The United States Air Force has listed the Tesla Cybertruck among a fleet of vehicles it intends to use for target practice in a munitions training and testing program, citing the vehicle’s durability and unique design as critical factors in its selection.
The Cybertruck is part of a group of 33 vehicles, including sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, and Bongo trucks, that will be used in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) Standoff Precision Guided Munition (SOPGM) program. According to public procurement filings, the Air Force specifically noted the Cybertruck’s potential presence in real-world conflict scenarios and emphasized the need for training to reflect these conditions.
“[Redacted] intends to use specific Tesla-manufactured vehicles for target vehicle training flight test events,” the filing reads. “In the operating theatre it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cyber trucks as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact. Testing needs to mirror real-world situations.”
A market study conducted by the Air Force on February 13, 2025, highlighted the Cybertruck’s 48V electrical architecture, angular stainless steel exoskeleton, and resistance to damage as reasons for its selection. The report stated that competing vehicles lacked comparable features, particularly in structural design and power systems.
“The study revealed that the Cybertruck’s aggressively angular and futuristic design, paired with its unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton, sets it apart from competitors typically using painted steel or aluminum bodies,” the Air Force noted in its analysis.
This development follows earlier reports that Tesla had been considered for a separate $400 million armored EV contract by the U.S. Department of State earlier this year. Although Tesla was initially named in that procurement, the reference was later removed. CEO Elon Musk stated at the time he was unaware of the proposal.
The newly posted Air Force contract, released on August 7, includes an “offers due” date of August 8 and will remain active until August 22.