The US Air Force is procuring Tesla Cybertrucks to use as targets in battlefield training exercises, symbolizing the deepening relationship between the Pentagon and Big Tech. According to Gordon Adams, a professor of US foreign policy at American University, this initiative reflects a broader trend of collaboration between the military and private sector tech giants.
The Air Force Material Command is seeking two Cybertrucks for target vehicle training flight test events, citing their aggressively angular and futuristic design, paired with their unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton, as ideal for battleground testing. The vehicles don't need to be fully operational, but rather intact and able to move on their wheels.
The Pentagon is increasingly turning to private technology firms to meet its operational needs, with over half of the government's total contract obligations going to the private sector, reaching $445 billion out of $755 billion in fiscal 2024. Companies like Palantir, SpaceX, and OpenAI have secured significant contracts with the Pentagon, including a $10 billion, 10-year software deal and a $200 million contract for AI capabilities.
The partnership between the Pentagon and Big Tech is driving innovation in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced vehicle technologies. The relationship between the two is expected to remain robust, with the demand for cutting-edge technology in the military continuing to grow. This collaboration may lead to new opportunities and set the stage for a more integrated, tech-driven defense strategy.
However, some experts, like Adams, express concerns about the privatization of technology through the Defense Department, suggesting it's a process that's "very much now out of control". As the military continues to rely on private sector technology, the implications of this partnership will likely be closely watched.
