U.S. Army’s M10 Booker Fire Support Vehicle to Begin Full-Scale Production in 2025
The U.S. Army’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget request confirms the planned transition of the M10 Booker fire support tracked vehicle from Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to Full-Rate Production (FRP), marking a significant milestone in strengthening Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs).
The M10 Booker program began in 2018 to equip Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) with a highly mobile, protected, direct-fire capability. Developed under the Middle Tier Acquisition Pathway, the program used existing technologies to speed up production. This streamlined process helped the U.S. Army move the M10 Booker from concept to production in under four years. In February 2024, the U.S. Army received its first M10 Booker production vehicle at Anniston Army Depot, marking its move from prototype testing to a step towards operational capability. By this stage, three production vehicles have been delivered, showing steady progress in the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase. On April 18, 2024, the Army officially christened the M10 Booker at Aberdeen Proving Ground, introducing its newest combat vehicle. This event underscored the vehicle’s role in modernizing light maneuver forces and enhancing battlefield effectiveness. In the summer of 2025, the Army plans to deploy the first operational company of M10 Booker Combat Vehicles to the 82nd Airborne Division, following a series of operational tests and evaluations.
The U.S. Army awarded General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) a $1.14 billion contract to produce and deliver the M10 Booker under the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program. A total of 504 vehicles are planned for procurement, with production increasing after the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase. The first Full-Rate Production (FRP) lot will include 33 vehicles, with more units delivered in the following years to strengthen the Army’s firepower and mobility. The first unit equipped is scheduled for the last quarter of fiscal year 2025, consisting of a battalion of 42 vehicles.
The M10 Booker fire support tracked vehicle is a 42-ton armored combat vehicle designed to enhance the firepower and mobility of Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs). It measures approximately 9 meters (30 feet) in length, 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) in width, and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in height, with a four-person crew consisting of a commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The M10 Booker is powered by an MTU 8V199 TE23 diesel engine producing 800 horsepower. This marks the first use of an MTU serial production engine in a U.S. Army land system in over four decades. Built for high mobility and protection, the M10 Booker features a tracked chassis, allowing it to navigate rough terrain effectively. It is equipped with a 105mm main gun, providing direct-fire support against enemy forces, fortified positions, and light-armored vehicles. Additional armament includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun for secondary defense. Designed for rapid deployment, the vehicle can be airlifted by a C-17 transport aircraft, ensuring quick battlefield access. With advanced armor protection and situational awareness systems, the M10 Booker enhances combat effectiveness and survivability, making it a critical asset for modern warfare.