US Air Force Targets Tesla Cybertruck for Missile Testing

The U.S. Air Force is moving to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks as part of a broader vehicle purchase for live missile trials at the White Sands Missile Range. The move reflects a focus on preparing for scenarios where unconventional vehicle designs could appear in conflict zones. The trucks will be used alongside sedans, SUVs, and other models in a 33-unit fleet for precision-guided munition drills.

Design Features Drive Military Interest

Contract documents cite the Cybertruck’s unpainted stainless-steel exoskeleton, angular geometry, and 48V electrical system as key factors for its inclusion. These features set it apart from traditional painted steel or aluminum-bodied vehicles and could influence survivability in combat situations. The Air Force aims to replicate potential battlefield encounters where similar vehicles might be deployed.

Training to Match Emerging Threats

The trucks will be stripped of batteries and immobilized before testing. They will form part of the Special Operations Command’s Standoff Precision Guided Munition program, designed to train forces for engagements with advanced or unconventional targets. The military’s emphasis on novel vehicle profiles underscores growing concern over shifting threat landscapes.

Market Reaction and Brand Implications

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) delivered fewer than 50,000 Cybertrucks in the past year, well below Elon Musk’s original projection of 500,000 units annually. While demand challenges persist, defense-sector interest could bolster the model’s image as a rugged and durable platform. The announcement prompted a modest uptick in Tesla’s share price, with investors weighing the symbolic value of military validation against the reality of tepid sales.

Tips for Traders

• Watch Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) for short-term momentum if defense interest fuels renewed public attention.

• Monitor industrial metals suppliers, particularly in stainless steel production, as defense tests highlight material durability.

• Track defense contractors supporting missile range operations and vehicle testing programs.

• Assess potential defense-related branding benefits for Tesla, even if procurement is symbolic.

• Stay alert to defense spending shifts toward unconventional vehicle threat preparedness.