The T-14 Armata is Russia's latest and most expensive main battle tank, a high-tech armored vehicle that Russia's defense industry claims is "the world's deadliest". The tank boasts an active defense system to kill anti-tank missiles and sophisticated sensors and networked data.
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 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.
Since February 24, when Russia retook Kherson's control, the Ukrainian main battle tanks (MBTs), have been dominant on the battlefield. However, these vehicles are susceptible to modern anti-tank weapons. 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. 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.
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. Three hatches are found on the turret, while the hull can be equipped with an armored compartment to accommodate the crew.
The hull is divided into three parts, with the driver on one side and the gunner on another. An armored bulkhead separates the hull from the automatic loading device and turret.
An unmanned turret with a 125mm smoothbore can is located 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 is also equipped with a radar and can carry a number of other weapon systems.
These include a missile guidance device, an air-to ground guided artillery tubes, and laser-guided Missiles. 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 the tank highly adaptable to different battlefield conditions.
Many countries are interested in T-14 Armata. India is planning to replace its fleet of main battle tank with newer ones by 2025. Vladimir Drozhzhov was the deputy director of Russia’s Federal Service of Military and Technical Cooperation. He stated that Moscow would share its Armata modular technologies to India for the development of the Indian MBT.