The U.S. Air Force plans some exciting developments for the Cybertruck!
The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to test Tesla's Cybertrucks as part of their weapons impact assessments, a move that is expected to highlight the vehicle's robust construction but could have mixed effects on its sales and perceived durability.
The military's interest in the Cybertruck stems from its stainless steel exterior and distinctive angular design, which make it unusually resistant to damage compared to standard vehicles. According to contracting documents, the Air Force is preparing for potential adversaries using Cybertrucks in future conflicts, and testing real-world weapon impacts on this vehicle is critical for tactical purposes.
This official recognition of the Cybertruck's toughness may enhance its reputation for durability and toughness in the public eye, reinforcing Tesla's claims about its unique materials and resilience. However, the fact that it is being used as a live-fire missile test target could also be seen as a double-edged sword — symbolically associating the Cybertruck with destruction and military conflict rather than consumer ruggedness alone.
The Air Force has requested three Tesla Cybertrucks specifically for these tests, which will take place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The vehicles will be destroyed using an array of weapons, and the damage to the Cybertrucks will be carefully assessed after they are destroyed.
The Cybertruck's design features an aggressively angular and futuristic shape, as well as an unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton. At its launch event, Elon Musk stated that the Cybertruck was designed to be more robust than other pickups in its class, and a video shown at the event demonstrated the vehicle's ability to withstand a hail of bullets from a Tommy gun, Glock, MP5SD submachine gun, and a shotgun.
Despite the potential publicity boost from these tests, sales of the Cybertruck have been slower than expected. Factors such as steeper-than-expected pricing, apprehension over multiple recalls, and damage to Tesla's brand perception amid Musk's political controversies have contributed to this sluggish sales pace. Approximately 50,000 Cybertrucks were sold between November 2023 and February 2025, falling short of Tesla's expectations.
However, the military use of the Cybertruck could help increase interest among consumers who value extreme durability. The U.S. Air Force believes that the Cybertruck's relatively affordable price and tough exterior could make it popular among rag-tag armies, further reinforcing its reputation as a rugged and durable vehicle.
In summary, the Air Force's weapons testing on Cybertrucks will likely boost perceptions of the vehicle's toughness and real-world relevance, potentially supporting sales to adventurous or durability-focused buyers. However, the militarized context might also frame the Cybertruck more as a combat-style vehicle rather than a conventional consumer truck.
The Air Force's decision to test Tesla's Cybertruck for weapons impact assessments signifies a unique blend of science (researching the vehicle's resistance to weapons impacts) and space-and-astronomy (White Sands Missile Range) with lifestyle (durability, ruggedness) and gadgets (Cybertruck as a distinctive vehicle). The military's interest in Cybertrucks also intersects with technology (weapons used in the tests) and cars (electric-vehicles), implying a broader fascination with advanced and innovative transportation. The public's perception of electric-vehicles, particularly the Cybertruck, may shift due to this testing, potentially influencing the sales of such vehicles in the future.
