warrants specialized testing on the firing range.
Though far from the victorious military debut Musk once envisioned for his sharp-edged EV, the Cybertruck has still managed to capture the Pentagon’s attention just from the business end of a missile. Perhaps it will prove its mettle in these explosive trials, hinting at a potential future in defense. Or, more fittingly, it may go out in a blaze mirroring its turbulent sales journey.
What are your thoughts on the US Air Force buying Tesla Cybertrucks not for military missions, but to blow them up in weapons tests? Let us know in the comments below.
