AMX-13

Conceived in the immediate post-war period, the AMX-13 core requirement was for an air-portable light tank to support paratroopers, leading to a prototype that began trials in 1948. Identified by its initial weight classification, it entered service with the French Army as the Char 13t-75 Modèle 51. Full-scale production commenced in 1952, with the first vehicles delivered the subsequent year. Manufacturing continued until the final Model 1987 variant ceased production.

The AMX-13 is distinguished by its innovative design features, particularly its two-part oscillating turret, where the gun is fixed and the entire upper turret elevates, coupled with a revolver-style automatic loading system. This system, fed by two six-round drum magazines, allowed for rapid engagement of targets, though replenishing these magazines was a manual process. The vehicle's compact and robust chassis, initially mounted on a torsion bar suspension, housed the engine longitudinally on one side, with the driver positioned on the other. The commander and gunner were situated in the turret, which was set towards the rear of the hull. Over its long service life, the AMX-13 saw numerous armament upgrades from its original 75mm main gun, including 90mm and 105mm calibre cannons for both French service and export markets, enhancing its anti-tank capabilities with more effective munitions. Later models, from 1985, incorporated significant improvements such as a diesel engine, automatic transmission, and hydropneumatic suspension. Its versatile chassis also served as the basis for a wide array of variants, including self-propelled artillery, anti-aircraft systems, and armoured personnel carriers.

Entering service with the French Army in 1953, the AMX-13 was also extensively exported, ultimately serving in the armed forces of over two dozen nations. Its combat debut with French forces occurred during the Suez Crisis in 1956, followed by limited service in the Algerian War. The tank proved to be a significant asset for many international operators. Israeli forces utilized the AMX-13 as their first modern tank, deploying it extensively during the Six-Day War on multiple fronts, though its light armour proved a vulnerability against heavier main battle tanks. Indian Army AMX-13s played a crucial role in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, particularly in pivotal armoured engagements. In Southeast Asia, Indonesian AMX-13s saw action in internal security operations and the 1975 invasion of East Timor. The vehicle was also prominent in the Lebanese Civil War, used by the national army and various factions. Its service extended to conflicts in Africa, such as the Sand War with Morocco, and Latin America, including the Dominican Civil War. While phased out by the French Army in the 1980s, its numerous variants and upgraded versions continued to serve globally for many years, a testament to its adaptable design.