Though armored cars have fallen out of favor with a number of militaries around the world, France still has a number of cars in service. Often nimble and well-armed, French armored cars serve in a reconnaissance role. The AMX-10 is one of the French military’s larger, more capable armored cars, and served faithfully from the early aughts until today, though due to the platform’s armor and ƒιяєρσωєя limitations, it will be phased out of service in the future in favor of a better protected and up-armored alternative.

1. Versatility: Armored cars offer versatility in terms of mobility and adaptability. They can operate effectively in diverse environments, including urban areas, rugged terrains, and remote regions. Their off-road capabilities and relative speed enable them to access areas where heavier armored vehicles might face limitations.
2. Rapid Deployment: Armored cars provide a quick response and can be rapidly deployed in various scenarios. This makes them suitable for a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, convoy protection, and counterinsurgency operations.
3. Force Protection: Armored cars offer enhanced protection for personnel compared to non-armored vehicles. They are designed to withstand small arms fire, shrapnel, and certain explosive devices, providing a higher level of safety for the occupants.
4. Mobility and Maneuverability: Armored cars are often lighter and more maneuverable compared to heavier armored vehicles like tanks. This allows them to navigate narrow streets, urban environments, and rugged terrains more effectively, providing a tactical advantage in certain situations.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Armored cars can be more cost-effective than heavier armored vehicles, both in terms of procurement and maintenance. They offer a balance between protection and mobility, often at a lower cost than tanks or other heavy armored platforms.
6. International Operations: France has been actively involved in international peacekeeping missions and military interventions. Armored cars are suitable for these operations, as they provide a level of protection for personnel while maintaining mobility in different operational environments.

The AMX-10 initially served as an armored reconnaissance vehicle with the French armed forces. Though originally an amphibious vehicle, the AMX-10’s dual pump jets were removed in the late 1980s in favor of adding extra armor to the platform for better survivability. Since the removal of the AMX-10’s amphibious capability and the additional weight added to the platform by additional armor plating, the AMX-10’s mission profile has shifted somewhat to flank and rear protection rather than amphibious and land reconnaissance.

The Specs

The six-wheeled armored car boasts a powerful 105-millimeter main gun that ƒιяєs three types of αммυиιтισи: standard high-єχρℓσѕινє, high-єχρℓσѕινє anti-tank (HEAT), and an armor piercing sabot round. Perhaps not surprisingly considering staunch French individuality, the 105-millimeter gun fitted to the AMX-10’s turret is incompatible with NATO αммυиιтισи, somewhat complicating logistical constraints when operating in tandem with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies.

Amazingly the AMX-10 sports a four-man crew, despite the small, cramped interior—three in the small turret, and one driver in the hull front behind the armored glacis.

The AMX-10 is sprightly too. All six wheels are powered, giving the AMX-10 excellent off-road capability, especially considering its relatively light curb weight. The hydropneumatic suspension can be adjusted from inside to allow the AMX-10 to transit obstacles that would otherwise not be possible to cross. Additionally, the AMX-10’s tires can be remotely inflated and deflated from inside the crew compartment for additional traction in sandy or otherwise adverse driving conditions.

The AMX-10 did not enjoy as much popularity outside of France compared to some of Paris’ other platforms and was exported to just two countries: Morocco and Qatar. The AMX-10 export to Qatar was particularly small as the country received a paltry ten AMX-10s. During Desert Shield, called Opération Daguet by the French, around one-hundred AMX-10s stormed across the desert during the First Gulf ധąɾ. It would be one of their last major engagements.

Postscript

Despite the French affinity for armored cars, the AMX-10 is growing long in the tooth. Its 105-millimeter main gun is increasingly ineffective on battlefields against modern armored vehicles and in particular modern main battle tanks. Paris found a replacement though, stay tuned for more information on the latest and greatest French recon and combat vehicle.