The T-14 Armata is the next generation Russian main battle tank. It is built on the Armata Universal Combat Platform. Continue reading to learn more about the tank. Its price, its protection level, and any rumors regarding its replacement. This article will give you the information you need in order to determine if this is the tank for you.
Russian main battle tank
T-14 Armata, the main battle tank of Russia, is being hailed as an innovator. First displayed during the Victory Day parade in Moscow, the tank was praised for its advanced capabilities. However, the Armata wasn't present on the battlefields at Ukraine. Why is that?
The Armata vehicle is high-tech with advanced sensors, high automation and active protection. It is expected that the Armata will remain in production for at-least five years. Between 2015 and 2020, the Russian army will acquire 2,300 Armatas.
Cost
T-14 Armata MBTs can cost as much as $812 million. It was developed in 2014, and a batch of them were ordered by the Russian Ministry of Defence. Although delivery was originally scheduled to begin in 2018, it has been delayed by financial problems, technical issues, and sanctions against Russia. It is now anticipated that deliveries to the Russian Army will begin in 2019 or 2020.
Armata's performance, cost and reliability are comparable to MBTs of today. However, the main concern is the cost. Some sources claim that the Armata will be three times more expensive than a T-72 fully upgraded. Although it's not as costly as the K2 Black Panther the Armata still places a strain on Russia’s modest defense budget.
Protection levels
The armor on the T-14 Armata is not as strong as on other modern tanks. The hull bow is where crew members are located, and it is its weakest part. Active armor protection systems can compensate for its low armor. The tank's turret is also poorly armored and could be damaged if struck. The tank's middle, where the bulk of the flammable ammunition is kept, is another weak point.
While the T-14 is equipped with advanced composite armor, the active protection system is what really sets it apart. Its Afganit APS is capable of intercepting both chemical and kinetic rounds. However, the T-14's APS isn't the only thing that stands out.
Rumours about its replacement
Rumours have swirled that Russia's military might not be looking to replace its T-14 Armata tanks with a newer model, but this is not surprising. Russian military officials have had the difficult task of prioritizing other projects and cutting defense budgets. The Armata cost twice as high as originally expected. The Abrams could take over the Armata's place, and compete with Challenger 2 and Leopard 2 in the meantime.
The T-14 Armata tank has made quite a splash in the world of armor and mobility. Its range, at nearly seven miles is double that of M1 Abrams. Its armor and speed have earned it a lot of praise, but there are some questions.
Future upgrades
While future upgrades for T-14 Armata tanks cannot be predicted, the Russian army has purchased more 600 T-72B3s since 2005. These vehicles could serve as a temporary solution and be used to protect the T-14. They suggest Russia will operate a mixed combat tank fleet for many more years.
Future upgrades for T-14 Armata cars are expected to improve the vehicle's armor and protection. This vehicle will also have dual-manual weapon control and shielding systems for its electronics. These upgrades would also help improve the vehicle’s ergonomics.