picture 191407

Through the 1990s, AML-90s were partially replaced by the more sophisticated Panhard ERC-90 F4 Sagaie – a highly mobile, amphibious, six-wheeled armoured car. This variant carries a turret with the long barrel GIAT F4 90mm smooth bore cannon, capable of knocking out even the Soviet-made T-72 main battle tanks with the help of armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot ammunition (APFSDS). The French Army acquired 190 for the 31st Heavy Demi Brigade (31 DBL) of two regiments; 4 were provided to Chad, 9 to Gabon, and 7 to Ivory Coast. In turn, the 1er RHP deployed its ERC-90s in the CAR during the intervention of 2003. (Artwork by David Bocquelet)