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Ukrainian Forces Continue to Praise AMX-10RCR French Reconnaissance Vehicle.
The announcement of the delivery of AMX-10RCR armored reconnaissance vehicles to Ukraine in January 2023 marked a pivotal moment in European support for Kyiv. This decision was crucial in launching the European initiative to send heavy combat vehicles to the Ukrainian armed forces.
The AMX-10RCR armored reconnaissance vehicles in Ukriane. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
France provided a total of 38 AMX-10RC armored vehicles to Ukraine, with 14 delivered in March 2023. As of September 3, 2024, 4 of these vehicles have been confirmed as lost: one destroyed, two abandoned, and one captured by Russian forces. It is important to note that these figures may change as the conflict progresses.
Delivered to the Ukrainian forces in March, the AMX-10RCR was quickly deployed to the front lines. However, the results were far from meeting expectations. Ukrainian forces, initially using the French vehicle for direct offensive operations, quickly realized that the AMX-10RCR lacked the necessary armor and firepower for this role.
Negative reports emerged regarding the vehicle's inefficiency, with many soldiers expressing frustration with the system's limitations. It seemed that the Ukrainian army might reduce its use of the AMX-10RCR or reserve it for less risky missions.
However, this was not the case. Now used as an assault gun, the French 6x6 vehicle has proven to be an essential asset in areas where it is engaged, playing a key role in the Ukrainian resistance. It delivers lethal and decisive strikes against infantry assaults while leveraging its superior mobility to avoid retaliatory fire.
Recent reports, including one aired by Armiia TV, highlighted this change in perception of the AMX-10RCR. A Ukrainian crew member, known as "Rapier," shared a radically different view from the initial assessments. Confident in the effectiveness of the AMX-10RCR, Rapier emphasized its key capabilities for the missions assigned to them.
One of the AMX-10RCR’s strengths, according to Ukrainian soldiers, is its precise targeting system. Combined with information from Ukrainian surveillance drones, the vehicle can carry out devastating barrages against Russian infantry assaults on allied positions. The 105mm F2 BEKA MECA 48-caliber gun is particularly effective, allowing it to engage targets at long range with high-explosive fragmentation shells (OE 105 F3), which are highly effective against infantry.
With a well-trained loader, the AMX-10RCR can fire at a rate of one round every six seconds, sending 11 to 12 anti-personnel shells before repositioning. This is where the second advantage of the AMX-10RCR comes into play: its remarkable mobility.
With a combat weight of 17 tons, the AMX-10RCR has an axle weight of less than 6 tons and a power-to-weight ratio of 16.5 hp per ton, providing it with exceptional all-terrain mobility. These characteristics allow it to move quickly and evade enemy fire after carrying out its devastating strikes.
The agility of the AMX-10RCR has proven useful in fast-paced and unpredictable battlefield conditions, offering Ukrainian forces a versatile vehicle capable of engaging targets at range and repositioning quickly to avoid counterattacks.
The evolution of the AMX-10RCR, from an armored reconnaissance vehicle to a strategic assault gun, demonstrates its versatility on the battlefield. Initially seen as unsuitable for direct combat, it has now become an indispensable element of Ukraine’s resistance strategy. The vehicle’s ability to conduct long-range support strikes and mobility make it a key component in countering Russian advances and supporting Ukrainian positions.
The AMX-10RCR has proven to be much more effective than anticipated in Ukraine, adapting to the needs of the Ukrainian forces and playing a vital role in the ongoing conflict. Its precision, mobility, and firepower make it a formidable asset, underscoring the importance of adaptable military equipment in modern warfare. As the conflict continues, the AMX-10RC will remain a crucial element of Ukraine's strategy to resist and counter the Russian offensive.