AMX 30B2

In the early post-war period, as the Western European countries cautiously moved towards the rearmament of Germany and Italy in the face of a growing perceived threat from the Soviet Union, the impetus for a single, jointly developed European tank was increasing. As the process proceeded, it became apparent that each European country had vastly different doctrine and requirements, and many of the joint projects fragmented into specific national ones. The French Main Battle Tank program, which had at first been part of a joint French-German-Italian effort, eventually evolved into the AMX-30 program. The AMX 30 featured a 105 mm Modèle F1 gun, field swappable Hispano-Suiza 680 hp engine, night vision and river fording. The first production models rolled off the line in 1966, designated as the AMX 30B. In 1982, the AMX 30B2, an updated version with Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds, an improved fire control system, laser rangefinder, low light capability and an updated transmission were introduced. The 20 mm coaxial gun is able to elevate up to 40 degrees in order to engage air threats. The AMX-30 was adopted by nations that saw it as a cheaper alternative to the Leopard 1, including Greece, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Chile and Cyprus.