First AMX-10 RC wheeled tanks are already in Ukraine - French Ministry of Defence

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has confirmed that the first AMX-10 RC armoured vehicles have arrived in Ukraine. This was reported by the French publication Defence Blog.

The AMX-10 RC reconnaissance armoured vehicles promised by France in early January "have just arrived in Ukraine", he said on March 15 before the National Assembly's Defence Committee. The minister also added that some have already been sent to the front line, but did not name the number of vehicles transferred.

Read also: What equipment did the UK promise to transfer to Ukraine?

The delivery was supposed to take place 2 months after the announcement to prepare the crews and train them at the Somur Cavalry School and Camp Canjouers, and then send the armoured vehicles.

"I am considering holding a second wave of sessions. I am preparing several decisions for the President of the Republic because these vehicles are beginning to serve well in Ukraine," the minister added.

What we know about AMX-10 RC

The AMX-10 RC is a Giat wheeled armoured vehicle typically used for reconnaissance and fire support, armed with a 105mm cannon.

The AMX-10RC is driven like a tank: the axles of its wheels do not rotate, and the change of direction is carried out by shifting gears separately for the wheels on different sides of the vehicle. The advantage of this method is the ability to turn on the spot, as well as the fact that the chassis is simpler and more compact than that of armoured vehicles with conventional steering.

The vehicle has the same all-terrain characteristics as a tracked vehicle. The 6×6 AMX-10 RC is equipped with a variable ground clearance and tilt hydropneumatic suspension system provided by Messier Auto-Industry. A centralised tyre lubrication and inflation system is installed. Each wheel station is equipped with a shock absorber.

Read also: Ukraine to receive Leclerc tanks from France

Specifications of the AMX 10-RC

• Weight: 15.8 t; 16.6 tonnes with additional armour; 17.2 t AMX-10 RCR; 22 tonnes with SEPAR mine/IED protection package;
• Length: 9.15 m (gun forward);
• Hull length: 6.24 m (hull only);
• Width: 2,78 м;
• Height: 2,56 м;
• Crew: 4;
• Armour:
• Frontal armour:Resistant against 23 mm API from 300 m; 14.5mm AP everywhere with additional armour;
• Main armament: 105 mm F2 BK MECA L/47 medium pressure gun (38 rounds);
• Secondary armament: 1× 7.62 mm NF1 twin machine gun (4000 rounds); 1× 12.7 mm M2HB anti-aircraft machine gun (optional); 4× GALIX smoke mortars;
• Specific power: from 16 hp/t;
• Suspension: variable hydropneumatics;
• Operational range: 800 km on road;
• Speed: 85 km/h on road; 40 km/h off-road.

Earlier, the network showed the capabilities of the Bastion armoured personnel carrier, which France will transfer to Ukraine along with AMX-10RC light tanks.

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