U.S. Air Force Buys Tesla Cybertrucks for Missile Testing to Assess Threat Scenarios

The U.S. Air Force is reportedly preparing to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks to serve as targets in live missile testing at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The procurement is part of a broader initiative to evaluate the performance of military-grade munitions against civilian vehicles that could potentially be used by adversaries in unconventional warfare scenarios. The Cybertrucks, while not required to be functional, must retain intact body structures, glass, and mirrors to ensure realistic testing conditions [1].

The Air Force’s justification for the purchase highlights concerns that potential enemies might leverage advanced civilian technology—such as the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton and modern engineering—for defensive or mobile applications. This concern is rooted in reports suggesting that such vehicles may absorb or deflect damage differently compared to traditional vehicles, potentially affecting the effectiveness of current military-grade munitions [2]. The goal is to simulate real-world threats and ensure that U.S. military forces are prepared for a variety of combat conditions.

The Cybertrucks will be used in conjunction with 31 other civilian vehicles, including sedans, pickups, and SUVs, all of which are expected to be subjected to controlled missile strikes. These vehicles are selected to mirror the evolving capabilities and technologies that adversaries may adopt, ensuring that U.S. weaponry remains calibrated to contemporary threats. This approach reflects a broader trend in military testing, where the line between civilian and military technology is increasingly blurred [3].

While the Cybertrucks will be destroyed during testing, no indication has been provided that they will be modified for defensive use or repurposed for combat. The focus remains strictly on their role as realistic targets. The procurement is also not connected to earlier, unconfirmed reports of a $400 million contract for armored Cybertrucks, which have not been substantiated by official sources [4].

The decision underscores the growing intersection between commercial innovation and military readiness. As civilian technology advances, defense agencies are adapting to maintain the efficacy of their systems. The use of the Cybertruck in missile testing illustrates how military planners are preparing for future conflicts that may involve unconventional tactics and platforms.

Source: [1] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/08/08/us-air-force-eyes-purchase-of-tesla-cybertrucks-to-blow-up/

[2] https://thedefensepost.com/2025/08/08/pentagon-cybertrucks-tesla-targets/

[3] https://nypost.com/2025/08/07/us-news/air-force-wants-to-use-tesla-cybertrucks-for-target-practice/

[4] https://insideevs.com/news/768246/us-military-tesla-cybertruck-missiles/