Army seeks full-rate production for M10 Booker combat vehicle

The Army is seeking a manufacturer to build the M10 Booker combat vehicle at full-rate production, according to a public notice.

“This solicitation is for a requirement contract for M10 Booker Full Rate Production (FRP) to procure an estimated 266 M10 Booker vehicles,” the May 8 announcement reads.

Issued as a solicitation, the announcement stipulates that the manufacturer will build the M10 according to a product configuration specification and each vehicle will include all basic issue items, component of end items, under vehicle armor and a radio kit.

Production will also include an estimated 31 M10 “refurbishment vehicles” and ancillary services supporting production, the announcement adds.

Weighing approximately 42 tons, the Booker is designed to provide firepower for dismounted units with a 105mm gun and is intended to slot between the Abrams main battle tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

General Dynamics Land Systems, which also builds the Abrams, won a low-rate production contract in 2022 after competing with BAE Systems in the rapid prototyping phase when the program was known as the Mobile Protected Firepower.

The Booker is the Army’s third program to field an infantry support vehicle with a 105mm gun. During the 1990s, the Army developed but canceled plans to field the M8 Armored Gun System, according to Infantry Magazine. In the 2000s, the Army acquired the Stryker M1128 Mobile Gun System but divested from the platform following performance and engineering issues.

The Army expects to spend between $460 million and $500 million to procure between 32-34 vehicles each fiscal year from FY-25 to FY-29, according to service budget documents.