Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, accuses Elon Musk of remotely disabling a Tesla Cybertruck used by Russian forces in Ukraine. This unexpected twist highlights the vulnerability of connected technologies in armed conflicts. Why would Musk take such action, and what are the potential consequences on the battlefield?
Tesla: Russian troops receive Elon Musk’s modified Cybertrucks
By Alban Albanese
Last modified on September 21, 2024 8:12 am
Technological twists have emerged in the conflict in Ukraine. Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader known for his unwavering support for Russia, has revealed that he sent modified Tesla Cybertrucks to Russian forces on the front lines. However, a recent and unexpected confrontation with Elon Musk, Tesla's founder, has shaken this strategy. Kadyrov accuses the billionaire of remotely disabling one of the vehicles used in Ukraine.
Futuristic vehicles deployed in Ukraine
Last August, Kadyrov made headlines by announcing that he had provided Russian troops with modified Tesla Cybertrucks for frontline use. These vehicles, known for their innovative design and electric features, had been transformed for military purposes. Among the modifications was the installation of machine guns on these futuristic vehicles, designed to support Russian forces in what Moscow calls the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Kadyrov widely promoted these vehicles, touting their effectiveness in terms of mobility and their ability to operate in difficult terrains. The Cybertrucks seemed well-suited for soldiers in conflict zones, and Kadyrov didn't hesitate to appear driving one of them in a video, highlighting the quality of Western technology when used against its own creators.
Kadyrov says he sent two more Tesla Cybertrucks for Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, armed with captured American M2 Brawning 12.7mm machine guns. pic.twitter.com/ll4MwIzPjU
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 20, 2024
The accusation of remote deactivation
In an unexpected twist, Kadyrov accused Elon Musk of remotely disabling one of the modified Cybertrucks used in Ukraine. The Chechen leader declared on Telegram that Musk, after gifting the vehicle, had decided to cut its functions remotely, causing it to break down. "It’s not very kind of Elon Musk to act like this," Kadyrov stated, pointing to what he considers direct sabotage.
This statement from Kadyrov comes after Musk denied any involvement in sending these vehicles. Musk had previously called the claims that he personally gave a Cybertruck to Kadyrov "lies," speaking on his social network X (formerly Twitter). This public denial did not stop Kadyrov from persisting with his accusations.
The reality behind Tesla's remote deactivation
Tesla vehicles, including Cybertrucks, come equipped with advanced remote update capabilities that allow the company to manage certain vehicle functions from its central servers. While this technology is primarily used for maintenance and safety purposes, the idea that such systems could be deliberately disabled during a military conflict raises many questions. In peacetime, remote deactivation could serve a legitimate purpose, but on the battlefield, it could become a major strategic risk.
Tesla has yet to officially comment on this situation, and it’s unclear to what extent the Cybertrucks deployed in Ukraine are affected by this kind of remote control. This debate highlights the potential implications of using civilian technologies in military contexts and raises the issue of where the line should be drawn when it comes to connected technology.
Civilian technologies serving the military
The use of vehicles like the Cybertruck, initially designed for civilian use, makes them a symbol of the growing interconnection between cutting-edge technology and armed conflict. Kadyrov had emphasized the effectiveness of this technology against Ukrainian forces, but this presumed remote deactivation could call into question the long-term use of these vehicles.
Tesla’s involvement in a war zone adds a new dimension to the role of private companies in international conflicts. The possibility of remote control by the manufacturer opens up a debate on the security and autonomy of modern technological tools, especially when used in sensitive situations like military operations.
A technological battle at the heart of the Ukrainian conflict
As the situation in Ukraine remains tense, this episode sheds light on a new aspect of modern warfare: technology becomes a double-edged sword, where decisions made thousands of miles away can influence the outcome of events on the ground. The question of whether other Cybertrucks or similar vehicles might face the same fate remains open.
This incident raises crucial questions about the future of connected civilian technologies in conflict zones. Kadyrov's Cybertruck case illustrates the risks associated with using high-tech tools in military contexts, where private actors could potentially influence the course of operations.