Image source: topwar.ru
Venezuelan troops have relied on Western combat systems for decades. They still make up a significant part of the country's arsenal, despite active purchases of military products from Russia and China.
However, it became difficult to maintain Western equipment in proper condition after the introduction of a trade blockade against Venezuela by the "civilized world". Many samples fell into disrepair, however, an import substitution program was gradually launched, allowing cars to be restored on their own.
In this regard, the example of tracked armored vehicles of the AMX-13M56-VTT family is indicative, more than fifty of which were purchased from France in the early 1970s to man the army armored brigade. They were mainly represented by the AMX-13M56-VTT/VCI APC, although specialized versions were also purchased: KShM, MTO equipment, medical support and artillery support.
Under the conditions of global sanctions, Venezuela has managed to establish the process of restoring this equipment. The main, first batch of repaired AMX-13M56-VTT consisting of about 50 copies was transferred to the National Guard in May 2022, after which the machines continue to arrive in single quantities.
Image source: topwar.ru
- the commander of the National Guard declared then.
The AMX-13M56-VTT/VCI APC in its initial configuration weighs 15 tons, its crew consists of three people (commander, gunner and driver). It accommodates a landing party of 10 soldiers. The armament consists of a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret. The speed is 65 km/h on the highway and 35-45 km/ h on rough terrain, the range is 550 km.
