The US Air Force is reportedly looking at purchasing two Tesla Cybertrucks. In military terms, the military branch is hoping to test its durability against certain types of precision-guided munitions. In layman terms, it wants to blow them up with special weapons and ammunition.
The Cybertrucks are among 33 vehicles listed for testing; however, they are the only ones specified by name and model, while the other 31 vehicle brands remain undisclosed. These electric vehicles will undergo testing at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, a facility renowned for advanced weapon system trials.
As to why it is planning on purchasing its Cybertruck, the US military as a whole believes that other armed forces may start using Cybertrucks for military purposes, such as transportation, patrol, or carrying equipment.
“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,” according to a redacted document. “Testing needs to mirror real-world situations. The intent of the training is to prep the units for operations by simulating scenarios as closely as possible to the real-world situations.”
That fear isn’t an unfair or unfounded one. Last year, images and videos emerged of Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Chechen Republic, riding around on a Cybertruck that had been fitted with a machine gun at the back. The EVs were most likely purchased in Russia and given to Kadyrov as a gift by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, vehemently denied that he had ever sent or donated any number of vehicles to the warlord, ever.
On another note, the Cybertruck has already been proven to stop certain types of ammunition. There are plenty of videos of gun enthusiasts proving this, but ultimately, it’s windows can stop subsonic and pistol rounds, while it body has proven to be able to withstand multiple types of rifle rounds.
For another matter, a rugged-terrain-capable EV on the battlefield is still a massive boon, for whichever side has access to them – unlike conventional technicals and internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, you don’t have to worry about the sound of the engine giving away your position, making it useful for missions that require subtlety.
