France to send Ukraine armoured fighting vehicles starting next week
The vehicles in question are AMX-10 type tanks, also referred to as "light tanks," which are typically employed in armed reconnaissance and attacks.
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French AMX-10 RC armored fighting vehicle, January 2006 (Wikimedia Commons / Davric)
On Sunday, France announced that by next week the delivery of armored vehicles to Ukraine will commence.
The vehicles in question are AMX-10 type tanks, also referred to as "light tanks," which are typically employed in armed reconnaissance and tank attacks.
According to Sebastien Lecornu, the defense minister, the first vehicles will be sent to Ukraine "by the end of next week."
Lecornu refused to specify the exact number of vehicles to be dispatched next week under the pretext of disclosing any "strategic information" to Russia.
He did specify however that the AMX-10s are "powerfully equipped," highly mobile, and provide protection against light infantry fire.
They weigh 20 tonnes, which is about one-third of the Leclerc main battle tanks.
AMX-10s, which were first created in the 1970s, are now being replaced by Jaguars.
Back in January, Paris had decided on providing Kiev with AMX10s after a call held between the presidents of the countries.
Lecornu stated that the AMX-10 crew training for Ukraine was "almost complete" at this point.
Lecornu also added that the Ukrainian military's overall training was "intensifying" in both France and Poland.
He also announced that around 600 Ukrainian troops would undergo training every month.
When asked about the supply of fighter aircraft, Lecornu responded that the subject was "not taboo".
Yet, he claimed that such military aid raised complex "logistical and practical questions."
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