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| France to Deliver AMX-10 RC Light Combat Vehicles to Ukraine |
Paris - French President Emmanuel Macron told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that his government would send AMX-10 RC light armored fighting vehicles to help in the war against Russia. The plan was revealed by a French official on Wednesday (4/1/2023) after a telephone call between the two countries' leaders.
"This is the first time that Western-made armored vehicles have been delivered to support the Ukrainian army," the official said. Speaking to reporters, the official gave no details on the volume or timing of the planned deliveries but said talks would continue regarding potential deliveries of other types of vehicles.
In a statement posted on Telegram, Zelensky thanked Macron for the decision and said the two leaders had "agreed on further cooperation to significantly strengthen air defense and other defense capabilities." He did not provide further details.
France last year supplied several Caesar howitzers to Ukraine. Macron also said in October Paris would provide air defense weapons as Russia intensifies missile attacks on critical infrastructure.
The French-made AMX-10 is a highly mobile armed reconnaissance vehicle capable of carrying four people, according to the website of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. Zelensky has repeatedly asked Western allies for heavier combat vehicles such as the German-made Leopard tank.