Ukraine utilizes French vehicles for precision strikes

After initial challenges in deploying the French AMX-10 RC/RCR reconnaissance vehicles, the Ukrainians finally found a suitable role for them. The Ukrainian crew of one vehicle highly praises the off-road capabilities, firepower, and precision of the 105 mm gun. The downside is the armor, but the arrangement of the ammunition allowed the crew to survive a hit from a Russian FPV drone without casualties.

The Ukrainians commend the vehicle's rate of fire, which ranges from 5 to 11 or 12 rounds per minute, depending on the loader's efficiency and the firing mode. The lower rate is used for precise targeting, such as against incoming infantry fighting vehicles like the BMP-1/2, while the higher rate serves when acting as light artillery over a range of about 3 to 4 miles, coordinated by drones. This helps somewhat compensate for the insufficient number of CAESAR howitzers.

The AMX-10 RC reconnaissance vehicles are a symbol of the French reconnaissance doctrine, which dictates that, if necessary, the scout should also be able to destroy the identified target. Following this philosophy, the AMX-10 RC, introduced in 1981, was equipped with a 105 mm caliber gun, similar to the one previously used in Leopard 1 tanks.

Weighing only about 18 tons, the AMX-10 RC achieves this weight by using aluminum armor, which offers protection only against small arms and artillery fragments. This means the vehicle could be damaged by heavy machine guns like the Kord or DSzK. Therefore, its primary defense mechanism is its mobility.

Thanks to its ability to swim, water obstacles pose no challenge for it. Additionally, the hydropneumatic suspension allows the clearance and tire pressure to be adjusted from within the vehicle, enabling on-the-spot rotation.

The fire control system, equipped with thermal imaging, provides excellent observation capabilities even in challenging conditions, allowing for precise targeting. The gun's range allows for the destruction of enemy vehicles, including tanks like the T-80BWM or T-90M from the side, from several kilometers away. For this reason, AMX vehicles are used as sniper vehicles, tasked with emerging from cover to destroy designated targets upon command and then quickly returning to concealment.

Ukraine received AMX-10 vehicles in both the RC version and the upgraded RCR version, where R stands for Renové (renewed), dating from the 2000s. As part of the modernization, modern optronics with thermovision for the gunner and commander, as well as the Galix self-defense system that automatically launches smoke grenades and decoys when threatened, were added. Some vehicles have also been equipped with ceramic armor, which increases protection at the cost of losing amphibious capability.