Pentagon Considers Repurposing Canceled Program's Armored Vehicles for Marine Use

The Pentagon is evaluating options for repurposing two dozen armored vehicles produced prior to the cancellation of a contract for new combat tanks, according to The Washington Times. The M10 Booker, intended to be the U.S. Army's first significant new combat vehicle in decades, was discontinued recently due to its weight challenges, rendering it less suitable for airborne deployment by paratrooper units. Originally costing over $1 billion, the program was halted by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll amid budget cuts, citing that the tank's design did not meet effectiveness expectations. Development requirements evolved over time, aiming for a light, highly maneuverable, and air-droppable tank capable of rapid deployment in medium-intensity conflicts. However, the changing nature of modern warfare has cast doubt on the vehicle's practicality. While the Booker, at approximately 42 tons, is lighter than the main battle tank M1 Abrams, its weight still limits air deployment and crossing certain bridges. Despite its limited role within the Army, there is interest in transferring these vehicles to the Marine Corps, where officials argue that the Booker's firepower and durability could enh...