TheAMX-13is a Frenchlight tankproduced from 1952 to 1987. It served with the French Army, as theChar 13t-75 Modèle 51,and was exported to more than 26 other nations. Named after its initial weight of 13 tonnes, and featuring a tough and reliable chassis,[1]it was fitted with anoscillating turretbuilt by GIAT Industries (nowNexter) with revolver-type magazines, which were also used on the AustrianSK-105 Kürassier.[1]Including prototypes and export versions, over a hundred variants exist, includingself-propelled guns,anti-aircraftsystems,APCs,andATGMversions.
The tank was designed at theAtelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux(AMX) in 1946 to meet a requirement for an air-portable vehicle to support paratroopers. The first prototype ran from 1948. The compactchassishadtorsion bar suspensionwith five road-wheels and two return rollers; the engine runs the length of the tank on the right side, with the driver on the left. It features an uncommon two-part FL-10oscillating turret,where the gun is fixed to the turret and the entire upper turret changes elevation. The turret is set to the rear of the vehicle and holds the commander and gunner.
The original 75 mmSA 50gun was loaded by an automatic loading system fed by two six-round magazines located in on either side of the automatic loader in the turret's bustle. The 12 rounds available in the drum magazines meant that the crew could engage targets quickly; however, once those rounds were expended, the vehicle commander and gunner could either manually refill them from within the turret or retreat to cover and reload shells from outside the vehicle through hatches above.
Early variant of the AMX-13 trialled in Sweden, 1952.
Production began at ARE (Atelier de Construction Roanne) in 1952, with the first tanks delivered the following year. In 1964, production was transferred toCreusot-Loireat Chalon-sur-Saône, as ARE switched to the production of theAMX-30MBT,and the numbers produced declined significantly.
After 1966, AMX-13s in French service were up-gunned with a 90 mmCN-90-F3L/52 medium pressure gun firing more effectivehigh-explosive anti-tank(HEAT) munitions; this variant was designated AMX-13/90.[2]The F3 was similar to the DEFA D921/F1 low pressure gun developed for thePanhard AML-90,and even utilized the same ammunition, though it possessed a significantly higher muzzle velocity.[3]By the late 1960s, an export model of the AMX-13 was also available with an even larger 105 mmCN-105 L/57gun in a FL-12 turret.[2]
Although there were many variants on the turret, the basic chassis was almost unchanged until 1985, when changes including a newdiesel engine,fullyautomatic transmissionand newhydropneumatic suspensionwere introduced. Production halted with the AMX-13 Model 1987. After sales support and upgrades are still[when?]offered through GIAT Industries (now Nexter).
The AMX-13 tank was phased out of service with the French Army in the 1980s. Current French armoured vehicles with a similar role are theERC 90 Sagaieand theAMX 10 RC.
During the Suez Crisis of 1956, the French Army used two sections of the 2nd Foreign Cavalry Regiment's AMX-13 tanks in Port Fouad. The AMX-13s also saw limited action in the Algerian War, largely due to the rough terrain in most of Algeria and much of the fighting with the anti-colonial guerillas being in the difficult terrain of the countryside.[4]France also fielded a number of AMX-13s fitted with USChaffeelight tank turrets in the fighting in Algeria.
The Argentinian Army fielded locally-built versions of both the AMX-13-105 and theAMX-VCIarmoured personnel carrier.
Argentine AMX-13s were not deployed during theFalklands War.Senior commanders considered that off-road conditions in theFalkland Islandswere tooboggyfor all of the armoured vehicles available at the time. The newly-developedTanque Argentino Mediano(TAM) was not yet available. For on-road operations in the islands, Argentina'sPanhard AML-90 wheeled fighting vehicles were considered more suitable than the AMX-13. The higher speed and other aspects of the Panhard's performance also represented acceptable trade-offs for its smaller (90 mm) main gun, relative to the AMX-13 (105 mm).
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Decommissioned Israeli AMX-13 on display at Yad La-Shiryon Tank Museum inLatrun.
The AMX-13 was Israel's first modern tank and was purchased at a time when France was the only country willing to openly sell arms to Israel. By 1956, Israel had ordered 180 AMX-13 light tanks as part of an agreement to reinforce Israel's military and to maintain the balance in Israel's favour after theEgyptian–Czechoslovak arms deal.Besides buying whole AMX-13s, Israel also purchased a quantity of SA 50 75mm tank guns for upgunning some of the AmericanM4 Shermantanks. Due to the shortage of tanks, the IDF used them as main battle tanks and employed them to form a tank battalion in the 7th Armored Brigade. IDF reconnaissance units did not use AMX 13s.
By 1967, Israel had less than 100 AMX-13s and formed three AMX-13 battalions, all of which fought actively on all fronts during theSix-Day War.The first battalion moved south in the West Bank area through Taluzi and Tubas and occupied Nablus (against Jordan). The second, attacking Egypt, captured the strongpoints protecting the Gaza Strip and the coastal road in the north of the Sinai Peninsula. The third, finally, assaulted the Golan Heights in south-western Syria.
The IDF realised that the AMX-13 tank was too lightly-armoured and had a weak main gun. Losses were heavy at places like Rafah Junction and Jiradi Pass during the Six-Day War with many destroyed by heavier Arab-fielded Soviet armour, such as T-55 MBTs andIS-3 (tank)heavy tanks. Subsequently, Israel gradually phased out all of its AMX-13s following the Six-Day War, with most ending up being sold to the then newly establishedSingapore Armybetween 1968 and 1969.
During the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, India deployed AMX-13 Tanks to oppose the initial armour onslaught ofOperation Grand Slamin the Chhamb-Jaurian area and also in theBattle of Asal Uttar.
During the 1965Indo-Pakistani Warin Chhamb-Jaurianin Jammu & Kashmir, the20 Lancers,equipped with AMX-13 tanks was under command of the10th Infantry Division.Pakistan's surprise attack on 1 September,Operation Grand Slam,fell on191 Infantry Brigadewhich was supported by "C" Squadron of the regiment, under Maj Bhaskar Roy. The Pakistani armoured attack comprised two regiments, one ofM48 Pattonmedium tanks and one ofM36B2tank destroyers.[5]The attack began at 0805 hours and was strongly resisted. During the initial phases of the attack, Roy destroyed six Pattons, three recoilless guns and captured a jeep. A second attack was launched by Pakistani armour at 1100 hours and contested by the AMX-13s of 20 Lancers, which despite being outgunned and outnumbered, destroyed a total 13 tanks that day and prevented the encirclement of 191 Infantry Brigade.[6]The regiment later fought in the defence of Jaurian under 41 Infantry Brigade.[7]For the defense of Chhamb-Jaurian, the regiment was awarded a theatre honour and Maj Bhaskar Roy was awardedMaha Vir Chakrafor his leadership in this action.[6]
In the Battle of Assal Uttar, on 8–10 September 1965 in Asal Uttar (Khem Karan,Punjab, India), a regiment of AMX-13s — 8th Light Cavalry — along with a regiment each of Centurions and M4 Shermans fought off and defeated a Pakistani armoured offensive comprising five regiments of M48 Patton tanks and one regiment ofM24 Chaffeetanks.[8]
Indonesian AMX-13/75 Modèle 51 (SM1) in the lead of another two AMX-13 tanks and one AMX-VTT APC.
TheIndonesian Armyreceived 175 AMX-13/75, 32AMX-VCI(including 4 command variants and six ARV variants), and 10 AMX-13 PDP from France in 1960, which were delivered in 1960–1962. Indonesia then bought around 100 to 180 ex-Royal Netherlands Army AMX-VCI in 1976, which were modernized and delivered in 1977–1978. The last batch of AMX-13 family were bought in 1980–1981, when the Army acquired 130 second-hand but modernized AMX-13/105 from the Netherlands.[9]
The AMX-13s first saw combat against the30 September Movementin 1965, when they were deployed to secure Suharto's control ofJakartaagainst an alleged coup by other generals'.[10]
The AMX-13 gained momentary notoriety in Indonesian social media in September 2020, after an AMX-13 driver lost control when making a turn and ran over a street food vendor cart and four motorcycles.[14]The accident happened on 10 September 2020 at around 11:00WIB,at an intersection in Cipatat District,West Bandung Regency,during a 4th Cavalry Battalion company-level combat readiness exercise. No one was injured and the owners of the cart and vehicles were given compensation totaling 15.4 million rupiah.[15]
TheLebanese Armywas an important user of the AMX-13 in theMiddle East,purchasing 42 AMX-13/75s and 22 AMX-13/105s from France in 1972.[16]Lebanese AMX-13s saw extensive service during theLebanese Civil Warin the hands of the regular Lebanese Army and various armed groups in and outsideBeirutbetween 1975 and 1990, following the collapse of theLebanese Armed Forces(LAF) structure in January 1976, and later again in February 1984 in the wake of theMountain War.During this period, most of the regular Army's AMX-13s fell into the hands of the competing Christian-rightistLebanese Frontand Muslim-leftistLebanese National Movement(LNM) militias or were taken way by dissident rebellious Lebanese Army factions. France later delivered additional 13 AMX-13/90s to the regular Lebanese Army between 1978-1981 and again in 1984.[17][18]Captured AMX-13s were employed by theLebanese Arab Army(LAA),[19]Army of Free Lebanon(AFL),[20]Kataeb Regulatory Forces(KRF),Tigers Militia,Lebanese Forces(LF),South Lebanon Army(SLA),Amal Movement,and thePeople's Liberation Army(PLA).[21]Nearly all AMX-13s eventually were returned by the demobilized militias to the Lebanese Army between 1990 and 1993. Currently none of the Lebanese AMX-13 light tanks is believed to remain operational.[16]
In July 2018, six of these withdrawn AMX-13 and various other former Lebanese Army military vehicles were dumped in the sea off the coast ofSidonin southern Lebanon and used as part of anartificial reef.
Morocco used some AMX-13s in theSand Warof 1963. Later on, they were engaged in theWestern Sahara conflict.They were supplemented by the similar AustrianSK-105 Kürassierlight tank during that war.
The Indonesian Army's AMX-13/105 Modèle 58 (SM1) Note the hydropneumatic suspension and also the modified hull and turret stowage bins as part of SM1 upgrade
The Indonesian Army's AMX-13/105 RetrofitAMX-13/75 Modèle 51 (SM1)some were upgraded in 1995 withDetroit DieselDDA GM6V-53T,ZF5WG-180 Automatic Transmission, andhydropneumatic"Dunlopstrut" Suspension. Based on Singapore SM1 upgrade packages but without the upgraded gunner sight.[25]
AMX-13/105 Modèle 58 (SM1)some were upgraded in 1995 withDetroit DieselDDA GM6V-53T,ZF5WG-180 Automatic Transmission, andhydropneumatic"Dunlopstrut" Suspension. Based on Singapore SM1 upgrade packages but without the upgraded gunner sight.[25]
AMX-13/105 Retrofitmajor modernization and upgrade program done by local defense firmPT. PINDADfeaturing reworked front glacis to accommodate new diesel engine & transmission, new torsion bar suspension, updated FCS (laser range finder, thermal imager, day camera),[26]new 105 mm gun (GIAT CN 105 G1) and turret (SteyrJT-1 Oscillating turret) fromSK-105Kürassier.[25]
Netherlands
AMX-13/FL-12:Dutch upgrade fitted with asearchlightandFN MAGmachine guns
AMX-13/FL-15:Dutch FL-12 version refitted with an FL-15 Turret
Peru
AMX-13PA5EscorpionUpgrade for a standard AMX-13/105 by the Peruvian designer Sergio Casanave, fitted with modern communications and fouranti-tank guided missiles.
AMX-13PA8Escorpion-2Equipped withDantefire-control system (a ballistic computer/laser range-finder/night vision/CCTV system). Four Ukrainian laser-guided Barrier R-2 anti-tank missiles and 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine-guns were also proposed.
AMX-13SRebuild of standard AMX-13/75 Modèle 51 (FL-10) bySingaporeprior to SM-1 upgrade.
AMX-13SM1(Singapore Modernised 1): Singaporean upgrade with modern communications, a new diesel engine replacing the original petrol engine, improved transmissions/suspensions system, laser range-finder and night vision elbow upgrade byST Kinetics.[27]The 75 mm main gun remained unchanged.[27]
The AMX-13 was the basis of a family ofAPCsbeginning with theAMX-VTTand culminating with theAMX-VCI.The APC chassis was itself the basis of a number of variants.
Peruvian AMX-13 minus the 75mm main gun after upgrades and converted to carryingKornet-EATGM (NATO reporting nameAT-14 Spriggan).Dutch AMX-13/105 Modèle 58.
Indonesia:From the total of 305 of which are 175 AMX-13/75 and 130 AMX-13/105, it is estimated only 120+ mixed and modernized AMX-13/75 and AMX-13/105 still in service as 2018. Scheduled for replacement by thePT Pindad Harimaujointly developed by Indonesia and Turkey. 10 AMX-13 PDP Modèle 57 and 34 AMX-13 CD Modèle 55 (AMX-D) ARV.[2][25]
Morocco:120 AMX-13/75s and 4 AMX-13 CD armoured recovery vehicles;[2]5 operational.[28]
Peru:108 tanks; 30 AMX-13/75s and 78 AMX-13/105s[2]
Venezuela:67 AMX-13s; 36 AMX-13/75s and 31 AMX-13/90s[2]
The AMX-13 has made some major TV and film appearances, most notably in the 1984 French war filmLes Morfalous,where a Tunisian Army AMX-13/75 is mocked up as a GermanPanzer IVmedium tank serving with theAfrika Korps.
^History, Official."All out war pg 39"(PDF).Official History of 1965 war.Times of India. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 9 June 2011.Retrieved16 July2011.
^Nerguizian, Aram; Cordesman, Anthony (2009).The North African Military Balance: Force Developments in the Maghreb.Washington DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies Press. pp. 25–27.ISBN978-089206-552-3.
^Kolodziej, Edward A. "Making and Marketing Arms: The French Experience and Its Implications for the International System."Princeton University Press,2014.ISBN1-40085-877-1.pp 48–49.
Speilberger, Walter (1967).AMX.13.Armour in Profile. Profile Publications. Nº 12.
Kassis, Samer (2012).Véhicules Militaires au Liban/Military Vehicles in Lebanon 1975-1981.Chyah: Trebia Publishing.ISBN978-9953-0-2372-4.
Lau, Peter (2006).The AMX-13 Light Tank.Vol. 1: Chassis. Rock Publications.
Lau, Peter (2007).The AMX-13 Light Tank.Vol. 2: Turret. Rock Publications.
David François,El Salvador – Volume 1: Crisis, Coup and Uprising 1970-1983,Latin America@War Volume 32, Helion & Company Limited, Warwick UK 2023.ISBN978-1-804514-02-3
David François,El Salvador – Volume 2: Conflagration 1984-1992,Latin America@War Volume 34, Helion & Company Limited, Warwick UK 2023.ISBN978-1-804512-18-0
Samer Kassis,30 Years of Military Vehicles in Lebanon,Beirut: Elite Group, 2003.ISBN9953-0-0705-5
M.P. Robinson, Peter Lau and Guy Gibeau,Images of War: The AMX 13 Light Tank, A Complete History – rare photographs from wartime archives,Pen & Sword Military, Barnsley 2018.ISBN978-1-52670-167-1
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Ecuador:108 AMX-13/105s[2]
Indonesia:From the total of 305 of which are 175 AMX-13/75 and 130 AMX-13/105, it is estimated only 120+ mixed and modernized AMX-13/75 and AMX-13/105 still in service as 2018. Scheduled for replacement by thePT Pindad Harimaujointly developed by Indonesia and Turkey. 10 AMX-13 PDP Modèle 57 and 34 AMX-13 CD Modèle 55 (AMX-D) ARV.[2][25]
Morocco:120 AMX-13/75s and 4 AMX-13 CD armoured recovery vehicles;[2]5 operational.[28]
Peru:108 tanks; 30 AMX-13/75s and 78 AMX-13/105s[2]
Venezuela:67 AMX-13s; 36 AMX-13/75s and 31 AMX-13/90s[2]
Algeria:44 AMX-13/75s[2]
Argentina:60 AMX-13/105 and 2 AMX-13 PDP armoured bridge-layers[2][29]
Austria:72 AMX-13/75s and 3 AMX-13 CD armoured recovery vehicles[2]
Belgium:555 AMX-13s[30]
Cambodia:20 AMX-13/75s[2]
Côte d'Ivoire:5 AMX-13/75s[2]
Djibouti:60 AMX-13/90s[2]
Dominican Republic:15 AMX-13/75s[2]
Egypt:20 AMX-13/75s[31]
France:4,300 (of all types)[2]
Guatemala:8 AMX-13/75s[2]
India:164 AMX-13/75s[2]
Israel:100 AMX-13/75s[2]
Lebanon:75 tanks; 42 AMX-13/75s, 13 AMX-13/90s and 22 AMX-13/105s[2]
Nepal:56 AMX-13/75s; possibly purchased second-hand from Singapore[2]
Netherlands:131 AMX-13/105s, asAMX-13 PRLTTK(Pantserrups Lichte Tank) and 34 AMX-13 PRB (Pantserrups Berging) armoured recovery vehicles. All retired in 1983[32]
Pakistan:Operationalized some amounts of Captured Indian AMX-13/75s.[33]
Singapore:340 second-hand AMX-13/75s received (150 from Switzerland, 150 from India, 40 from Israel)[2]
South Vietnam:4 AMX-13 CD armoured recovery vehicles[2]
Switzerland:200 AMX-13/75s[2]
Tunisia:30 AMX-13/75s[2]
