French Light Tanks Unfit For Attacks: Ukraine Officer

A Ukrainian commander says the highly mobile French AMX-10 RC infantry fighting vehicles (IFV)—also described as light tanks -- are "impractical" for front-line attacks, claiming a four-man crew has already died because of the vehicle's thin armor, Anna Malpas reported for Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Photo Insert: The tanks' "thin armor" means they can be used as fire support, but not in front-line assaults.

The 34-year-old battalion commander within the 37th Marine Brigade, who uses the call sign Spartanets, said the tanks' "thin armor" means they can be used as fire support, but not in front-line assaults.

"Unfortunately, there was one case when the crew died in the vehicle," the major told AFP.

"There was artillery shelling and a shell exploded near the vehicle, the fragments pierced the armor and the ammunition set detonated." The crew of four inside were all killed, he said.

"The guns are good, the observation devices are very good. But, unfortunately, there is thin armor and it is impractical to use them in the front line (attack)," Spartanets said.

He added that the French AMX-10 also had issues with gearboxes breaking down, possibly due to their use on dirt roads.

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