In 2017, the US Army established the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Program with the aim of acquiring a range of advanced armored vehicles to replace current models and enhance the capabilities of combat units. After two years, General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded the contract for the Mobile Protected Firepower (MFP) system under the program. Beginning in early 2021, the Army conducted tests on the MFP system and commenced limited-scale production in the subsequent year. Recently, Army officials revealed the newly developed combat vehicle.
As part of the festivities commemorating the 248th anniversary of the US Army, Army Chief of Staff General James C. McConville and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston presented the recently developed armored vehicle at the Museum of the US Army located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This special event aimed to showcase the new vehicle and its capabilities.
The MFP system, previously known as such, has recently undergone a redesignation by the Army and is now referred to as the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle. This new name is a tribute to two courageous Army soldiers who tragically lost their lives.
Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker, a veteran of the Gulf War, was recognized posthumously with the Distinguished Service Cross for his exceptional bravery during a confrontation with the enemy near Baghdad International Airport in the course of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unfortunately, Sgt. Booker succumbed to injuries sustained in April 2003.
Private Robert Booker, a participant in World War II, was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor, bestowed upon him a year after his passing in April 1943 while serving in Tunisia.
The M10 Booker is an impressive and powerful weapon system created with the intention of emulating the success of the M551 Sheridan, a lightweight tank extensively utilized during the Vietnam War. Nonetheless, Major General Glenn Dean, the executive officer overseeing the Army Ground Combat Systems program, clarified to journalists that the new armored vehicle should not be classified as a tank.
The M10 Booker has a significantly lower weight compared to the M1 Abrams main battle tank, weighing just 42 tons compared to the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams, which weighs approximately 74 tons. This lighter weight allows the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft to accommodate two of these new combat vehicles, which can provide support to light infantry combat teams. The M10 Booker is armed with a powerful 105mm direct-fire cannon, in contrast to the 120mm main gun found on the Abrams.
