GDLS received $257.6m for small-scale production of the M10 Booker, the first US light tank in almost 40 years

In the first half of June the US Army announced the name of the first US light tank in some 40 years - the M10 Booker. The day before, the US Department of Defence announced the allocation of funding for small-scale production.

Here's What We Know

The light tank is the unofficial name for the vehicle. Formally, the M10 Booker is a fire support vehicle. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has been awarded $257.6 million for small-scale production. Work on the contract will run until 18 October 2025 at plants in Michigan, Ohio and Alabama.

GDLS was previously awarded $1.1bn to produce 96 combat vehicles. The first deliveries will start as early as 2023. The US Army wants a total of 504 M10 Booker units. The cost of the entire Mobile Protected Fire Power (MPFV) programme is estimated at $6bn.

The M10 Booker is equipped with a 105mm XM35 cannon and a coaxial machine gun. The new fire support vehicle will remain in service with the US Army for at least 30 years.

Source: Pentagon