According to the US Department of Defense as of April 15, 2024, General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, has been awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract valued at $296 million for technical support of the M10 Booker armored fighting vehicle.
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The U.S. Army plans to utilize the M10 Booker primarily to bolster infantry units, providing a crucial link between lighter infantry forces and heavier armored divisions (Picture source: General Dynamics )
The M10 Booker MPF, the U.S. Army's latest addition to its armored fleet, boasts formidable armaments including a primary 105mm cannon, derived from the American M35, and a 7.62mm machine gun mounted coaxially. The cannon can discharge both APDS (Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot) and HE (High Explosive) rounds. APDS rounds, designed to penetrate armor effectively, have a range of 1.8 km, while HE rounds can impact targets up to 4 km away. The cannon operates with manual loading. Moreover, the vehicle is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun on the commander's hatch and sports two sets of four smoke grenade launchers on the front of the turret.
The M10 Booker's design caters to both offensive and defensive roles, making it a versatile tool in combat. It excels in engagements against enemy armor, fortifications, and personnel thanks to its precision targeting systems, rapid mobility, and the capability to quickly change positions under fire. Its modular structure also allows for customization to suit various military tasks, including reconnaissance and direct fire support.
The U.S. Army plans to utilize the M10 Booker primarily to bolster infantry units, providing a crucial link between lighter infantry forces and heavier armored divisions. The vehicle is also well-suited for urban combat, counter-insurgency efforts, and expedited deployment scenarios.
Overall, the deployment of the M10 Booker Fire Support Vehicle reflects the U.S. Army's commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and readiness. As this vehicle integrates into service, it is expected to play a significant role in the Army's tactical operations across various future combat environments.
In June 2023, the US Army awarded a substantial contract to General Dynamics for the production and fielding of up to 96 M10 Booker vehicles. The US Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) for the MPF is 504 vehicles, with 14 MPFs per Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The targeted fielding for the first unit equipped in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
Defense News April 2024
