The AMX-10 RC is distinct from the amphibious AMX-10P: they both have a waterproof welded aluminum chassis and share automotive components, but have completely different battlefield roles.

The vehicle features a powerful GIAT 105 mm gun mounted in a welded aluminium turret.

The AMX-10 RC initially used the Hispano-Suiza HS 115-2, multi-fuel, liquid-cooled, supercharged V8 engine with 190 kW (250 hp) at 3,200 rpm.

The 6x6 AMX-10 RC is fitted with a hydropneumatic suspension system with variable ground clearance and tilt, provided by Messier Auto-Industry.

The AMX-10 RC is fitted with a 105/47 F2 MECA 105 mm medium-pressure gun, mounted in a GIAT Industries TK 105 three-man turret.

The F2 105 mm medium-pressure rifled gun fires four types of 105×527R ammunition: OFL 105 F3 APFSDS, OE 105 F3 HE, OCC 105 F3 HEAT-FS and the BSCC 105 F3 target practice round.

The APFSDS, which uses the penetrator from the GIAT OFL 90 F1  mm APFSDS round, is capable of defeating a NATO single heavy tank target at a range of 1,200 metres and the NATO triple heavy tank target at a range of 2,200 metres.

For its part in the 1991 Gulf War, the AMX-10 RC was provided with extra-high-hardness steel add-on armour and an EIREL infrared jammer.

This programme integrated various systems and additional armour, active self-protection by SAGEM, LIRE (Leurre InfRarougE, infrared flare), the SIT (Système d'Information Terminal) V1 battlefield management system, Galix smoke grenade launchers, changes in the NBC protection and improvements in the suspension.

On 2 July 2023, amid the Ukrainian counteroffensive, it was reported that although they are good for fire support, the lack of a stabiliser for the main gun and their light armour made them unsuitable for frontal assaults.

[10][11] French military experts had warned that the AMX-10 RC was useful in providing fire support and for exploiting gaps in the frontline, but that it was not designed to cope with modern anti-tank weaponry or to be used as a substitute for main battle tanks.

[14] According to Oryx, as of 3 September 2024, 4 of the 38 AMX-10 RC in Ukrainian service were confirmed lost: one destroyed, two abandoned and one captured by Russian forces.