The AMX-10 RC is a French armoured fighting vehicle manufactured by Nexter Systems for armoured reconnaissance purposes. Equipping French cavalry units since 1979, over 240 remained in service with the French Army in 2021 when replacement by EBRC Jaguar gradually started. 108 units were sold to Morocco and 12 to Qatar. "RC" stands for "Roues-Canon", meaning "wheels-gun", as it is 6-wheeled and armed with a 105 mm calibre gun. Newspapers and officials have often incorrectly referred to it as a "char léger" (light tank).

The AMX-10 RC is distinct from the amphibious AMX-10P: they both have a waterproof welded aluminum chassis and share automotive components, but have completely different battlefield roles. The AMX-10 RC is usually used for reconnaissance missions in dangerous environments or for fire support.

Design and development

thumb|left|A diagram of the AMX-10 RC

Initial work on the AMX-10 RC began in 1970, derived of the AMX-10P. Prototypes testing began in 1976. The first production vehicle was delivered in 1979 to the 2nd Regiment de Hussards in Sourdun.

Variants

thumb|An AMX-10 RC in 2006, with Central European camouflage introduced in 1991 thumb|An AMX-10 RCR SEPAR, featuring additional side armor and underlying armor for IEDs.

  • AMX-10 RC: initial production model with amphibious capability.
  • AMX-10 RC surblindé (uparmored): fitted with add-on armor and without amphibious capability.
  • AMX-10 RCR revalorisé (upgraded)

Prototypes

  • AMX-10 RTT: APC version.
  • AMX-10 RAC: fitted with the TS 90 turret armed with a 90 mm gun.
  • AMX-10 RAA: AAA version first presented at Eurosatory in 1981. It featured a large turret armed with two 30 mm autocannons.
  • AMX-10 RC with TML 105: AMX-10 RC fitted with the Tourelle Modulaire Légère (Light Modular Turret) featuring a stabilized G2 high-pressure 105 mm gun, GALIX launchers and new sights. A two-man configuration with a bustle-mounted autoloader was available as an option.

Operational history

thumb|French AMX-10 RC reconnaissance vehicles move across the desert as part of a display of Allied armour during [[Operation Desert Shield]]

thumb|AMX-10 RC of the Ukrainian 37th Marine Brigade, October 2023

France

The French army's AMX-10 RC has been deployed to many theaters of operation since it was introduced, including the First Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, in Mali, Kosovo, and Ivory Coast.

Ukraine

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

During the Russo-Ukrainian War, the AMX-10 RC saw action in the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive in Zaporozhia. First promised in January 2023, they entered Ukrainian service four months later with the 37th Marine Brigade. Ukrainian crews underwent a month of training in France to learn how to operate the vehicle. On 2 July 2023, amid the Ukrainian counteroffensive, it was reported that although they are good for fire support, the lack of a stabiliser for the main gun and their light armour made them unsuitable for frontal assaults. In one instance, fragments from 152mm artillery shells exploding nearby were able to pierce the armour, causing the stored ammunition to explode, destroying the vehicle and killing the crew of four.

French military experts had warned that the AMX-10 RC was useful in providing fire support and for exploiting gaps in the frontline, but that it was not designed to cope with modern anti-tank weaponry or to be used as a substitute for main battle tanks. The vehicle can also have problems with its gearbox if used for prolonged periods on hard roads. One AMX-10 RC was captured by forces of the Russian Federation and displayed in a military exhibit in Moscow on 15 August 2023. At least one captured AMX-10 was also delivered to North Korea (amongst other captured western sourced equipment) and displayed in a North Korean Museum, as seen during a televised visit by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. It is unknown if these were given as a symbol of gratitude for North Korean assistance in the war or were captured by North Korean Forces.

According to Oryx, as of 1 May 2025, 6 of the 38 AMX-10 RCR in Ukrainian service were confirmed lost: three destroyed, two abandoned and one captured by Russian forces.

Operators

thumb|350px|AMX 10 RC operators in blue

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  • : 6.
  • : 248 in service in December 2021.
  • : 198.
  • : 12.

Missions

  • Armoured reconnaissance
  • Armoured support
  • Flanking security

References

  • Video of AMX-10 RC firing
  • Giat-industries.fr
  • Federation of American Scientists
  • Armour.ws
  • Ixarm.com