Development of the AMX-13 light tank started after the World War II. Production began in 1953 and ceased in 1987. There were built over 4000 AMX-13 light tanks of all variants for French army and export customers. It was exported to 25 countries and a great number of them are still operational today.

   The AMX-13 light tank had a number of unusual solutions for tanks of that period. It was intended to support airborne troops and is air transportable.

   Hull and turret of the AMX-13 light tank are welded from armored steel plates 20 - 40 mm thick. A front-mounted engine provides additional protection. It is worth mentioning that the AMX-13 lacks NBC protection system.

   Turret of the AMX-13 has an unusual oscillating design. It is made from two parts. Lower part moves horizontally, while the upper part moves with the main gun vertically. The main 90-mm gun has an autoloader and is fed from two revolving magazines, each holding 6 rounds. Magazines are located in the turret bustle. Ammunition is loaded through the turret roof and cases are ejected through an opening located in the rear of the turret. Autoloader provides the AMX-13 with a rate of fire in 10 rounds per minute, furthermore it allowed to reduce crew to three members.

   The AMX-13 was fitted with various turrets:

   FL-10 turret with a 75-mm gun. It was initial production model. This 75-mm gun was based on the German L/71 Panther gun. This variant is sometimes referred as the AMX-13 Model 51 or AMX-51. Vehicle carries 37 rounds. At a range of 2 km it could penetrate armor 170 mm thick. Since 1966 the FL-10 turret was fitted with a mo powerful 90-mm gun in 1966. Ammunition carried was reduced to 34 rounds;

   FL-11 turret with a 75-mm shortened gun. AMX-13 light tanks with such turrets were operated by French colonies;

   FL-12 turret with a 105-mm main gun. It used the same munitions as the AMX-30 main battle tank. At a range of 2 km it could penetrate armor 360 mm thick. Ammunition load was further reduced;

   FL-15 turret developed in 1983 was a further development of the FL-12. It had a new fire control system.

   Secondary armament of the AMX-13 was a 7.5-mm coaxial machine gun, which was later replaced by a 7.62-mm machine gun. In 1960 some of the AMX-13 light tanks, intended to support infantry troops were fitted with four SS-11 anti-tank guided missiles, mounted near the main gun. There was also variant , fitted with six HOT anti-tank missiles.

   Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   The AMX-13 is powered by SOFAM Model 8Gbx petrol engine, developing 250 horsepower.

   Variants

   AMX-13 armored recovery vehicle;

   AMX-13 brigdelayer;

   AMX-61/62/63 self-propelled 105-mm howitzers;

   AMX F3 self-propelled 155-mm howitzer;

   LAR-160 multiple launch rocket system;

   AMX VTT armored personnel carrier;

   AMX VCPM (AMX VTT based) 81-mm and 120-mm mortar carriers.