On its way to future incorporation into the U.S. Army, the new M10 Booker combat vehicle is undergoing extreme testing in the Arctic, with this development occurring shortly after the institution conducted tests with its 105 mm M35 cannon at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona. According to reports, the activities are taking place at the Arctic Regions Test Site located in Fort Greeley, Alaska, where subzero temperatures are a daily reality.
Referring to the matter, Peter George, currently the lead product manager for the M10 Booker program, stated: “M10 Booker crews will go wherever they are needed, so they need a vehicle that is ready for anything. That is why we test in the harshest environments. I spent a week with professionals from the Arctic Regions Test Site in Fort Greeley, Alaska, where we are putting the Booker though a gamut of extreme cold temperature testing in some of the worlds most challenging conditions. These testers regularly live life well below zero degrees.”
It is worth recalling that the U.S. Army plans to acquire approximately 500 units of the platform to enhance the combat capabilities of its infantry brigades, having awarded a $323 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) last August to begin low-rate production of the platform. As previously reported by the company, delivery dates are expected for October 2026, made possible by activating production facilities in various states across the U.S., including Michigan, Alabama, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
Among its main advantages, the new U.S. armored vehicle stands out for incorporating the aforementioned 105 mm M35 cannon, which will provide significantly greater firepower than the current Bradley vehicles used to support infantry operations, as they are equipped with 25 mm cannons. This armament is further complemented by two machine guns—one 12.7 mm mounted on the turret and another 7.62 mm coaxial—operable by a four-person crew. Additionally, its propulsion system allows it to reach speeds of up to 64 km/h, with each vehicle boasting 800 horsepower to operate even in adverse weather conditions. Moreover, one of the vehicle’s key advantages is its ease of transport by U.S. Air Force aircraft, as it is feasible to load two units onto a C-17 plane.
Cover image: Peter George
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