US Army’s latest combat vehicle M10 begins operational evaluation

The 82nd Airborne Division has commenced the initial operational test and evaluation of the M10 Booker fire support tracked combat vehicle.

The testing will cover a range of events, including new equipment training, gunnery exercises, collective training sessions for soldiers, and force-on-force exercises.

The evaluation process for the M10 Booker is comprehensive, aiming to ensure the vehicle meets the rigorous standards required for combat readiness. According to information from earlier this year, the M10 Booker is scheduled to deliver the first batch of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles this year and achieve its first unit equipped status in the fiscal year 2025.

Defense analyst Ronkainen shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the 82nd Airborne Division will receive the first M10 Armor Battalion, designated 3-73 Armor, comprising 42 M10 vehicles.

The M10 Booker, designed to support mechanized brigades, resembles a smaller version of the M1 Abrams tank but is equipped with a 105mm cannon and lighter armor. This design is intended to add firepower and maneuverability to the Army’s mechanized brigades while keeping maintenance costs manageable.

“The Booker will add firepower and maneuverability to the Army’s mechanized brigades,” stated the U.S. Army.

Despite its smaller size compared to the Abrams, the M10 Booker is designed to deliver substantial combat effectiveness. Its 105mm cannon is a potent weapon that enhances the vehicle’s operational flexibility.

The development and deployment of the M10 Booker are part of the Army’s broader strategy to modernize its armored vehicle fleet and improve its combat readiness. The lighter armor and smaller size of the M10 Booker are strategic choices to reduce maintenance costs and increase the vehicle’s agility in diverse combat scenarios.

The M10 Booker is expected to play a crucial role in future operations, providing vital support to mechanized brigades and enhancing the Army’s overall combat capabilities.