The U.S. Army has a complicated history with light tanks, and its latest effort, the M-10 Booker, is entering service at a critical juncture where traditional armored warfare tactics may no longer be effective. The M-10, a 46-ton vehicle equipped with a 105-millimeter gun, is designed to support light infantry by providing firepower and situational awareness, but it lacks the heavy firepower and protection of a true tank like the M-1 Abrams.
However, the ongoing war in Ukraine has demonstrated that traditional concepts of armored breakthroughs are becoming obsolete. Inexpensive, ubiquitous drones can easily target and destroy massed forces, making deep maneuvers increasingly risky. The current warfare environment prioritizes attritional battles and indirect firepower, reducing the relevance of vehicles like the M-10.
For the M-10 to be effective, the U.S. Army will need to integrate strong air-defense and counter-drone capabilities alongside it. Without such protections, the M-10 and the light infantry it supports could be vulnerable to drone attacks, potentially rendering the costly new vehicle irrelevant in modern warfare.
**David Axe, The Telegraph**
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