ICM Battle of France, spring 1940 (Panhard 178 AMD-35,FCM 36,Laffly V15T)

On May 10, 1940, German troops launched an offensive against France. At that time, the French army was considered one of the most modern in Europe, and Churchill referred to it as the "best trained and most reliable mobile force." In terms of the number of tanks, the French army was superior to the German army, and most of its tanks had better armor and firepower. Additionally, France had excellent armored vehicles, with the Panhard 178 regarded as one of the best in the world. However, for various reasons, the French leadership hesitated to deploy tank divisions and preferred to use armored vehicles in small groups. The Germans quickly managed to turn the tide of hostilities in their favor. Despite counterattacks from the French, German tank and motorized divisions became entrenched in the defensive positions of the French army and were able to achieve victory in a short time. Most of French territory was occupied. The French army was nearly completely defeated, and France was forced to sign an armistice.