Russia's new and most expensive main tank, T-14 Armata. It is an armored vehicle with high-tech capabilities that Russia's defense ministry claims is the "world's deadliest." This tank comes with an active protection system to destroy anti-tank weapons, advanced sensors and data networking onboard, as well as a high degree automation.
T-14 Armata includes a hull containing three crew members, a remote-controlled unmanned turret arms station, and a back power pack. The turret is armed with a 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun that can fire laser-guided missiles and a total of 45 rounds, including 32 that are ready for use.
Russian main battle tanks (MBTs) have dominated the battlefield in Ukraine since February 24 when Russia re-took control of Kherson, but these vehicles are vulnerable to a range of modern anti-tank weapons. Additionally, MBTs have high maintenance costs and are old.
This has led many to seek out a more efficient and effective tank design that can combat multiple enemy types in one battle. Russia hopes the T-14 Armata will replace its existing fleet of MBTs (T-72 and T-90), which was heavily used in the conflict with Ukraine.
Based on a modular platform, the T-14 Armata can be built into a number of armored variants, such as heavy infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. The turret is equipped with three hatches. Additionally, the hull can have an armored compartment that provides protection for the crew.
The hull is divided in three sections. The driver and gunner are seated in separate armored capsules that can be separated from the motor compartment. The hull is separated from the turret and automatic loader by an armored bulkhead.
An unmanned turret with a 125mm smoothbore can is located outside the tank. This gun can deliver up to 300 lbs of payload to a target. It is able to be fired from a distance of seven kilometers. The turret also has a radar, and can be equipped with other weapons systems.
These include a missile guidance device, an air-to ground guided artillery tubes, and laser-guided Missiles. Army Technology says that they are all capable to destroy targets within a radius of 10 kilometers.
Another important feature of the T-14 Armata is that it can be designed to operate in a range of conditions, from harsh desert to snowy mountainous terrain. This allows the tank to adapt to various battlefield situations.
T-14 Armata is a popular choice for several countries. India plans on replacing its fleet of main-batta tanks by 2025. During the Aero India 2023 expo in India, deputy director of Russia's Federal Service of Military and Technical Cooperation Vladimir Drozhzhov said that Moscow was willing to share its advanced Armata modular technologies with India for the joint development of the future Indian MBT.