M10 Booker Cancellation: The Rise and Fall of the Army's Latest Light Tank

The Sudden End of the M10 Booker Program

In a surprising move, the United States Army has officially canceled the M10 Booker program, bringing an abrupt end to its latest attempt at developing a modern light tank. This decision comes as a shock to many, especially considering the Army had already begun taking delivery of the vehicles at operational units.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegsth announced sweeping changes to the Army's weapons development and procurement processes, with the cancellation of the M10 Booker being a significant part of these reforms. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll provided a candid assessment of the situation, stating, "We got the Booker wrong. We wanted to develop a small tank that was agile and could do air drops to the places our regular tanks can't. We got a heavy tank."

The Origins of the M10 Booker

The M10 Booker was born out of the Army's long-standing need for a light tank solution. This requirement dates back to World War II, with various attempts made over the decades to fill the gap between main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.

In 2015, the Joint Requirements Oversight Council approved the initial capabilities development group, which led to the creation of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program. The MPF concept aimed to provide infantry units with mobile, protected firepower capable of dealing with hardened enemy positions without relying solely on artillery or close air support.

The Army's request for proposal (RFP) was released in November 2017, seeking a vehicle that could offer:

• Protected long-range precision direct fire capability
• Cyber resilience
• Early forcible entry options
• Compatibility with other light vehicles like the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) and Light Reconnaissance Vehicle (LRV)
• Ability to operate in austere and unpredictable locations

The Competition and Selection Process

Three companies submitted designs for the MPF program:

1. SIC
2. BAE Systems
3. General Dynamics Land Systems

BAE Systems' submission was an evolved version of their M8 Armored Gun System, which had previously been considered as a replacement for the M551 Sheridan. However, BAE Systems was eventually disqualified for non-compliance, leaving General Dynamics as the sole competitor.

In 2022, the General Dynamics design was selected and designated as the M10 Booker, named after two fallen soldiers: Private Robert D. Booker and Staff Sergeant Steven A. Booker.

M10 Booker Specifications and Features

The M10 Booker boasted several impressive features on paper:

• 105mm main cannon
• M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun on the turret
• 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
• Ability to mount extra armor kits (e.g., ERA tiles)
• Modern fire control system with laser rangefinders, thermal imaging, and night vision capabilities
• Compatibility with M1 Abrams tank systems for easier crew transitions
• Weight of just under 42 tons, allowing two vehicles to fit on a C-17 transport aircraft

Testing and Emerging Issues

In 2023, the Army conducted operational testing of the M10 Booker at various locations, including:

• Army Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona
• Fort Greely, Alaska (for cold weather testing)

These tests aimed to evaluate the vehicle's main gun performance, reliability, and maintenance demands across different terrains and environments. Unfortunately, the results revealed several critical issues:

1. Survivability concerns, especially in light of armor vulnerabilities observed in recent conflicts
2. Exposure of crew members to potentially harmful levels of toxic gas after firing the main gun
3. Lack of overall reliability and high maintenance requirements
4. Vision problems and inconsistent performance of fire control systems
5. Many parts could only be serviced by General Dynamics, creating right-to-repair conflicts

While some issues, such as the toxic gas problem, were reportedly resolved, many others remained unaddressed. Fixing these problems would have required significant redesigns, leading to increased costs and delays.

The Decision to Cancel

Despite the M10 Booker's potential benefits, including increased firepower for infantry units and enhanced commander options, the Army ultimately decided to cancel the program. Secretary Driscoll explained the reasoning behind this decision:

"What's historically happened is we would have kept buying this to build out some number of Bookers, and then in decades in the future, we would have switched. Instead, we went to the Pentagon leadership, and we said we made a mistake. This didn't turn out right. We're going to stop. We're going to own it."

This cancellation is part of a broader effort to reassess and reform the Army's weapons development and procurement processes. Other programs under scrutiny include:

• AH-64D Apache variant
• AH-64E Apache
• Humvees
• Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)
• Grey Eagle drone

Implications and Future Challenges

The cancellation of the M10 Booker program raises several important questions and challenges for the U.S. Army:

1. Vehicle gap: With the Booker's cancellation and potential issues with other vehicle programs, what will soldiers use for transportation and combat operations?

2. Modernization efforts: The Army's pattern of failed modernization attempts highlights the need for a more effective approach to weapons development and procurement.

3. Time constraints: Developing, testing, and manufacturing new vehicles to replace the canceled programs will take significant time, potentially leaving gaps in capability.

4. Light infantry support: The intended users of the M10 Booker - light infantry units - still lack a dedicated mobile protected firepower platform.

5. Naming conventions: The practice of naming prototype vehicles after war heroes may need to be reconsidered to avoid potential embarrassment if programs are canceled.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

The cancellation of the M10 Booker program offers several lessons for future military procurement efforts:

1. Realistic requirements: Ensure that vehicle specifications and requirements are achievable and align with operational needs.

2. Thorough testing: Conduct comprehensive testing early in the development process to identify and address potential issues.

3. Flexibility in design: Allow for design modifications and improvements based on testing results and emerging technologies.

4. Right to repair: Consider the long-term maintenance and repair requirements when selecting contractors and designs.

5. Transparency: Maintain open communication about program challenges and be willing to make difficult decisions when necessary.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the M10 Booker program represents a significant setback in the U.S. Army's efforts to modernize its light armor capabilities. While the decision may be disappointing for many, it demonstrates a willingness to acknowledge mistakes and make tough choices in the interest of long-term effectiveness.

As the Army moves forward, it will need to carefully consider its approach to vehicle development and procurement, balancing the need for advanced capabilities with the realities of budget constraints and technological feasibility. The lessons learned from the M10 Booker program should inform future efforts, helping to ensure that the next generation of combat vehicles better meets the needs of soldiers in the field.

Ultimately, the story of the M10 Booker serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in military procurement and the importance of adaptability in the face of changing requirements and emerging technologies. As the Army continues to evolve and modernize, it must remain focused on providing soldiers with the best possible equipment to accomplish their missions and protect their lives on the battlefield.

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