The US Air Force is planning to put Elon Musk’s famous Tesla Cybertruck to the ultimate test — by firing missiles at it.
Two Cybertrucks will be bought and taken to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico for live-fire testing. The military says the truck’s unusual design, stainless steel body, and advanced 48-volt electrical system make it a good stand-in for enemy vehicles in battle simulations.
The Cybertruck, once advertised as “almost indestructible,” has faced public criticism and durability controversies in the past. But its sharp, futuristic shape and tough exoskeleton made from stainless steel are unlike normal consumer vehicles, which are usually made of aluminum or conventional steel. This gives it extra strength against impacts. Its powerful 48-volt system can provide more efficiency and power — features the Air Force wants to study.
The two trucks will cost about $80,000 each and are part of a $2.64 million deal to buy 33 vehicles for US Special Operations Command.
At the test site, the Cybertrucks will go through missile and bullet impact experiments to recreate real battle conditions. This data will help the military plan both attack and defense strategies against similar armored vehicles.
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Since its launch in 2019 — when its “unbreakable” windows famously shattered during a demo — Tesla has promoted the Cybertruck as a strong, combat-ready vehicle. Tesla has even shown it surviving gunfire from various weapons. But for the Air Force, this is less about marketing and more about preparing for future wars where vehicles could be as unique as the Cybertruck.
