Last week, the U.S. Army announced the awarding of a new $323 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), which will initiate low-rate production of the new M10 Booker tanks. This system is currently being tested by the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, which received its first three units in April for this purpose. The division is expected to be the first to field a company of these armored vehicles starting in 2025.
Although the exact number of units to be received under this new contract was not detailed, GDLS’s official statement confirmed the locations where the work would be carried out and provided an estimated delivery date for the new vehicles. Specifically, the U.S. company will activate its plants in Michigan, Alabama, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania, with the estimated delivery date set for October 2026.
Regarding the M10 Booker’s capabilities, Gordon Stein, Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Operations at GDLS, stated: “The M10 Booker provides IBCTs (Infantry Brigade Combat Teams) with a safe and effective platform to complete their missions, which may include bunkers, machine guns, or armored vehicles… We are honored to continue producing the M10 Booker combat vehicle.”
This vehicle has been designed under the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) concept, which aims to provide U.S. light infantry with a high-firepower system for direct support tasks that is more mobile and cost-effective than a traditional tank. The M10 Booker features a 105mm main gun complemented by two machine guns: a 12.7mm multifunctional machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. Additionally, the vehicle has the capability to conceal its position with smoke grenade launchers and incorporates an automatic fire suppression system that enhances its survivability.
According to the manufacturer, the future platform is equipped with a modern propulsion system (featuring an MTU 8V 199 engine with 800 HP) produced by Rolls Royce at its South Carolina plant, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 64 km/h. Furthermore, the M10 Booker has a lightweight structure that can be transported by a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and can be adapted to future needs, requiring a crew of four to operate.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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