Russia begins mass production of T-14 Armata super tank

With the developed features, T-14 Armata will be manufactured by Russia on a large scale to widely equip the army.

Russian army's T-14 Armata tank. Photo: Sputnik

On March 10, Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Russian technology corporation Rostec, confirmed that the T-14 main battle tank, one of Russia's Armata infantry fighting vehicles, is ready for mass production, despite doubts about the development process of this super tank.

The Armata Universal Combat Vehicle is a platform consisting of the T-14 main battle tank, the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle, and the T-16 armored recovery vehicle. Super tankThe T-14 has quite a lot of firepower with a 125 mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun on an unmanned turret. Another variant of the Armata line is a heavy assault armored vehicle nicknamed the "tank killer" with a gun.2S35 Koalitsiya-SV 152 mm.

However, nearly a year after its public appearance at the May 2015 parade, the T-14 Armata has yet to be widely deployed in the Russian military. Currently, only a few units have been assigned and are testing the first 20 T-14s to find out the limitations and overcome them before mass production.

According to Dave Majumdar, a defense analyst for the National Interest, it appears thatRussia has developed a combat network so that T-14 tanks can connect directly, transmitting information and images to T-90MS tanks in combat.

The Armata’s most impressive feature is its Afghanit active protection system (APS). This system uses a 360-degree active electronically scanned array radar and a powerful electronic warfare system to disrupt the guidance signals of incoming projectiles. It also has a device to jam enemy laser guidance systems.

The APS system on the T-14 is equipped with interceptor weapons equipped with explosive-piercing shells, which can effectively deal with kinetic energy-piercing shells.anti-tankof the opponent.APS systems are generally most effective against explosive projectiles, such as B-41s or missiles.

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Military Power 2016 report, the APS active protection system and unmanned turret allow the T-14 to independently develop combat plans based on battlefield experience as well as develop future combat environment concepts.

Control screens inside the T-14 Armata compartment. Photo: RT

"When put into service, Armata will be the first tank model designed with an unmanned turret and APS system. The APS system will reduce the effectiveness of guided and shoulder-fired anti-tank missiles. That will change the face of the battlefield in the direction of focusing on enhancing the role of artillery, anti-tank guns and tanks," the report said.

In case the enemy detects and attacks with modern weapons that can overcome the APS system, the T-14 tank is also protected by explosive reactive armor.two layersMalachite covers the outer layer of strong armor. The composition of this armor remains a mystery, but it is likely made of ceramic composite. Some parts of the tank are fitted with pod armor to protect against conventional grenade launchers.

Russia's Armata super tank development program has caused particular concern among Western defense officials. Germany has recently embarked on upgradingnew 130mm gun forLeopard 2 tank and plans to develop a new super main battle tank called the Main Battle Tank System (MGCS) to counter the Russian T-14.

According to VNE