The T-14 Armata Russian main battle tank is the next generation. It is based upon the Armata Universal Combat Platform. Learn more about this tank. The tank's price, protection levels and replacement cost are all subject to rumors. This article will give all the information that you need to make a decision about whether this tank is right.
Russian main battle tank
The Russian main battle tank T-14 Armata has been hailed as a game-changer. The tank was first displayed at the Victory Day parade, Moscow. It was highly praised for its advanced capabilities. The Armata was not present on the battlefields of Ukraine, however. Why is that?
Armata has sophisticated sensors and a high level of automation. It also features an active protection system. It is expected that the Armata will remain in production for at-least five years. The Russian Army plans to buy 2,300 Armatas from 2015 through 2020.
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. Delivery was initially expected to start in 2018, but has been delayed due to funding problems, technical problems, and sanctions against Russia. As a result, it is now expected that the Russian Army will start to receive deliveries in 2019 and 2020.
Armata's cost and performance are comparable with current MBTs. But, the most concerning aspect is the high cost. Some sources claim that the Armata will be three times more expensive than a T-72 fully upgraded. The Armata isn't as costly as the K2 Black Panther but it still puts pressure on Russia's modest defense budget.
Protection levels
The armor on the T-14 Armata is not as strong as on other modern tanks. Its weakest point is the hull Bow, where crew members can be positioned. Active armor protection systems, even though the tank's armor is not very strong, can compensate. The tank's turret is also poorly armored and could be damaged if struck. The middle of tank, where the majority of the flammable cartridge is stored, is another weakness.
T-14 comes equipped with advanced composite armor. But the T-14's unique active protection system is what sets it apart. Its Afganit APS is capable of intercepting both kinetic and chemical bullets. The APS is not the only feature of the T-14, however.
Rumors 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 to cut defense budgets, prioritize other projects, and the Armata cost twice more than originally anticipated. In the meantime, the Armata's replacement may be the Abrams, which could compete with the Leopard 2 and Challenger 2.
The T-14 Armata Tank has been a major player in armor and mobility. Its range is almost seven miles, nearly double that of the M1 Abrams. Its armor and speed have earned it a lot of praise, but there are some questions.
Future upgrades
Although future upgrades for the T-14 Armata tanks is not known, the Russian military has bought more than 600 T-72B3s over the past few years. These vehicles are a probable stopgap, and may be used as safety nets for the T-14. They indicate that Russia will continue to operate a mixed tank fleet for many years.
Future upgrades to T-14 Armata vehicles will increase the armor and protection levels. Additionally, the vehicle will be equipped with dual-manual control and systems to shield its electronics form electromagnetic weapons. These upgrades would also improve vehicle ergonomics.