US Air Force Plans to Blow Up Tesla Cybertrucks in Missile Tests
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
In a move that blends cutting-edge automotive design with military readiness, the US Air Force has announced plans to purchase two Tesla Cybertrucks — not for transportation, but for destruction. According to official procurement documents, the trucks will be used as part of a 33-vehicle fleet in live-fire missile tests at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The decision stems from a surprising strategic rationale: US defense planners believe that potential adversaries may transition to Tesla Cybertrucks in future conflicts. Their stainless-steel exoskeleton and unique design could present new challenges for weapons effectiveness — and the Air Force intends to be prepared.
Why Cybertrucks?
The Cybertruck’s distinctive construction sets it apart from conventional pickups. Its unpainted stainless steel panels, 48-volt electrical system, and angular shape could make it more resilient than traditional vehicles. Military testing will determine how such features fare against advanced munitions.
Procurement documents specifically name the Cybertruck — the only vehicle to receive direct mention — noting that realism in testing is key. While the fleet will include sedans, SUVs, pickups, and even “Bongo trucks,” the Cybertruck stands out as a high-profile target.
Inside the Test Plan
The two Cybertrucks purchased for testing will be delivered without batteries, making them towable and safe to position on firing ranges. Once in place, they will face the full force of modern weaponry, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Griffin missiles, and Small Diameter Bombs.
The goal is straightforward: collect data on how such vehicles perform under direct attack, providing critical insight for battlefield tactics and future weapons development.
Elon Musk has often touted the Cybertruck as “apocalypse-proof” and akin to an “armored personnel carrier from the future.” While Tesla intended those claims as marketing hype, they also caught the attention of defense planners.
That said, the Cybertruck’s journey hasn’t been flawless. Production delays, underwhelming sales compared to projections, and recalls — including issues that could trap occupants inside — have clouded its debut. Still, its high-profile design and reputation for toughness make it an ideal candidate for high-visibility weapons testing.
For the Air Force, the destruction of two Cybertrucks is more than a publicity stunt — it’s an investment in readiness. As military technology evolves alongside civilian innovation, anticipating unconventional threats becomes a necessity. And for Tesla, it’s another chapter in the Cybertruck’s unconventional legacy — one that, ironically, might reinforce its rugged image even as it’s being blown to pieces.
References:
The Uncommon Breed
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