The U.S. Army has halted production of the M10 Booker combat vehicle, issuing a termination for convenience of the program’s current low-rate initial production and deciding not to proceed to full-rate production. The service framed the move as a response to “current world events” and an alignment with the “strategic objectives outlined in the Army Transformation Initiative,” according to a statement released Wednesday.
“The Army will request to reallocate the remaining funds in fiscal 2025 to accelerate fielding of war-winning capabilities and anticipates additional significant savings to be fully realized within the next 18-24 months,” the service said. Such a reallocation would require congressional approval through the defense budget and reprogramming process.
Formerly known as the Mobile Protected Firepower program, the M10 Booker was intended to give light infantry and airborne formations a mobile, protected direct-fire capability. The Army named the vehicle in 2023 to honor two soldiers, and initial vehicles had begun entering service with units including the 82nd Airborne Division for testing and soldier touchpoints.
General Dynamics Land Systems won the low-rate initial production award in June 2022 for up to 96 vehicles. The Army said the ongoing contract termination process “will ultimately determine the disposition of the remaining assets.” A termination for convenience typically triggers a negotiated settlement with the contractor to cover work performed, materials, and closeout costs, as well as decisions on any completed or in-progress equipment.
While the service signaled an intent to shift funds to other priorities, it did not specify which capabilities would be accelerated or how it plans to address the operational gap the M10 was meant to fill for light forces. The decision introduces uncertainty for parts of the ground combat vehicle industrial base that had been gearing up for production and fielding.
“Although M10 Booker production will conclude, the Army appreciates the efforts of the team and Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division who worked on the program,” the statement said.
