US Air Force to Test Tesla Cybertrucks in Live-Fire Trials
The U.S. Air Force plans to buy two Tesla Cybertrucks for live-fire weapons testing in New Mexico. This request, found in newly filed documents, shows rising interest in testing unconventional vehicles for battlefield resilience.
Cybertrucks Added to Precision Munitions Programme
The procurement request, submitted by the Air Force Test Center, lists the Tesla Cybertruck by name within a batch of 33 vehicles. While most of the order includes standard sedans, SUVs, and pickups, the Cybertruck is the only brand-specific model chosen. The vehicle will be used as a live-fire target for the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Standoff Precision Guided Munitions program.
This program employs advanced air-to-ground munitions, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire, the AGM-176 Griffin, and the GBU-39/B Laser Small Diameter Bomb. These weapons are designed to disable targets with pinpoint accuracy while reducing collateral damage, making them ideal for countering unconventional threats.
Cybertruck Viewed as a Potential Future Threat
The Air Force believes adversaries might use Tesla Cybertrucks in future battle zones for their durability and unique materials. The request warns that these electric pickups could appear in enemy hands, making training against them vital for preparedness.
The Cybertruck’s stainless steel body and sharp angles give it more impact resistance than traditional steel or aluminum vehicles. Military planners want to see how these design elements handle direct hits from precision-guided munitions.
Distinctive Electrical Architecture
A February 2025 market study identified the Cybertruck’s 48-volt electrical system as another distinguishing factor. This advanced architecture improves efficiency and integrates seamlessly with modern electronics, enabling adaptation for unconventional warfare or improvised military uses.
By testing weapons against vehicles with such advanced electrical frameworks, the Air Force aims to ensure mission readiness in scenarios involving modified commercial platforms.
Adapting to Irregular Warfare Trends
The U.S. military has observed a rise in the use of commercially available vehicles in irregular conflicts and by non-state actors. The inclusion of Tesla Cybertrucks in live-fire evaluations is part of a broader strategy to prepare for unpredictable threats.
As warfare evolves, consumer technologies can quickly find new roles on the battlefield—often in ways their designers never intended. The Cybertruck, with its distinctive appearance and advanced engineering, represents precisely the kind of unconventional challenge modern forces must anticipate.
Realistic Threat Replication
By targeting Tesla Cybertrucks in controlled tests, the Air Force seeks to replicate the exact conditions it might face in operational theaters. This approach optimizes weapon crews, targeting systems, and ammunition designs to effectively counter emerging vehicle threats.
The trials at White Sands will contribute to a growing body of knowledge on how to neutralize unconventional platforms—a critical step for staying ahead in both conventional and irregular warfare environments.
References
- https://www.af.mil
- https://www.socom.mil
- https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck
- https://bit.ly/CybertruckAirForce
About the Author
The Air Force’s innovative approach to incorporating Tesla Cybertrucks into weapons testing at White Sands reflects a forward-thinking strategy to mirror real-world battlefield conditions. By focusing on the Cybertruck’s unique design and durability, these trials will enhance the effectiveness of precision munitions against evolving threats, particularly unconventional platforms. This initiative underscores the military’s commitment to maintaining operational readiness and tactical superiority in increasingly complex conflict environments.