<div id="readability-page-1"><div><div><p>The U.S. Air Force is purchasing two <strong>Tesla Inc.</strong> <span>TSLA</span> Cybertrucks specifically for missile target practice at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.</p><h2>Military Seeks Unconventional Testing Approach</h2><p>Unlike typical military vehicle testing, this brand-specific procurement reflects anticipated battlefield realities, according to defense industry publication The War Zone. </p><p>“In the operating theater, it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cybertrucks, as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact,” the Air Force stated in procurement documents.</p><h2>Cybertruck’s Declining Market Performance</h2><p>Tesla’s Cybertruck faces mounting sales challenges despite initial fanfare. The company sold just 4,306 units in second quarter of 2025, marking a 51% quarterly decline and trailing <strong>Ford Motor Co.</strong> <span>F</span> F-150 <strong>Lightning</strong>‘s 5,842 units and <strong>General Motors Co.</strong> <span>GM</span> <strong>Hummer EV</strong>‘s 4,508 units.</p><p>Current annual sales run at approximately 20,000 units—just 8% of CEO<strong> Elon Musk</strong>‘s original 250,000 annual production target.</p><h2>Inventory Concerns Mount</h2><p>Tesla maintains nearly $200 million worth of unsold Cybertrucks across U.S. lots, according to Tesla-Info data. The vehicle launched at $60,990, significantly above the originally promised $39,900 price point.</p><p>Eight recalls in 14 months, including issues with accelerator pedals and detaching trim pieces, have contributed to customer skepticism.</p><h2>Military Purchase Details</h2><p>The Air Force requires non-functional vehicles with intact bodies, glass, and mirrors for realistic combat simulation. Officials plan to purchase 31 additional vehicles of various types for similar testing purposes, according to the report.</p><ul> <li><strong>Tesla Scores Texas Robotaxi Permit, Pitting Elon Musk’s Fleet Against Uber, Lyft In Autonomous Ride-Hailing Race</strong></li> </ul><p><em>Image Via Shutterstock</em></p></div></div></div>

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<p>The U.S. Air Force is acquiring two Tesla Cybertrucks for missile target practice at White Sands Missile Range, reflecting a shift towards unconventional military testing. Despite initial excitement, Tesla's Cybertruck faces declining sales, with only 4,306 units sold in Q2 2025, a 51% drop. The vehicle's inventory concerns are rising, with nearly $200 million in unsold units. The Air Force plans to buy 31 more vehicles for combat simulation, requiring non-functional models with intact features.</p>

- The U.S. Air Force is acquiring two Tesla Cybertrucks for missile target practice at White Sands Missile Range, reflecting a shift towards unconventional military vehicle testing.  
- This procurement is based on the belief that enemy vehicles may resemble Cybertrucks, which reportedly sustain less damage upon impact.  
- Meanwhile, Tesla faces declining sales, with only 4,306 units sold in Q2 2025, and concerns over inventory and recalls have raised skepticism among customers.  

Benzinga

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Tesla Cybertrucks Picked By US Air Force As Missile Targets To Simulate Real-World Combat Threats