
The dawn of the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle has ushered in a wave of scrutiny and anticipation as the U.S. Army integrates this new asset into its military arsenal. Seen as a pivotal addition to light infantry, paratrooper, and mountain units, the Booker’s induction into service is not without its share of controversy.

The M10 Booker has evoked a debate over the necessity of light tanks in modern warfare, with critics questioning its operational efficacy.

Despite its advanced suite of sensors and communication systems, the Booker’s lighter armor and reduced firepower compared to the stalwart Abrams tank have raised concerns.

Detractors see it as an outmoded concept, echoing past lessons where the adaptation to changing combat landscapes was critical.

The debate encapsulates a broader discourse on the U.S. Army’s innovative capacities in contemporary warfare.

Some argue that the funds allocated to the Booker’s development—amounting to $1.14 billion for up to 96 units—could have been better spent on burgeoning technologies such as cyberwarfare capabilities or unmanned systems.

However, proponents of the M10 Booker underscore its role in enhancing the Army’s maneuverability and firepower, pointing out that this new vehicle addresses a significant gap in the Army’s capabilities.

The Booker, named after two American heroes, Pvt. Robert D. Booker and Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, is not only a symbol of valor but also the Army’s commitment to evolving its combat strategies.

The Booker’s proponents envision it giving adversarial nations like Russia a run for their money on any battlefield. With General Dynamics Land Systems delivering the first units for low-rate initial production, the Army anticipates the acquisition of 504 units, each priced between $12 million to $14 million.

Testing at Fort Liberty, NC, and Fort Stewart, GA, aims to assess its performance under various conditions, with full-rate production slated to begin in the upcoming year.

Armed with a 105mm main gun, the Booker is designed to support infantry brigade combat teams by providing mobile, protected direct fire capability.

It aims to suppress and destroy fortifications, gun systems, and trench routes, and guard against enemy armored vehicles. This mission is a cornerstone of the Army’s transformative journey toward excelling in large-scale combat operations within a multidomain environment.

Despite the Booker’s lighter weight, making it more vulnerable to enemy fire, its faster deployment time could prove decisive. Being air-transportable by the C-17 Globemaster III and requiring a smaller logistical footprint than the heavier Abrams tank are key advantages.

The Booker is part of a strategic shift—aligning the firepower of armor with the agility of infantry, providing commanders with new capabilities to employ in the battle to come.

The M10 is still undergoing rigorous testing, with the 82nd Airborne Division set to be the first unit equipped by late summer 2026. While initial units lack integrated Active Protection Systems and anti-tank guided missiles or drone capabilities, the Army is open to future upgrades based on operational feedback.
Relevant articles:
– The M10 Booker Light Tank Is the U.S. Army’s Next Nightmare, The National Interest
– The Army’s New M10 Light Tank Could Be Russia’s Worst Nightmare, The National Interest
– How The Army’s New M10 Booker Light Tank Will Actually Be Used, The War Zone
– The Army’s New M10 Booker Looks, Rolls, and Fires Like a Tank. But Please Don’t Call It One., Popular Mechanics