France has unveiled a fully robotized version of the old AMX-30 tank, transforming the Cold War-era armored vehicle into an unmanned combat vehicle.
The information comes from the website Defence Blog. Named REFURBOT, the project was revealed during the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris and aims to show how retired armored vehicles can be reused instead of being scrapped.
The system was developed by S2M Equipment in partnership with KNDS France. The tank received the TOXO robotization kit, which allows remote control and operation without a crew on board. The proposal is to transform old chassis into modern combat platforms, reducing costs compared with the development of entirely new unmanned vehicles.
Instead of the original turret equipped with a 105 mm cannon, REFURBOT uses the ARX-25 remote weapon station, armed with a 25 mm automatic cannon capable of firing armor-piercing and explosive ammunition. The system also features daytime, nighttime and thermal sensors, allowing it to engage ground targets, drones and even helicopters at distances of more than 2.5 kilometers.
France produced more than 3,500 AMX-30 tanks between 1966 and 1994. Although the model has been withdrawn from front-line service in many of the countries that operated it, many chassis remain stored around the world. According to the developers, this creates an opportunity to convert old armored vehicles into robotic combat support systems.
The initiative reflects a growing trend among Western armies to invest in unmanned ground vehicles. The idea is to use these platforms in reconnaissance, fire support and high-risk operations, reducing soldiers’ exposure in areas threatened by drones, artillery and modern anti-tank weapons.
Photos: Reproduction S2M Equipment. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
