US Air Force Buys Tesla Cybertrucks as Missile Targets: Live-Fire Testing for Adversary Vehicle Simulation at White Sands
US Air Force Buys Tesla Cybertrucks as Missile Targets: Live-Fire Testing for Adversary Vehicle Simulation at White Sands
Key Takeaways
The Air Force's Unusual Shopping List
The U.S. Air Force is planning to buy two Tesla Cybertrucks, not for transportation or patrol, but to use them as target vehicles for precision munitions testing. Yeah, you read that right - they're buying these expensive electric trucks just to blow them up.
The US Air Force Test Center plans to purchase 33 target vehicles for use at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, including two of the famed electric trucks among the mix of sedans, pickups, and SUVs. It's part of a bigger order where they're getting all kinds of vehicles to shoot missiles at, but the Cybertrucks are definitely the most expensive ones on the list.
The military doesn't mess around when it comes to training. They need realistic targets that match what soldiers might face in actual combat situations. That's where Elon Musk's angular truck comes in - apparently the Pentagon thinks bad guys might start driving them.
Why Cybertrucks Make Perfect Missile Targets
The service says it needs these vehicles for this purpose specifically because of the prospect of unspecified adversaries driving around in them in the future. The military's reasoning is pretty straightforward - if enemies might use these trucks, troops need to practice hitting them.
The justification document spells it out clearly: "In the operating theatre it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cyber trucks as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact."
Here's what makes Cybertrucks different from regular trucks:
- Stainless steel exoskeleton instead of painted steel or aluminum
- Bullet-resistant windows and panels that stop pistol rounds
- 48V electrical architecture for better power efficiency
- Angular, futuristic design unlike anything else on the market
- Higher impact resistance than typical vehicles
The military did their homework too. Market research conducted on February 13, 2025, found "no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck." That unique design is exactly why they need to practice shooting at them specifically.
What Weapons Will Target These Cybertrucks
The primary intended use of all of the target vehicles is in support of U.S. Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) program and related training. We're talking about some serious firepower here.
The weapons being tested include:
- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles - Multiple variants of these air-launched precision weapons
- AGM-176 Griffin missiles - Smaller, more precise munitions
- GBU-69/B Small Glide Munitions (SGM) - Guided bombs that glide to their targets
- GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB) - Precision-guided bombs
These aren't your average military weapons - they're specifically designed for special operations where accuracy matters more than raw destructive power. The fact that they're using Cybertrucks as targets suggests these vehicles might actually be tough enough to require multiple hits or specific targeting techniques.
Where Enemies Might Actually Use Cybertrucks
The military's concern isn't just theoretical. The primary targets for SOCOM's SOPGM arsenal have been terrorists and militants, especially ones riding in cars and trucks, in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and parts of Africa.
But there's already real-world precedent for militarized Cybertrucks. Last year, Ramzan Kadyrov, the dictatorial head of Russia's semi-autonomous Chechen Republic, showed off several Cybertrucks with 12.7mm machine guns mounted in the back and claimed to have sent some of them to join the fighting in Ukraine.
Current Cybertruck military uses include:
- Law enforcement agencies in multiple US cities
- Dubai Police added them to their luxury fleet
- Private security companies offering armored versions
- Russian forces (allegedly) using weaponized versions in Ukraine
The truck's bullet-resistant properties make it attractive to anyone who needs protection from small arms fire. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called the vehicle "apocalypse-proof," which probably appeals to military and paramilitary groups worldwide.
Technical Specs That Matter for Military Use
The Air Force's justification document highlights several features that set Cybertrucks apart from regular vehicles. The study revealed that the Cybertruck's "aggressively angular and futuristic design, paired with its unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton, sets it apart from competitors typically using painted steel or aluminum bodies."
Key Military-Relevant Features
The 48V electrical architecture is particularly interesting from a military perspective. This "provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop." Higher voltage systems can power more equipment while using lighter wiring - crucial for military modifications.
The stainless steel construction also means these trucks don't rust like regular steel vehicles. In harsh combat environments where maintenance is difficult, that's a significant advantage that enemies might exploit.
The White Sands Testing Program
These vehicles will serve as targets in realistic training exercises, preparing military personnel for scenarios they might encounter in combat. White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico has been the military's premier testing facility for decades.
The facility handles all kinds of weapons testing, from small munitions to massive rockets. WSMR is run by the U.S. Army, but the Air Force has a significant presence there. This joint operation makes sense since different branches might encounter Cybertrucks in various scenarios.
Interestingly, the Cybertrucks "do not need to be in running condition, but do need to be able to roll towed behind another vehicle." The military just needs them to move into position for target practice - they don't care about the fancy electric drivetrain or autonomous features.
The testing will likely involve:
- Static target engagement - Hitting parked Cybertrucks
- Moving target practice - Towing them while firing missiles
- Damage assessment - Studying how different weapons affect the vehicle
- Tactical evaluation - Understanding how to disable them effectively
Market Impact and Sales Numbers
As of this spring, an estimated 46,000 Cybertrucks have been sold to date, though the exact number is unclear. That's not a huge number compared to traditional pickup trucks, but it's enough to make military planners take notice.
The vehicle's limited availability might actually work in the military's favor. Currently, Tesla only offers Cybertrucks for sale in North America, though examples have been exported elsewhere in the world. This geographic restriction means most potential adversaries would have to work harder to acquire them.
However, Tesla is expanding. Tesla did announce in April that it was planning to start direct sales in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar before the end of the year. These Middle Eastern markets could potentially see military or paramilitary use of Cybertrucks.
The high price point - around $80,000 - also limits who can afford them. But for well-funded terrorist organizations, criminal syndicates, or hostile governments, that's not necessarily a barrier. The military needs to be ready regardless of cost considerations.
Real-World Military Modifications Already Available
The military's concern about Cybertrucks isn't just hypothetical - companies are already offering militarized versions. Multiple companies are now offering Cybertrucks with add-on armor and other features aimed at prospective law enforcement, military, and private security customers.
Available modifications include:
- Additional armor plating beyond the standard exoskeleton
- Weapon mounting systems for machine guns and other firearms
- Communication equipment for military coordination
- Surveillance systems including cameras and sensors
- Run-flat tires to maintain mobility after being shot
These aftermarket modifications can turn a civilian Cybertruck into a legitimate military vehicle. That's probably what keeps Pentagon planners awake at night - the idea that enemies could quickly convert these trucks into armored fighting vehicles.
The fact that there have been some sales of Cybertrucks to law enforcement agencies, including the Dubai Police shows that government agencies worldwide are already interested in these vehicles for security purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the military pay for these Cybertrucks? The military will pay Tesla's standard retail price, which starts around $80,000 per vehicle. Since they're buying them as targets, they don't need the most expensive trim levels.
Will the Cybertrucks be modified before being used as targets? No, the military specifically wants standard production Cybertrucks to test against. Modifications would defeat the purpose of realistic training scenarios.
What happens to the Cybertrucks after they're hit by missiles? They'll be destroyed or heavily damaged during testing. The military will study the wreckage to understand how different weapons affect these vehicles.
Why not just use computer simulations instead of real vehicles? Physical testing provides data that simulations can't match, especially regarding material behavior, explosive effects, and debris patterns.
Are other countries buying Cybertrucks for military use? While most sales are civilian, some law enforcement agencies have purchased them, and there are unconfirmed reports of military use in conflict zones.
How many missiles will each Cybertruck be hit with? The testing program details haven't been released, but typically the military tests multiple weapon types against each target vehicle.
Could enemies really use Cybertrucks effectively in combat? The combination of bullet resistance, high performance, and long range could make them effective for hit-and-run tactics, reconnaissance, or transporting personnel in hostile areas.
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