World Armed Forces Pictures & Videos

In the scenario, similar to real life operations that have taken place in Liberia and Kosovo, 20 recently commissioned officers and 39 Two Star Privates had to take control of Waterford airport using 15 Mowag APC's and conventional Infantry Weapons, and secure it for the safe passage of a VIP. The peace support scenario and the threat assessment led to the tactical deployment pictured which included dismounted infantry on an inner cordon and an armoured outer cordon including recce and air defence elements.

These photos are of the last shoot of the Panhard AML 90 Armoured Vehicle and were taken on 30 April 2013 in the Glen of Imaal by Airman Jason Byrne.

Panhard armoured vehicles were first introduced into service with the Defence Forces in 1964 and soon after, AML 60s were deployed on overseas service to Cyprus (UNFICYP). Over a period of almost fifty years, the Panhard armoured fleet has seen extensive service both at home and abroad including firing in action in the Battle of At Tiri in Lebanon in 1980, as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to injured civilians during the Grapes of Wrath offensive in Lebanon in 1996 and were used in an armoured reconnaissance role during violence in Monrovia, Liberia when intensive rioting began in 2004.

Following an upgrade programme in the 1990s which included dieselisation and re-turreting, the operational life of the vehicles was extended. However the Panhard fleet of AML 90s and 20s has now reached the end of its operational life.

All Panhard AML 90 and AML 20 vehicles currently in service with the Defence Forces became non-operational on the 1st of May 2013 and have been withdrawn from service.




The Panhard AML final range shoot that took place 29 - 30 Apr 2013 in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow. The pictures show the AML 90 firing its main armament




The Panhard AML final range shoot that took place 29 - 30 Apr 2013 in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow. The pictures show the AML 90 firing its main armament




The Panhard AML final range shoot that took place 29 - 30 Apr 2013 in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow. The pictures show the AML 90 firing its main armament




The Panhard AML final range shoot that took place 29 - 30 Apr 2013 in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow. The pictures show the AML 90 firing its main armament




The Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle LTAV (replacement for the Panhard) being loaded.




Chief of Staff Lt Gen Seán McCann congratulates Capt David Coughlan (2 Cav Sqn) on co-ordinating the last ever Panhard range




Members of the Cavalry Corps that took part in the last Panhard shoot


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