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." The tank features an active protection system that shoots down anti-tank missiles. It also has sophisticated sensors and data networking. There is also a high level of automation.
T-14 Armata is composed of a hull, three crew members, a remote-controlled, unmanned turret weapon station and a power supply at the back. The turret comes equipped with a smoothbore gun of 125mm (2A82-1M) that can fire laser-guided rockets. It also has 45 rounds, 32 of which are already in use.
Russian main battle tanks have dominated the battlefield of Ukraine since February 24, when Russia took control of Kherson. However, these vehicles can be easily damaged by modern anti-tank guns. MBTs also have high maintenance and age.
The demand for more efficient tanks that can fight multiple enemies at once has resulted in the development of the T-14 Armata. The T-14 Armata was created as a replacement for the T-72/T-90 MBTs that Russia has used extensively in the conflict in Ukraine.
The T-14 Armata is a modular platform that can be built into many armored versions, including heavy infantry fighting vehicles or armored personnel carriers. The turret can be equipped with three hatches. A crew compartment can be added to the hull.
The hull is divided into three sections, with the driver on the left and the gunner on the right seated in a distinctive armored capsule that can be isolated from the motor compartment. The armored bulkhead is used to separate the hull from both the automatic loader turret.
A 125mm smoothbore gun is mounted in an unmanned turret that can be accessed from outside the tank. This gun is capable to deliver a payload as high as 300 pounds to an object and can be fired at distances up to seven kilometres. The turret also has a radar, and can be equipped with other weapons systems.
These include a missile-guided missile system, an air to ground guided artillery tube and laser-guided rockets. Army Technology states that these are capable of eliminating targets over a distance of around 10 kilometers with one attack.
The T-14 Armata's other important feature is its ability to be used in harsh terrain or snowy mountains. This makes it adaptable to various battlefield scenarios.
T-14 Armata is being sought by several countries, including India. India plans to replace its existing fleet of main combat tanks with newer models 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.