The U.S. Army has commenced testing the M10 Booker, a next-generation light tank, in low-temperature conditions at Fort Greely, Alaska. Designed under the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program initiated in 2015, the M10 features a combat weight of 38–42 tons, lightweight compared to the M1 Abrams, which weighs approximately 66 tons. The vehicle is armed with a 105mm gun capable of firing high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds, achieving a range of up to 4km and 1.8km, respectively. Its protection level, however, is insufficient against 120-125mm shells typically fired by main battle tanks. The M10’s design allows for transport via C-17 Globemaster III, accommodating two units without modifications. While the U.S. plans to procure over 500 units at around $13 million each, analysts raise concerns regarding its effectiveness in direct combat scenarios, particularly against higher-caliber threats, suggesting that it may struggle to fulfill the role of heavy fire support in modern warfare. The M10 Booker’s deployment is significant as the U.S. assesses its strategic posture in the Arctic against threats from Russia and China, highlighting the evolving dynamics of ground warfare in contested environments.
