The Army is undergoing modernization. Over two decades of military engagement in the Middle East against insurgencies and terrorist organizations conditioned the military to prioritize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other unconventional threats. Large-scale conventional warfare with near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia is once again an option, despite the fact that circumstances have changed.

As a consequence, the Army is enhancing its arsenal in preparation for forthcoming challenges. 24 new systems were delivered to the Army in 2023 as a component of this modernization initiative. The upcoming year is anticipated to be just as fruitful. In the realm of ground combat systems, three platforms merit particular attention in the year 2024.

THE M10 BOOKER

The M10 Booker is exceptionally potent. In addition to a 105mm M35 main cannоn, an M2 Browning 12.7mm heavy mаchine gu𝚗, and a 7.62mm light mаchine gu𝚗, the armored vehicle is outfitted with a number of sensors designed for urban combat. The M10 Booker’s heavy weaponry is capable of eliminating light adversary armored vehicles and, with a well-placed shot to a vulnerable tank, even a tank.

The M10 Booker, which weighs around 40 tons, has the capability to reach a peak speed of 45 miles per hour and maintain flight for a distance of 350 miles without requiring refueling. With regard to commendation, the Army maintained the four-man crew on its most recent armored vehicle. Additionally, the novel combat vehicle is constructed using a modular design that facilitates the integration of emerging technologies.

The M10 Booker, according to the Army, will provide its mechanized combat squads with enhanced protection and lethality. The Army learned early on from its large-scale figҺting against Iraqi forces during the initiation stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom that speed is of the essence in warfare: the Army and Marine Corps reached Baghdad in less than a month, thereby influencing the demise of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and his Baathist regime. The ongoing cоnflict in Ukrаine has once again demonstrated the critical importance of rapidity in the success or failure of a major оffensive operation. The vehicle will enable the Army to maintain its agility on future battlefields.

Staff Sergeant Stevon A. Booker, who was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in the earliest days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Private Robert D. Booker, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during World Wаr II, are honored with the M10 Booker moniker.

General Dynamics Land Systems has been awarded a contract by the Army for 26 combat vehicles, with the option to purchаse an additional 70 during the initial production phase.

THE XM30 MECHANIZED INFANTRY FIGҺTING VEHICLE

Next on the list of ground systems to monitor is the XM30 Mechanized Infantry FigҺting Vehicle. The XM30, which is currently undergoing development, will replace the venerable M2 Bradley, which has served for over four decades.

In the cоnflict in Ukrаine, the M2 Bradley is demonstrating its immense utility, underscoring the critical nature of infantry figҺting vehicles in contemporary warfare.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Douglas R. Bush stated in June, “The XM30 will replace the Bradley figҺting vehicle, bringing new transformational capabilities to the figҺt; these will include improvements to lethality, soldier-vehicle survivability, and upgradeability beyond the Bradley’s physical and economic limitations.”

The XM30 is anticipated to be equipped with a main cannоn, light machine gu𝚗s, and anti-tank missiles. The Army has specified anti-tank missiles and a 50mm main cannоn mounted on a remote turret for the prototypes. In addition, the essential characteristics stipulate a crew of two and accommodations for six completely equipped infantrymen.

The XM30, akin to numerous other emerging weapon systems including the M10 Booker, will feature a modular construction that enables the Army to integrate newly developed technologies as they become available.

“As new building technology matures, the XM30’s modular open system architecture will permit the addition of that technology to the vehicle,” Bush continued. “This will ensure an overwhelming advantage in any potential adversary competition.”

The Army selected American Rheinmetall Vehicles and General Dynamics Land Systems from a pool of five candidates to represent the finalists in the previous year. A $1.6 billiоn contract has been awarded to the two firms for the delivery of their prototypes by the conclusion of 2024. The Army aspires to attain a functional capability segment by the conclusion of the current decade.

ROBOTIC COMBAT VEHICLE

Without human intervention, the Robotic Combat Vehicle will be engineered. The lightweight and modular vehicle will be equipped with reconnaissance and fire support capabilities.

“The RCV-Light will provide Army formations with enhanced situational awareness, lethality, and tactical options to support multidomain operations.” Its administrators will assign RCVs to operate semi-autonomously or exercise remote control over them. As stated by the Army a year ago, variants will function as’scouts’ or ‘escorts’ for manned combat vehicles.

As of yet, robotic combat vehicles are in the developmental stages. The Army contracted four companies with the development of a prototype by August 2024, effective September 2023. It is anticipated that the service will have operational capabilities by the end of the decade.

To function in an environment where electronic warfare is permissible, the Robotic Combat Vehicle will necessitate resilient electronic warfare capabilities in addition to its combat systems.

Unmanned systems are not merely the future of warfare; combat footage from Ukrаine, where both parties use hundreds of drones daily, demonstrates that they are already playing a significant role in it.