It was recently revealed in U.S. government filings made public that the Tesla Cybertruck was sought out by the Air Force for munitions training and testing, and the reason why the vehicle was specifically chosen will shock you.

Last night, we reported that the U.S. Air Force was looking to buy a fleet of 33 total vehicles for its Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)’s Standoff Precision Guided Munition (SOPGM) training and tests. Documents filed showed that two Cybertrucks were requested.

While many of these cars are used for simple target practice and are intended to be disposed, the Cybertruck seems to be a bit more of a challenge for the heavy artillery that will be used on it. Some documents that revealed the plans went into detail about why the Cybertruck was specifically chosen.

Tesla Cybertruck blasted by another firearm to prove unbelievable strength

One filing said that the Cybertruck is simply more capable than typical vehicles. The government believes Cybertrucks would be used by enemy forces because of their proven durability against gunfire:

“In the operating theatre, it is likely [that] 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.”

We’ve already seen this on one occasion, as Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov managed to install a turret on the back of one of the all-electric pickups last year. Kadyrov claimed Musk “remotely disconnected” the Cybertruck.

Tesla Cybertruck with turret ‘disabled by Elon Musk,’ Chechen warlord says

In an effort to find comparable vehicles that displayed similar characteristics to Cybertruck, the military performed market research in February to do so. However, it was unsuccessful, claiming the pickup design “sets it apart” from others:

“On 13 February 2025, market research was conducted to assess the competition for the Tesla Cybertruck by evaluating its design, materials, impact resistance, and innovative technologies. 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. Additionally, its 48V electrical architecture provides superior power and efficiency, a feature that rivals are only beginning to develop. Extensive internet searches and industry outreach by [redacted] found no vehicles with features comparable to those of the Cybertruck.”

It is interesting considering there are outlets and people out there who routinely mention the Cybertruck as an unreliable vehicle with a lot of quality problems. Many point to the recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that aimed to solve body panels disconnecting from the pickup as proof that the car is unsafe.

However, the NHTSA’s 473 Safety Recall Report claims that just 1 percent of the potentially involved population of 46,906 Cybertrucks will be impacted by that recall.

It is apparently strong and reliable enough for the military to use it as a target for munitions training.

Tesla stock (NASDAQ: TSLA) got a crazy prediction from CEO Elon Musk recently, as the future of the company seems to be moving more toward AI, autonomy, and robotics, and away from automotive, which is what it has traditionally been recognized as.

Over the past few years, as Tesla has prioritized its Full Self-Driving suite, its rollout of a dedicated Robotaxi program, and the development of the Optimus bot, the company has gained a new reputation from analysts.

It was always looked at as a stock with tremendous potential by many Wall Street firms, some more than others.

The most bullish analysts, like Cathie Wood of ARK Invest, believe the company will eventually reach a multi-trillion-dollar valuation and a share price of over $2,000. Her $2,600 price target does not include any contributions of Optimus. Instead, it leans on Full Self-Driving and Robotaxi.

Tesla tops Cathie Wood’s stock picks, predicts $2,600 surge

Based on where the company is now, there are a lot of potential catalysts. The Robotaxi expansion, as well as affordable vehicles, its prowess in AI and Robotics, and its powerful energy division are all arguments for investment.

One X user said that a $150,000 investment in Tesla right now would likely make you a millionaire. Musk said he thinks that sentiment is “probably correct.”

I think this is probably correct

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 5, 2025

He’s echoed this belief in recent earnings calls, including the one for Q2, which happened in July:

“I do think if Tesla continues to execute well with vehicle autonomy and humanoid robot autonomy, it will be the most valuable company in the world. A lot of execution between here and there. It doesn’t just happen. Provided we execute very well, I think Tesla has a shot at being the most valuable company in the world. Obviously, I am extremely optimistic about the future of the company.”

Tesla is trading at $316.50 at the time of writing, and has a market cap of just under $1 trillion.

Elon Musk revealed on the social media platform X last night why Tesla could not call its autonomous ride-hailing service “Robotaxi” upon its launch in California as it did in Austin, Texas.

Tesla has been operating Robotaxi ride-hailing services in the United States for less than two months, as it launched its first rides in Austin on June 22. Last month, Tesla officially launched rides in California’s Bay Area, but it only referred to it as a “ride-hailing service.”

Invites to our Bay Area ride-hailing service are going out now pic.twitter.com/4Ql4XfSLvC

— Tesla AI (@Tesla_AI) July 31, 2025

Some outlets reported that it was not the “Robotaxi” fleet, but in reality, Tesla did not have the ability to use the terms “taxi” or “cab” in the state, Musk revealed on Wednesday night.

He said:

We are working as quickly as possible to get 100+ Teslas operating for autonomous ride-hailing (can’t use the word “taxi” or “cab” in California) in the Bay Area and allow anyone to request a ride

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 6, 2025

On the heels of announcing that Tesla was planning to expand its fleet for the service to 100 vehicles, Musk revealed that California does not allow automakers operating pilot programs of driverless services to use the terms “cab” or “taxi.”

It is a regulation enacted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which does not allow those terms to be used for vehicles that are not fully autonomous.

The CPUC did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the terminology. If a representative clears up the terminology, we will add it to this article.

Based on filings from other companies on the CPUC website, it appears that the terms “robotaxi” or even “robocab” are set aside for cars that are completely driverless and not under any direct supervision.

Tesla is using a Safety Monitor in its vehicles in Austin in the passenger seat. In California, this monitor is behind the steering wheel. In order for Tesla to call it a Robotaxi, it seems the in-car monitor will have to be removed altogether.