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's hull includes three crew members, an unmanned remote control turret warfare station, and an energy pack at the rear. The turret has a 125mm smoothbore gun 2A82-1M that can fire laser guided missiles. There are 45 rounds total, 32 of which have been prepared for use.
Russian main combat tanks (MBTs), which have dominated Ukraine's battlefield since Russia re-took Kherson control on February 24, 2004, are now vulnerable to modern antitank 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 can be equipped with three hatches. A crew compartment can be added to the hull.
The hull is divided into three parts, with the driver on one side and the gunner on another. The hull is separated from the turret and automatic loader by an armored bulkhead.
A 125mm smoothbore rifle is mounted in an unmanned tower that can be accessed by the tank's outside. This gun is capable of delivering a payload of up to 300 pounds to a target and can be fired from up to seven kilometers away. A radar is included in the turret, which can also carry other weapons systems.
These include a missile guidance device, an air-to ground guided artillery tubes, and laser-guided Missiles. According to Army Technology, they can all destroy targets in an area of approximately 10 km with a single attack.
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 makes it adaptable to various battlefield scenarios.
T-14 Armata has attracted interest from several countries, including India. India intends to replace its current fleet main battle tanks by new ones by 2025. Russian deputy director of Military and Technical Cooperation Vladimir Drozhzhov stated that Moscow is willing to share its Armata modular technologies and India's future MBT development plans during the Aero India 2023 exhibition in India.