The Allegation of Remote Shutdown
On Friday, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov claimed that Tesla CEO Elon Musk remotely disabled his Cybertruck, equipped with a mounted machine gun, after it was deployed to the Northern Military District amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Details of the Incident
Kadyrov expressed his dismay in a post on the messaging app Telegram, accusing Musk of a malicious act. The Cybertruck, according to Kadyrov, performed well in combat missions until it was shut down remotely, resulting in the need for towing.
In response, Kadyrov announced that he would send two more Cybertrucks, unaffected by the remote shutdown, to the warzone. A video accompanying the announcement depicted the trucks moving through a forested area, showcasing their military utility and resilience.
Significance of the Incident
Kadyrov’s initial showcasing of the Cybertruck, with a mounted machine gun, indicated its potential for military use in the Russia-Ukraine war zone. Despite Musk’s denial of a direct donation, the incident raises questions about the vehicle’s accessibility outside the U.S. market.
Kadyrov acknowledged Musk’s contribution of the truck and extended an invitation to the Tesla CEO to visit Grozny, the capital of Chechnya.
While Musk refuted the claims of a direct donation, the ambiguity surrounding how Kadyrov acquired the showcased Cybertruck remains. Musk’s denial on social media added another layer of intrigue to the situation.
An aspect worth noting is the historical context of technological advancements in military equipment, with the integration of innovative vehicles like the Cybertruck into armed forces of various nations.
Overall, the remote shutdown of the Cybertruck in a military setting underscores the complexities of technology, diplomacy, and strategic military operations.
(Note: The Telegram post mentioned in this story was translated from Russian to English with Google Translate. Benzinga does not vouch for the accuracy of the translation.)
Photo: courtesy of Tesla
