The United States Army is on the cusp of a transformative leap in its armored capabilities with the introduction of the M10 Booker, a light tank named in homage to two heroic soldiers, Pvt. Robert D. Booker and Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker.

This new vehicle is poised to become a linchpin in the Army’s efforts to modernize and bolster its infantry brigades’ combat power.

The M10 Booker, previously known as the Mobile Protected Firepower system, is designed to fill an operational gap in the Army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs).

With its deployment set for the summer of 2025, the M10 Booker will furnish infantry units with a mobile, protected, direct, offensive fire capability.

Weighing around 42 tons, the M10 Booker offers a blend of rapid deployability and formidable firepower, distinguishing itself from the heavier M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT).

Its lighter weight allows for a top speed of 40 mph and a significant operational range of 350 miles, enabling swift maneuvers in diverse combat environments.

Armed with a powerful 105mm M35 main gun, the M10 Booker outmatches the armaments of current infantry fighting vehicles like the M2/3 Bradley.

The integration of mature technologies, including the Abrams primary weapon sight, alongside a 7.62mm Coax weapon and a 0.50 M2 commander’s weapon, ensures the M10 Booker can deliver overwhelming precision firepower on the battlefield.

“The Army is undertaking its most significant transformation in several decades to dominate in large-scale combat operations in a multidomain environment, and the M10 Booker is a crucial part of that transformation,” asserted Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Doug Bush.

In preparation for fielding, the Army has already received the first production vehicles and is commencing extensive testing to validate the M10 Booker’s capabilities.

Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, the program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems, highlighted the rigorous evaluations the Booker will undergo, including “production qualification and testing in desert, arctic, temperate, and tropical conditions,” as well as engagement with real-world threats to ensure survivability.

The 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty is slated to be the first unit to operate the M10 Booker, starting later this year.

The plan involves fielding “Mobile Protected Firepower” battalions at various installations, ensuring the IBCTs have the capabilities required to face adversaries.

“The M10 Booker delivered precisely as requested by the Army, completing a competitive and accelerated rapid prototyping effort with direct involvement form Soldiers,” said Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the next generation combat vehicles cross functional team.

“I know that the 82nd airborne and the 18th airborne corps are really excited about the capability that this platform brings to the light infantry combined arms team. … It’ll be really good for the Army to put it through its paces through this operational test period,” he later added.

Relevant articles:
– M10 Booker is a Game-Changer for the U.S. Army’s Combat Strategy, The National Interest
– Army takes delivery of first M10 Booker Combat Vehicle, Army.mil
– Army marching towards key M10 Booker test, 2025 fielding, Breaking Defense
– A New Armored Vehicle Is Coming to the Army. It Could Be a Game Changer for Light Units, Vets Say., Military.com