The US Army has officially discontinued its M10 Booker armored infantry support vehicle program, which was on track for full-rate production. This decision stems from the tank’s evolving design, originally intended as a light and air-deployable system, which ultimately morphed into a heavier and less agile platform. The termination aligns with the Department of Defense’s strategy to transition to a “leaner, more lethal force,” prioritizing modern ventures while moving away from “outdated, redundant, and inefficient” programs.
US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll commented on this phenomenon, addressing the “sunk cost fallacy” that often plagues organizations. He highlighted the difficulty in letting go of investments that, despite previous commitment, no longer serve the best interests of future goals. Driscoll noted, “It ended up medium. I don’t think the manufacturer liked it all that much, and we, the Army as a customer, kind of helped create this Frankenstein that came to be.”
In terms of resources, the Pentagon had allocated over $4 billion for the M10 Booker initiative, planning to introduce up to 500 units. So far, approximately $1 billion has been spent on the development of the tanks, with parts manufactured across the country: turrets in Ohio, chassis in Michigan, and final assembly in Alabama. The program, initially referred to as “Mobile Protected Firepower,” kicked off with a production contract awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems in June 2022, which encompassed the construction of up to 96 platforms. The tank was officially launched a year later, with the first vehicle entering service in April 2024.
As for the M10 Booker moving forward, reports indicate that low-rate production will not cease immediately. Currently, the army possesses 26 Booker tanks, with additional units in the latter stages of production expected to be accepted into service. An Army source revealed that the total number of M10 Bookers will be finalized once these units are completed.
In light of this shift, the Army also announced plans to request that the remaining funds allocated for the M10 Booker program in fiscal 2025 be redirected to advance the deployment of more effective capabilities. The service anticipates realizing substantial savings in the coming 18 to 24 months. An official statement from the Army conveyed appreciation for the efforts of the teams and soldiers involved in the M10 Booker initiative, particularly those from the 82nd Airborne Division.
The M10 Booker itself, developed by General Dynamics, features an M35 105-millimeter low-recoil tank gun and a Browning heavy machine gun. It is powered by an MTU diesel engine producing 800 horsepower and equipped with a cross-drive transmission. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour and boasts a range of 350 miles.
