Washington D.C., United States, October 5, 2023 - At the next edition of AUSA the Association of United States Army (AUSA) defense exhibition that will be held this month in Washington D.C., General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will showcase the final version of the U.S. Army M10 Booker combat vehicle to the public for the first time. Previously known as the MPF (Mobile Protected Firepower), this unveiling marks a pivotal moment in the defense sector.
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The M10 Booker Combat Vehicle proudly displays its namesake on the gun tube during the Army Birthday Festival at the National Museum of the U.S. Army, June 10, 2023. (Picture source U.S. DoD)
The U.S. Army had previously announced in June 2023 the awarding of a substantial $1.14 billion contract to GDLS. This contract encompasses the production and deployment of up to 96 MPF M10 Booker vehicles. As per the U.S. Army Acquisition Objective (AAO), the goal is to acquire a total of 504 MPF vehicles, allocating 14 MPFs for each Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). The anticipated fielding for the First Unit Equipped (FUE) is set for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
Further solidifying GDLS's commitment to the project, the company was granted a contract modification valued at $257,602,312 on June 26, 2023. This modification is specifically for the low-rate initial production of the M10 Booker 105mm tracked combat vehicle.
The AUSA defense exhibition, held in Washington D.C., serves as a platform for defense companies to showcase their latest innovations, and the unveiling of the M-10 Booker by GDLS is undoubtedly one of this year's highlights.
The M10 Booker is an armored fighting vehicle developed for the United States Army by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and based on the design of a light tank. Originating from the United States, this vehicle was designed by General Dynamics Land Systems and has a mass that ranges roughly between 38 to 42 tonnes. Its primary armament is a 105 mm M35 tank gun. In terms of secondary armament, the M10 Booker is equipped with a 12.7 mm M2HB heavy machine gun and a 7.62 mm M240B machine gun. Powered by a diesel engine that delivers 1,070 hp (800 kW), it uses an Allison Transmission 3040 MX cross-drive and features a hydropneumatic suspension system. The M10 Booker can cover an operational range of 250 to 350 miles (400 to 560 km) and can reach a maximum speed of 45 mph (72 km/h).
This vehicle was a development from the GDLS Griffin II armored fighting vehicle and emerged as the winner of the Mobile Protected Firepower program in June 2022. The initial contract for the M10 Booker is for 96 low-rate initial production (LRIP) vehicles, with the first batch expected to be delivered by the end of 2023.
Interestingly, while some in the military and defense media circles refer to the M10 Booker as a "light tank" due to its design and appearance, officials from the Army's MPF program don't consider this to be an accurate classification. The primary role of the M10 Booker is to support Infantry Brigade Combat Teams by suppressing and destroying enemy fortifications, gun systems, and trench routes. Additionally, it offers protection against enemy armored vehicles.
In June 2023, the vehicle was officially named "M10 Booker" in honor of Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker and Pvt. Robert D. Booker. Plans are in place for the U.S. Army to procure up to 504 units of the M10 Booker, which will be distributed among light divisions in both the active duty and National Guard. Notably, the 82nd Airborne Division is slated to be the first unit to receive the M10 Booker.
Defense News October 2023
