The AMX-30 was born from a failed collaboration between France and West Germany to design a modern main battle tank for use by both armies, as well as Italy. Following the development of two prototypes, both countries decided to pursue their own agendas separately, with the German prototype eventually becoming the Leopard 1 and the French prototype the AMX-30. The AMX-30 was designed under the principle that mobility ensured greater survivability than heavier armor, and as a result it featured the weakest armor of any of its contemporaries. To compensate, the AMX-30 was fast and packed a strong punch with its long caliber CN-105-F1 gun which could fire the Obus G HEAT round, easily capable of penetrating most enemy armor during its day. NBC protection was standard, as was the capability for deep fording. By the 1970s, development of advanced passive and reactive armor placed the AMX-30 at a disadvantage notwithstanding a series of improvements, particularly in its fire control systems, engines and suspension. The AMX-30 was exported to various other European as well as Middle East nations including Spain (which license-produced it), Greece, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Venezuela, Chile, and Nigeria. French, Saudi and Qatari units saw combat during the Gulf War, where they performed well despite concerns over its inferiority compared to Iraqi T-72s, although these were ultimately not encountered.

The prototype of the French version of the Europa-Panzer was completed in September 1960, and was eventually developed into the AMX-30 following the end of Franco-German collaboration. It replaced US-built M47s in French service. A special variant for desert operations became known as the AMX-30S, supplied to Saudi Arabia. The modifications resulted in a modest loss of speed and it was also fitted with a slightly less powerful engine but otherwise adds a laser rangefinder. A major modernization program resulted in the AMX-30B2 with integrated fire control, a laser rangefinder and thermal system as well as generally improved optical equipment. Uniquely, its co-axial armament featured independent elevation from the main gun, allowing it to be used against aircraft and helicopters. Other variants include the AMX-30SA anti-aircraft system, while the chassis was used as a platform for the Pluton tactical nuclear missile launcher, Roland SAM launcher (AMX-30R) and the GCT 155-mm self-propelled gun. Non-combat versions include the AMX-30D armored recovery vehicle as well as a bridgelayer. Locally-produced Spanish versions were known as the AMX-30E and eventually modernized into the AMX-30EM1 and -30EM2 with automotive and engine enhancements.