1.
GV & SV Tanks lined up (2 shots)
0.13

2.
CUs Treads and turret
0.21

3.
SV & GV Tanks in firing position (2 shots)
0.30

4.
CU Side of tank, PAN ALONG gun barrel
0.37

5.
LV Tank in group firing and garget being hit twice (4 shots)
0.58



Initials BB. 0237 GD/AH/BB/0323



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Lebanese Army recently demonstrated the firepower of new light tanks bought from France last year. The 22 AMX 13 tanks are part of a GBP30 million (US $72 million) programme to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces.

Handover of eleven of the new tanks was delayed when Lebanese military technicians refused to accept the guns. The Defence Ministry said the guns on half the tanks carried brown spots, believed to be caused by rust and the French manufacturers agreed to replace them.

The new tanks carry a crew of three and have a road speed of 37 miles per hour (60 Km/hr). The vehicles rely on their low ell??? and mobility for their strength. Overall weight of the tank is 15 tons.

SYNOPSIS: The Lebanese Army recently demonstrated the firepower of new tanks purchased from French manufacturers. The 22 AMX 13 light-tanks are part of a 30 million pound sterling programme to build up the strength of Lebanon's armed forces. The new weapons went into service only after a controversy over their purchase.

The Lebanese Defence Ministry disclosed that 11 of the new tanks' guns carried brown spots, believed to be caused by rust. Miliary technicians refused to accept them and the French manufacturers agreed to replace the equipment.

Main firepower for the lightly armoured vehicles is provided by 105 mm. guns. With a crew of three, and a road speed of 37 miles per hour, the tanks rely on their low silhouette and mobility for survival on the battlefield.