The U.S. Air Force Test Center has outlined plans to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks for use as target vehicles during precision-guided munitions training at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Source: armybases.org

These electric pickups will be included in a broader procurement of 33 non-functional vehicles to simulate real-world combat threats.

Documents emphasize that Cybertrucks may not incur the expected damage from major impacts, and testing must therefore mirror real combat conditions to effectively prepare U.S. units.

The inclusion of the Cybertruck in this order contrasts with past military vehicle procurement trends, where mainstream sedans, SUVs, and trucks were used for target practice.

The Cybertruck’s unique stainless-steel exoskeleton and angular design set it apart, prompting a specific justification in the contracting documents.

In broader context, Cybertruck sales have underperformed against lofty projections. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk once described it as “apocalypse proof,” the platform has faced at least eight safety-related recalls and delivered significantly fewer units than anticipated this year.

Meanwhile, a controversial State Department plan to purchase armored Cybertrucks for diplomatic use was later removed from procurement listings amid scrutiny.

The Air Force’s decision to test the Cybertruck’s durability is notable for how it intersects with Tesla’s public messaging around toughness and utility.

The procurement appears less about affirmation and more about ensuring readiness against potential battlefield threats.

Technical details of the Air Force's focus suggest concern over the Cybertruck’s structural resilience. Procurement forms single out the truck’s unpainted stainless steel body, 48‑volt electrical system, and its resistance to damage during impact.

The documents also requested that the vehicles need only be towable, with batteries removed, underscoring a test-only use case without fully functional chassis.

The Cybertruck’s own technical specifications include a choice of rear-wheel-drive or dual- or tri-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, with EPA-estimated ranges between 320 and 350 miles.

The truck’s construction emphasizes durability and high-strength design, though in consumer settings it has drawn criticism over build quality, safety concerns and limited availability outside the U.S.

Price estimates for a new Cybertruck range from $62,490 to $99,990 for the Cyberbeast tri-motor configuration.

The Air Force contract, however, is focused on obtaining stripped-down units for training rather than frontline deployment, so procurement costs likely differ significantly from retail values.