The T-14 Armata is the next generation Russian main battle tank. It is based upon the Armata Universal Combat Platform. Read on to learn more about this tank. Its protection levels, cost, and rumors surrounding 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, Russia's main battle tank, has been called a gamechanger. The tank was shown for the first times at Moscow's Victory Day parade. It was noted for its exceptional capabilities. But, the Armata was missing from the battlefields of Ukraine. Why is that?
The Armata vehicle is high-tech with advanced sensors, high automation and active protection. The Armata should be in production for at minimum five years. The Russian army plans to acquire 2,300 Armatas between 2015 and 2020.
Cost
T-14 Armata MBTs can cost as much as $812 million. It has been in development since 2014, and the Russian Ministry of Defence ordered a batch of them in 2017. Delivery was initially expected to start in 2018, but has been delayed due to funding problems, technical problems, and sanctions against Russia. Accordingly, the Russian Army should begin receiving supplies 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 believe that the Armata will cost up to three times more than a fully-upgraded T-72. Although the Armata isn’t as costly than the K2 Black Panther it will still put a strain upon Russia’s modest defense budget.
Protection levels
T-14 Armata has less armor than 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 whole tank can be hit if the turret's armor is weak. The middle of tank, where the majority of the flammable cartridge is stored, is another weakness.
T-14 has advanced composite armor but its active protection system sets it apart. The Afganit Active Protection System (APS) can intercept both chemical and kinetic bullets. However, the T-14's APS isn't the only thing that stands out.
Rumours abound about its replacement
Rumours circulating that Russia's military isn't planning to replace T-14 Armata by a newer tank are not surprising. The Armata was twice the cost of its initial estimates and Russian military officials had to trim defense budgets in order to prioritize other projects. The Abrams could take over the Armata's place, and compete with Challenger 2 and Leopard 2 in the meantime.
The T-14 Armata armor tank has made quite an impact in the worlds mobility and armor. 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
While future upgrades for T-14 Armata tanks cannot be predicted, the Russian army has purchased more 600 T-72B3s since 2005. These vehicles are a probable stopgap, and may be used as safety nets for the T-14. These vehicles indicate Russia will continue to operate its mixed battle tank fleet over the 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 improve vehicle ergonomics.