Today we’re checking out the M10 Booker, a light vehicle with a 105 mm gun, designed primary as a support vehicle for infantry.
M10 Booker: A Light Tank for the USA at Rank VII |
At a glance:
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Vehicle History
In the 2010’s, the US Army wanted to design a new vehicle that would act as direct fire support for infantry units. In 2015 the US Army started a new program called Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF), with two designs being submitted: BAE Systems designed a vehicle based on the M8 AMG, and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) the Griffin II. Both companies were awarded contracts to build prototypes.
Both prototypes were shown in December 2020 and February 2021, but BAE Systems was rejected due to not following the requirements. GDLS’s Griffin II was accepted in June 2022 and a contract for 96 vehicles was ready, with the US Army planning to purchase up to 504 of them. In 2023, the Griffin II was officially designated the M10 Booker and the first batch of 26 were delivered in February 2024.
However, in May 2025 the US Army cancelled the M10 Booker, despite receiving some vehicles. The decision was due to its excessive 42 ton weight which was seen as too much for bridges and C-17 transport aircraft. As of November 2025, it is currently unclear what will happen to the 26 vehicles that have already been delivered.
Introducing the M10 Booker!
Meet the M10 Booker, a new US light tank coming to War Thunder in the next major update! This tank was developed for the U.S. Army and features a light chassis, great top speed and a 105 mm gun. Let’s dive into the details of this “Chibi Abrams”!
Despite having a strong start to its life, the M10 Booker fell out of favor with the U.S. Army and was canceled earlier this year, despite the army receiving 26 units. It features the XM35 105 mm gun, which is familiar to the American ground forces tree through the XM8 light tank. The M10 Booker lacks an autoloader, but in addition to the HEAT and excellent M833 APFSDS round, the available ammunition includes the M900 APFSDS shell with over 500 mm of penetration! In combat the Booker will be able to penetrate even the strongest MBTs in the usual weak areas, such as the lower plate, breech and turret ring. The M10 Booker’s FCS includes a handy panoramic sight, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager.
Interesting: The M10 “Booker” is named after Robert D. Booker who was KIA in Tunisia during the Second World War and Stevon Booker who was killed during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Moving onto the chassis now, which is tracked with the engine and transmission mounted at the front. Despite its considerable weight for a light vehicle (42 tons!), the M10 Booker is still quite agile, with a maximum forward speed of 64 km/h and an excellent reverse speed of just over 40 km/h. And for a light tank, the M10 Booker’s armor protection is not bad, frontally it can withstand hits from many autocannons, and its sides can withstand heavy machine gun fire. However, as you would expect, the M10 Booker cannot withstand shots from enemy MBTs, any penetrating hit will likely cause significant damage to modules and crew. Hits into the turret have a high chance of detonating the main ammunition rack as well, so make sure you’re careful when it comes to pushing targets — the armor is indeed strong for a light tank, but not strong enough to shrug off tank cannons.
That’s it for this one! The M10 Booker will be an excellent light tank for the higher ranks, relying on good firepower and mobility. Whether it’s reconnaissance, sniping, or second-line support, this mini-tank excels in any role, be it team play or solo. Look out for this new addition in the US ground forces tree at rank VII with the release of the Line of Contact major update. Until next time!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.