The US Air Force is looking to buy two Tesla Cybertrucks to use as targets for precision munitions during testing and training.
According to the service, the vehicles would be used for this purpose specifically because of the possibility that unspecified adversaries could drive them in the future.
The Cybertrucks would be added to the list of 33 target vehicles to be used by the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), which also includes sedans, Bongo trucks, pickups, and SUVs from unspecified brands.
The primary intended use of all the target vehicles is to support the **Stand Off Precision Guided Munitions** (SOPGM) program of the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and related training.
“On February 13, 2025, a market survey was conducted to assess the competition for the Tesla Cybertruck, evaluating its design, materials, impact resistance, and innovative technologies,” says a justification document shared online by the AFTC.
“The study revealed that the Cybertruck’s aggressively angular and futuristic design, combined with its unpainted stainless-steel exoskeleton, sets it apart from competitors that typically use painted steel or aluminum bodies.”
“In the operational theater, it is likely that the type of vehicle used by enemies could transition to Tesla Cybertrucks, as it was found that they do not suffer the normal extent of damage expected in the case of severe impacts,” the document continues.
“Testing needs to mirror real-world situations. The goal of the training is to prepare units for operations by simulating scenarios as close as possible to real-world situations.”
**Photo and video: Unsplash / USAF. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.**
