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M10 Booker Undergoing Cold Weather Trials in Alaska to Enhance US Army’s Arctic Capabilities.
The U.S. Army is currently conducting extreme condition tests on its light armored vehicle, the M10 Booker, at Fort Greely, Alaska. These trials aim to evaluate the vehicle’s performance in a challenging Arctic environment, as the region becomes an increasingly strategic area for the United States.
The M10 is a combat vehicle designed to meet the U.S. Army's needs in demanding environments, combining firepower, mobility, and protection. (Picture source: US DoD)
The M10 Booker, developed as part of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program, is designed to fill the gap between heavy tanks such as the M1 Abrams and lighter vehicles like the Stryker. Armed with a 105mm gun and powered by an 800 hp diesel engine, the vehicle combines greater mobility with a reduced logistical footprint, making it particularly suited for rapid deployments in remote areas, such as the Arctic, where the harsh conditions make the use of heavy vehicles impractical.
The tests at Fort Greely, where temperatures can drop to -25°C, are crucial for assessing the Booker’s reliability in extreme cold conditions. Challenges associated with operating an armored vehicle in such temperatures, such as fuel solidification and reduced efficiency of batteries and electronic systems, are being addressed. The vehicle is also being tested for the performance of its transmission and weapon systems to ensure it can withstand the rigors of the Arctic terrain.
These tests come at a time when the Arctic is becoming an increasingly strategic region for the United States. The retreat of Arctic ice is opening new maritime routes and access to natural resources, intensifying geopolitical competition, particularly with Russia and China. The M10 Booker could be a key element in quickly responding to threats in this region, thanks to its ability to be rapidly deployed by air, with two vehicles being able to fit onto a single C-17 Globemaster III.
The M10 is a combat vehicle designed to meet the U.S. Army's needs in demanding environments, combining firepower, mobility, and protection. It is equipped with a 105mm gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7mm machine gun, providing versatile strike capability against a wide range of threats. The M10's protection is designed for various combat scenarios, with armor that resists small arms fire, artillery shell fragments, and threats like improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This allows the vehicle to operate in hostile conditions while providing a degree of security for its crew against conventional and asymmetric attacks.
Weighing approximately 38,000 kg, the M10 offers good stability while remaining mobile enough for rapid deployments. It can reach a top speed of 65 km/h, making it quite agile for a vehicle of its size, capable of moving quickly across various terrains while maintaining its ability to provide effective fire support. The M10 also has a range of 305 km, allowing it to conduct prolonged missions without frequent refueling.
This vehicle is equipped with a computerized fire control system, a panoramic sight, and day and night vision systems, enabling it to operate effectively in reduced visibility conditions while providing the crew with enhanced situational awareness. An NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system further enhances crew safety against chemical, biological, or nuclear threats, a significant asset in modern combat environments where such threats are increasingly likely.
Finally, the M10 is designed to be operated by a four-person crew, offering a combination of firepower, protection, and system management that ensures optimal effectiveness in various types of combat missions. The vehicle is designed to support operations in high-intensity environments while maintaining great flexibility in its role for ground support.
The Army plans to acquire more than 500 M10 Bookers by 2035, to enhance its presence and responsiveness in the Arctic. In short, these tests are crucial for determining the M10 Booker’s ability to operate in extreme conditions and support the U.S. defense strategy in the Arctic region.