Breaking News: French AMX-10P IFV Deliveries to Ukraine Confirmed Following Destruction by Russian Troops.

According to a video published by the Russian state news agency TASS on November 29, 2024, the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia) reportedly used a drone to destroy a French-made AMX-10P Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region. This event is significant as it confirms the delivery of AMX-10P vehicles from France to Ukraine for the first time, following earlier speculation about their transfer.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Screenshot allegedly showing the destruction of a French-made AMX-10P armored personnel carrier by a Russian drone in the Kursk region. Due to the low quality of the image, the vehicle's identification cannot be independently confirmed. (Picture source: Screen Shot video from TASS)

In February 2023, French journalist Jean-Dominique Merchet indicated that France was prepared to provide Ukraine 25 AMX-10P Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), although no official statement on their delivery followed.

However, due to the quality and resolution of the video footage, it remains difficult to verify independently whether the destroyed vehicle was an AMX-10P IFV. The visual evidence is unclear, and the vehicle's identification as French-made relies heavily on the statement from the Russian National Guard. Without additional confirmation or closer examination of the wreckage, the exact model and origin of the vehicle remain uncertain.

The Russian National Guard’s press service stated that a UAV operator identified and destroyed an AMX-10P during a combat mission. The APC was immobilized after triggering a mine during an attempted transfer of Ukrainian personnel and equipment toward the front lines. Ukrainian troops, abandoning the vehicle, sought refuge in a forested area, where they were subsequently targeted and eliminated by artillery fire directed by Rosgvardia forces.

The AMX-10P is a French-designed tracked armored infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) produced by GIAT Industries (now Nexter), which started in the 1970s. It was one of the first IFVs developed to support mechanized infantry, combining mobility, firepower, and armor to protect troops and engage enemy forces effectively. It is equipped with a 20mm GIAT M693 F2 automatic cannon mounted in a turret, capable of engaging both ground and low-altitude aerial targets, and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun for additional firepower. Powered by a Hispano-Suiza HS-115-2 diesel engine producing 260 hp, the vehicle can reach a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and has an operational range of approximately 600 km.

The AMX-10P features all-welded aluminum armor designed to protect against small arms fire, shell splinters, and land mines. It is also fully amphibious, equipped with two rear-mounted water jets enabling a speed of 7.2 km/h in water, making it highly versatile in various combat environments. The vehicle accommodates a three-person crew (commander, gunner, and driver) and can transport up to seven fully equipped infantry soldiers. Though retired from French service, the AMX-10P remains in use in several countries, valued for its adaptability and robust performance in combat scenarios. Its deployment in Ukraine, now confirmed, highlights its continued relevance in modern conflicts.

The destruction of the AMX-10P by Russian forces marks the first verified use of these French-supplied vehicles in Ukraine. This revelation underscores the extent of Western military aid to Ukraine and France’s role in providing advanced armored vehicles to bolster Ukrainian defense capabilities. As the conflict continues to evolve, further developments on the operational impact of the AMX-10P are awaited.

In addition to the AMX-10P IFVs, France has significantly bolstered Ukraine's military capabilities through various forms of support. Notably, France has supplied SCALP long-range cruise missiles, enhancing Ukraine's ability to strike deep behind enemy lines. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed this commitment during the NATO Summit in Vilnius, reflecting France's dedication to strengthening Ukraine's defense posture. Furthermore, France has been instrumental in training Ukrainian soldiers through initiatives such as the "Champagne" task force, which prepared a new brigade equipped with French-supplied tanks and artillery. This comprehensive support underscores France's ongoing commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and defense amid the ongoing conflict.