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New in the T 14 test. Tank talk: The Ministry of Defense will receive the first production "Almaty" this year

Interesting comments on the material on “Armata” in A. Khlopotov’s bogey:

Uralvagonzavod is ready to create a new tank on the Armata platform... well, of course!

Having dropped out of the news agenda dedicated to Russian tanks for some time, today I was catching up when I suddenly came across an unexpected revelation from Uralvagonzavod. Back on August 22, the RT channel published a material with the headline “Uralvagonzavod is ready to create a new tank on the Armata platform.” It’s short, so I’ll quote it in full here:
“The Uralvagonzavod corporation announced its readiness to create a new heavy tank on the Armata platform with a 152-mm cannon. TASS reports this with reference to the UVZ press service. According to a representative of the corporation, confirmation from the customer is required to start work. "The technical groundwork for creating a tank on the Armata platform with a cannon of increased muzzle energy is available. The decision is up to the customer - the Russian Ministry of Defense," the agency's interlocutor said. Currently, the Russian army is testing T-14 Armata tanks with guns of the caliber 125 mm."

How did I miss it then?! Here's the thing, many said that UVZ is already working on such a tank. Even more people assured that changing the gun on the T-14, replacing the 125-mm 2A82 with a six-inch 2A83, was a piece of cake. In turn, I constantly, over and over again repeated and repeated that installing a 125-mm cannon on a promising Russian tank is a mistake, and even more often I said that it would be easy, with “little blood”, to change the 125-mm combat module to a 152-mm one. mm on the T-14 will not work. Such work will, in fact, lead to the creation of a new tank. And voila, finally my words received official confirmation. UVZ admitted that re-equipment of the Armata to 152 mm caliber would indeed require the creation of an actual new tank.
For UVZ, and especially for UKBTM, this is an extremely profitable idea. They have already partially spent the money received for the T-14. At the same time, they issued a tank, which turned out to be unnecessary for the Ministry of Defense. And, lo and behold, the designers were not at all to blame for this! They actually fulfilled the customer’s technical specifications quite punctually. But what place did that same customer think?
By the way, I won’t be surprised that no one in the Ministry of Defense and the Government of the Russian Federation will suffer any punishment for the billions thrown away. They will stupidly write off the money for OCD and start a new job. They'll cut even more.
Well, as for the technical basis, yes, it really exists - it has not gone away since the days of the T-95. We lost 8 years during which we could produce a heavy tank destroyer with a 152mm cannon - so that’s nonsense - no one attacked Russia during this time... Now, if we order it, we’ll spend 10-15 years... K Unfortunately, the existing socio-economic formation does not contribute to the real strengthening of defense capability. Our priority now is to earn money and transfer it abroad, to the accounts of beneficiaries of LLC "Russian Federation", and not to real concern for the safety and well-being of citizens.

With the development of information technology, the doctrine of warfare has changed. The emphasis began to be placed not on massive strikes and concentrations of troops, but on tactical data exchange and the use of high-precision weapons.

Based on a similar concept, the United States developed the doctrine of network-centric warfare. Its key aspect is to coordinate the actions of units, exchange information in real time and effectively carry out strikes. The principles of this doctrine are adopted by other states, including Russia.

T-14 "Armata" (Armata) is a Russian main battle tank developed within the framework of the concept of network-centric warfare. Designed for action as part of a group, reconnaissance, adjustment and fire control. Significant emphasis is placed on the communication equipment of the machine.

History of development and generation of tanks

The history of the development of the Armata platform and tank is associated with the rivalry between the USA and the USSR in the creation of vehicles with an uninhabited turret. The first drawings of such projects began to be developed in the 1980s. Later they were continued by several developments - objects 195, 640 and 299.

Despite the economic difficulties of the 90s, the Russian designer managed to create the first tank focused on conducting network-centric warfare. The development was based on the creation of the Armata universal combat platform, work on which has been carried out since 2009.

For its design, the developments of previous experimental tanks and combat vehicles were used. The peculiarity of the new platform was its wide range of applications. The modular system made it possible to supplement it with the necessary weapons in accordance with the specifics of the order.

Taking into account the versatility of the platform, the T-14 Armata turret is made uninhabited with automated weapons control. The crew itself is completely moved to the control compartment in the bow of the hull.

This arrangement provided the crew with additional protection. This aspect solves two problems at the same time - it increases the efficiency of the crew, who feel their “invulnerability” and protects trained professionals, whose value has become equal to the cost of the tank itself.

Also, when developing the Armata tank, the increased importance of infantry formations armed with modern anti-tank missile systems was taken into account. In this context, the concept of a single tank is considered obsolete. In the new concept of combat, the emphasis is placed on tactical units of several combat vehicles.

Taking this factor into account, the universal platform “Armata” was created. The T-14 developed on its basis performs the function of reconnaissance and coordination of actions with other tactical level vehicles. This does not reduce the combat characteristics of the tank, but it changes the conditions for its use in battle.

The name of the platform and tank has nothing to do with the armada. The name of the first Russian cannons of the 14th century is based on the Latin root arma, translated as “weapon”.

First demonstration

The first prototypes of equipment on the Armata platform were presented in 2013 at the international exhibition Russia Arms Expo in Nizhny Tagil. Two years later, several variants of military equipment were shown at the Victory Parade on May 9, 2015. It was then that the T-14 was presented as a promising modern tank.

Design of the T-14 tank

The design of the T-14 tank has several key features that distinguish it from modern analogues. Taking into account the versatility of the platform and modular assembly, the layout of the machine has been changed. Greater emphasis is placed on automation of the warhead and crew safety. Taking these aspects into account, the design of the tank is built.

"Armata" is equipped with a tank information and control system (TIUS). It provides automated control of machine components and assemblies. Any malfunctions are reported to the crew. This system also determines which breakdowns need to be repaired first.

Armored capsule and uninhabited tower

The main problem of many tanks was finding ammunition along with the crew. This created a threat of its death if it was hit by a cumulative projectile; in this case, even a technically sound tank would fail.

Development of automated feeding of projectiles into a gun was carried out in many countries. The difficulty was in supplying ammunition when changing the position of the turret and the angle of fire. Trial mechanisms have shown their unreliability, which is why the crews of many foreign tanks still have a loader, although the ammunition itself is stored separately from the crew.

Russian developers managed to optimize this process, making it more reliable. Thanks to this, the middle part of the hull and the turret became uninhabited, and the ammunition was reliably isolated from the crew. The latter has been moved to the front with its own armor separating it from the rest of the tank.

The turret armor consists of two layers - the main protection and the anti-fragmentation casing. The latter protects the devices from bullets, shrapnel and high-explosive shells. It also provides the vehicle with radar stealth and protection against radiomagnetic pulses. Part of the gun's ammunition is stored in the rear of the turret. Additional power for the machine gun is also located here. All charging is automated.

The T-14 armored capsule provides reliable protection for the crew and electronic equipment from cumulative and fragmentation shells. Survival is also ensured in the event of detonation of ammunition or fuel tanks. They are also insulated with armored partitions and have knock-out hatches that direct the force of the explosion away from the crew.

Phased array radar

Radar protection (radar) T-14 "Armata" is part of the "Afganit" system. Its key feature is the use of an active phased array radar (AFAR), made by analogy with developments for the Su-57 fighters. The technology is based on the use of low-temperature ceramics in the Ka-band 26.5-40 GHz (LTCC).

Structurally, the radar is placed on the tower in four panels, protected by a fragmentation shield. Their arrangement provides a 360-degree view without rotation. According to preliminary data, Armata is capable of detecting up to 40 ground and 25 air dynamic targets simultaneously.

The target detection radius is considered controversial. Sources indicate a coverage of 100 km. It is known that there was an attempt to reduce the radar power, but in the end it was decided to leave it as is. It was this aspect that predetermined the role of the T-14 in the tactical level - reconnaissance and target designation for firing by other vehicles.

In addition to the phased array radar, there are two radars for detecting targets at short ranges. Their work is focused on detecting projectiles and targets when the main radar is turned off.

Active protection "Afghanit"

The Afghanit active defense complex is a radar recognition of threats and targets. Includes the following features and functions:

automatic rotation of the turret towards the approaching projectile, which exposes the most protected frontal part to attack;
opening return fire to protect the vehicle and nearby equipment, controlling a machine gun to shoot incoming shells;
protection against electronic warfare and detection;
providing stealth camouflage due to thermal insulation of the body and reducing radar visibility;
creation of smoke-metal curtains to protect nearby infantry, including landing on the vehicle body, electronic destruction of incoming guided projectiles.

Given the range of the Afghanit radars, comprehensive protection is used both to repel threats and to coordinate and launch retaliatory strikes, including preventive measures. This aspect is relevant for actions as part of a tactical unit.

Layout

The T-14 "Armata" has a classic layout adjusted for crew accommodations. The design is divided into three parts:

in the front there is an armored capsule with three crew members and all equipment for controlling the vehicle;
the main ammunition is stored in the middle part, and the mechanism for feeding shells into the turret is also located here;
in the aft part there is traditionally an engine-transmission compartment with fuel tanks.

The uninhabited turret of the Armata tank communicates with its middle part. It has its own division; part of the ammunition is located in the rear part. The main radars, weapons, surveillance and guidance devices are also located here.

Protection

"Armata" has a combined complex protection in several levels. In addition to the Afghanit system, capable of repelling threats on approach, there is the Malachite complex. The operating principle of the latter is designed for the preemptive detonation of approaching projectiles.

Such a system protects the tank from armor-piercing shells, light RPG missiles and heavy anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). Emphasis is also placed on protecting nearby infantry from ammunition detonation, as well as reducing the likelihood of blinding surveillance and targeting devices.

Passive protection of the T-14 hull is represented by the following elements:

frontal protection based on composite materials, according to unconfirmed data, is capable of withstanding hits from ATGMs with a caliber of up to 150 mm and armor-piercing finned sabot projectiles (BOPS) up to 120 mm;
internal armored fences isolating compartments in the event of hit and detonation of fuel tanks and ammunition.

Anti-cumulative screens are used primarily on the tower. They are also provided for fuel tanks, providing them with additional armor.

Mine protection

The Armata's mine protection is represented by two key aspects: a V-shaped armored bottom and remote mine detectors. The latter are connected to the remote mine destruction system. The explosion is carried out due to distortion of the tank's magnetic field.

The V-shaped bottom is complemented by energy-absorbing materials (closed-cell aluminum foam) and special mine-resistant seats. The design of the latter can significantly reduce the shock wave and the load on the crew from both explosions and movement on uneven surfaces.

Missile defense

The missile defense of the T-14 "Armata" is represented by three stages:

the Afghanit active protection complex ensures interception of projectiles, suppression of their control, and destruction;
dynamic protection "Malachite" ensures the reflection and destruction of projectiles of various calibers at close range;
The tank's own armor protects against hits from ammunition that has passed the first two levels.

Information about the tank’s ability to withstand hits from modern guided munitions does not yet have accurate data. According to experts, the frontal armor of the vehicle, even without dynamic protection, cannot be penetrated by the best NATO ATGMs. Many Western analysts also believe that the Armata's armor is capable of withstanding hits from the most modern anti-tank shells.

Stealth technologies

The Armata's invisibility technology is represented by the following aspects:

thermal insulation coating of the body on the inside;
system for mixing exhaust gases with cold air;
flat reflective edges in the hull design reduce radar signature;
painting the tank reduces heating from the sun and ensures absorption of radar waves;
There is a magnetic field distortion system.

All these factors significantly reduce the radar, infrared and magnetic signature of the Armata. In a number of cases, the identification of the T-14 as a tank or combat vehicle is excluded.

Engine and transmission

The Armata is equipped with a twelve-cylinder X-shaped four-stroke diesel engine with a 12N360 turbocharger. The power of the power plant is switchable and can correspond to one of three indicators - 1200, 1500 or 1800 hp. With.

The use of a four-stroke engine improved efficiency, which increased the march range without refueling. The vehicle's service life has increased, it starts more easily at low temperatures, and requires less air for blowing, which reduces the tank's infrared visibility. If necessary, the engine can be replaced within 30 minutes.

The Armata gearbox is automatic, with the option of manual shifting. There are 16 gears in total, eight each for forward and reverse.

Crew

The crew of the T-14 "Armata" consists of three people: a commander, a driver and a gunner. All three are located in the front part, in an armored capsule. The design of the tank, its layout, external and internal protection provide a high probability of crew survival even in the event of the loss of the vehicle itself.

Suspension

The Armata tank uses active suspension, which gives it a significant advantage over previous generations of vehicles. Unlike uncontrolled hydropneumatic and torsion bar suspensions, the active one, due to sensors, takes into account uneven terrain and independently commands the suspension system to vertically shift the rollers.

This principle of operation allows the machine to adapt to uneven terrain. Accordingly, the smooth running of the tank is ensured, speed is maintained, and the accuracy of target designation and shooting in motion is increased.

Maximum speed

The Armata tank, given its weight, is capable of reaching a speed of 80-90 km/h on the highway, and has a cruising range of 500 km. On rough terrain, the speed is reduced to 45-60 km/h. The power reserve in this case depends on the soil and the complexity of the terrain.

Dimensions and weight

The technical characteristics of the Armata tank in terms of dimensions have the following indicators:

body length - 8.7 m;
total length with the gun facing forward - 10.8 m;
body width - 3.5 m;
height - 2.7 m;
track width - 2.8 m.

The weight of the Armata tank in tons is 48-55 tons, information varies from different sources. The specific pressure on the ground, taking into account the mass, is 0.775 kilograms per cubic centimeter.

Armament

Despite the concept of using the T-14 for reconnaissance and coordination of a tank unit, the Armata’s own weapons correspond to the parameters of a main battle tank. The following aspects are highlighted in this issue:

125 mm gun 2A82-1M;
machine guns "Kord" and PKTM.

The guns and machine guns are guided by a fire control system (FCS). The ballistic computer makes the necessary calculations using the following parameters:

determining the tank’s own position using the GLONASS receiver and inertial navigation system;
gyroscopic calculation of the tank’s position based on its angular orientation in space;
calculation of wind direction and speed;
determination of air temperature and humidity;
taking into account barrel curvature during heating.

All sensors are located on the roof of the tank. Taken together, the system allows you to automatically calculate the necessary parameters. Many experts agree that this operating principle makes weapon control more similar to a computer game than to real control of a combat vehicle.

Smoothbore 125 mm gun 2A82-1M

Armata tanks are equipped with 2A82-1M smoothbore guns with a caliber of 125 mm. Their range is 7 km, rate of fire is 10-12 rounds per minute. In terms of technical characteristics, such guns are superior to the best NATO tank guns by 17% in muzzle energy and 20% in accuracy.

The supply of ammunition is automatic. It is possible to load the gun with projectiles a meter long, which allows the use of high-power sub-caliber armor-piercing ammunition. The gun's total ammunition capacity is 45 rounds, but its staffing has not yet been approved.

If necessary, 2A83 guns of 152 mm caliber can be installed on Armata tanks. This weapon has the ability to penetrate armor equivalent to up to 1000 mm, which significantly exceeds the protection of modern NATO tanks. Given the power of such a gun, there is no need for armor-piercing shells - the kinetic energy of the fired ammunition is enough to tear off the entire turret of any tank.

Taking into account this factor, the installation of these guns is still considered inappropriate. This makes the T-14 upgradeable if necessary to enhance the firepower of a tank unit. The probable reduction in the ammunition capacity of the new gun is also taken into account - to increase it it is planned to use a turret niche.

Reflex-M missiles

In addition to standard tank shells, the T-14 can hit targets with Reflex-M solid-fuel anti-tank guided missiles. They are capable of hitting almost any highly protected surface, ground and low-flying targets.

The charging of these missiles is carried out according to a tandem scheme. The leading part is designed to overcome the dynamic protection of the target. The main charge is aimed at penetrating armor and directly defeating vehicles or pillboxes. The projectile's flight path is a helical line.

If necessary, the tank can use a version of the rocket with a thermobaric warhead. Such shells are designed to destroy enemy personnel, engineering structures and lightly armored vehicles.

PKTM machine gun

The Kalashnikov tank modernized machine gun (PKTM) on the T-14 is paired with a gun. Caliber - 7.62 mm. There is no information yet about the ammunition load. Designed primarily to engage infantry and lightly armored targets.

Machine gun "Kord" for destroying enemy shells and missiles

The Kord machine gun serves as an anti-aircraft installation for the tank and its air defense. Integrated with active tank protection. It has its own robotic turret, thermal imagers and AFAR radar, thanks to which it is capable of hitting even high-speed targets at a distance of 1.5 kilometers. Designed primarily to destroy shells and missiles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Taking into account the design and performance characteristics of the T-14, the following advantages of the new tank are highlighted:

crew protection, improved protection of the vehicle itself and its components;
high firepower, firing accuracy;
high speed and smooth ride on rough terrain, taking into account how much the tank weighs;
invisibility of the machine for various detection methods;
high range of detection and destruction of targets;
a resource for further modernization of the tank, including increasing firepower.

Many characteristics and indicators remain unconfirmed or classified. However, the available data confirms the exceptional position of the Armata among modern tanks. At the same time, attention is also paid to the shortcomings of the T-14.

The main questions are raised by the decision to transfer the crew to an armored capsule. This increases its security, but does not allow visibility from the tower. Accordingly, the role of optical technology increases, which creates special requirements for its protection from damage and blinding.

Another disadvantage is the cost of a new tank. Even in mass production, its assembly costs about 250-350 million rubles, which casts doubt on the mass production of such tanks for the army, as well as the likelihood of their production for export.

Despite the inconsistency and inaccuracy of a number of aspects, the project is assessed positively. Western military analysts point to the design understanding of Russian developers of the modern concept of combat operations. The creation of the Armata demonstrates a transition from the quantity of equipment used to the quality combat capability of small tactical groups.

Comparison of Armata with other tanks

Comparing the T-14 with modern tanks, Western experts agree that the Armata belongs to the next generation. There are a number of advantages and developments that are combined for the first time in the design of one machine.

Thus, the Israeli Merkava tank also has an AFAR radar capable of calculating the position of a shot based on an approaching projectile. However, the latter does not have the ability to reflect ammunition, and its frontal armor is weaker. Taking into account the location of the engine in the front part of the hull, penetration of the frontal protection is almost guaranteed to disable such a vehicle.

British experts also express concerns about the ability of their own vehicles to engage in confrontation with the Armata. The current Challenger 2 is not capable of penetrating the armor of the T-14, which requires its urgent replacement.

The German Ministry of Defense put forward a similar assessment of Armata. According to his assessment, Leopard-2 is not capable of penetrating the armor of the T-14. Based on this aspect, a Franco-German concern was created to jointly develop a new modern tank.

Chinese developers are confident that their VT-4 is superior to the Armata, although they point to the better transmission of the T-14. At the same time, the government is considering the possibility of purchasing Russian tanks.

There are no official statements from the United States, however, according to experts and various news publications, the American Abrams is also inferior to the Armata in a number of parameters. An opinion is expressed about its modernization and its ability to be the first to detect the enemy, which increases its chances of survival.

Participation in exercises

The Armata tank has not yet taken part in large-scale exercises or combat operations. Since December 31, 2018, it has been undergoing state tests. Taking into account its cost, the initial purchase orders of the Russian Ministry of Defense were reduced. So far we are talking about assembling 132 vehicles, which include the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle.

Despite the absence of exercises using the T-14, the performance characteristics and design features of the Armata today form new requirements for next-generation tanks:

on rough terrain, good speed and accuracy of mobile shooting must be maintained;
AFAR radar for detecting threats is becoming a mandatory attribute of modern technology;
the tank must be equipped with stealth technologies to reduce visibility, including creating jamming and dynamically changing signatures;
previous smoke screens are not capable of hiding a vehicle in the infrared and radar range, which requires the creation of new opaque multispectral screens;
the active protection of the tank must be able to defeat guided missiles and armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles;
the anti-aircraft machine gun is also becoming obsolete, instead the emphasis is shifting in favor of robotic installations capable of shooting down objects at high speed;
the tank's armament should include electromagnetic means of combat, at least against guided missiles;
the frontal armor of the tank must correspond to an equivalent thickness of 1000 mm;
the vehicle's reactive armor must repel attacks from hand-held grenade launchers and heavy anti-tank missiles with tandem warheads;
To significantly damage a tank, it is no longer enough to break through its turret; a significant impact force is required;
ammunition designed to damage the crew with shrapnel becomes ineffective in the presence of an armored capsule.

In the context of such descriptions and requirements put forward by the development and testing of the T-14, it is expected that other states will actively begin to develop new generation tanks. Whether "Armata" will remain competitive after the appearance of analogues in other countries - time will tell.

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The T-14 "Armata" tank, after modifications, entered mass production. The first batch of 16 updated vehicles will enter service with the troops before the end of the year. On May 9, the new T-14s will take part in the parade on Red Square. After this, to be tested under conditions close to combat, they will be distributed to military units located in different regions. According to experts, the Armata, with its uninhabited turret and armored crew capsule, is superior to all known foreign analogues, including the American Abrams, French Leclerc and German Leopard 2.

By the end of the year, 12 T-14 Armata tanks and four T-16 ARVs will enter service with the troops, several sources in the Ministry of Defense told Izvestia. According to them, the serial “Armatas” differ from the previously presented experimental vehicles: after testing, a number of components and assemblies were replaced on them, and new systems also appeared.

The first production tanks will have to take part in the Victory Parade. And after the ceremonial passage along the cobblestones of Red Square, the “Armata” will be involved in military tests. 16 vehicles will be divided between military units located in different climatic zones.

The Uralvagonzavod corporation told Izvestia that UVZ has a contract with the Ministry of Defense for the production of Armata tanks and combat vehicles based on them, and it is strictly fulfilled.

Remote Power

Comparing the T-14 with Western models, military experts speak of superiority over the American Abrams, French Leclerc and German Leopard 2. The domestic vehicle is considered to be 25–30% more efficient and more survivable than the tanks of potential opponents.

The main innovation of the tank is its uninhabited turret. In the Armata, the crew controls the gun remotely, located in an isolated armored capsule, which is located in the tank’s hull. The capsule allows you to save the life of the crew, making the tank more survivable on the battlefield. This solution to the layout of a combat vehicle is a new word in tank building.

It is known that the Armata has a new diesel engine with a capacity of 1.5 thousand hp. The firepower of the tank is provided by the 125-mm 2A82 cannon - in terms of technical level, as the developers say, it is 1.2 times superior to all existing tank guns. The muzzle energy of the 2A82 cannon is 1.17 times greater than the best NATO gun - the 120-mm system of the Leopard-2A6 tank. But at the same time, the barrel length of the domestic gun is 60 cm shorter, which overall makes the tank more compact.

The tank is equipped with the Afghanit active protection complex. It creates an impenetrable “dome” around the tank, automatically destroying incoming anti-tank shells, bombs and missiles without the direct participation of the crew.

Tank tow truck

For the Russian army, the Armata is a universal heavy tracked platform. On its basis it will be possible to produce not only tanks, but also heavy infantry fighting vehicles, engineering vehicles, heavy armored personnel carriers, tank support, reconnaissance and control vehicles.

The T-16 ARV based on the Armata, designed to evacuate damaged vehicles from the battlefield and carry out their subsequent repairs in the field, is already ready. It is equipped with a set of special equipment, such as a bulldozer blade, and differs from the existing BREM-1M in having a larger load-lifting crane, as well as a more powerful traction winch.

BREM T-16 based on "Armata"

The T-16 conning tower is located in the front part of the hull and is shifted to the left side - this is where the crew will be located. It consists of three people: a commander, a driver and an operator. The protected capsule also provides space for the crew of the evacuated tank. Behind the habitable compartment is the engine-transmission compartment, where the diesel engine and automatic reverse gearbox are located.

The ARV is not only heavily armored, but also has dynamic and electronic defense systems against guided weapons, and a mine clearance system with electromagnetic fuses. For its own defense, the T-16 is equipped with a combat module with a heavy machine gun, controlled remotely from an armored capsule.

The cold of Buryatia and the heat of the deserts

Last year, the Ministry of Defense announced that the Almaty would be tested in the Arctic. The issue of testing cars in the mountains and in desert-sandy areas, where high temperatures prevail, was also considered.

Inspection by the troops is necessary so that during operation crew members can “feel” the vehicle, military expert Sergei Suvorov told Izvestia.

Usually at this stage hidden shortcomings are discovered and design flaws come to light,” the expert noted. - Since Soviet times, all armored vehicles have been mandatory tested in various conditions - in hot climates, dusty areas and cold climates. In accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Defense, the tank must operate stably in the temperature range from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius. For testing in cold conditions, the tanks will be sent to military units located in the north of the country or, for example, in Buryatia, where in winter the temperature often drops to the required critical levels. To test the heat in Soviet times, the tanks were tested in the sands of the Karakum desert, now they are sent to the Astrakhan region.

Serial tanks, which ultimately become the basis of armored forces, are seriously different from experimental ones, Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, told Izvestia.

Externally, the final version of the Armata is unlikely to be much different from the pre-production ones, noted Viktor Murakhovsky. - Mainly, improvements should concern the power plant, transmission, sighting system and ammunition. A new range of ammunition will have to be developed for the tank gun, including guided, trajectory-detonating, and a number of others.

All tanks are modified in one way or another. In the USSR, as a rule, vehicle engines were seriously modernized - this primarily concerned the T-64 and T-80 tanks. So, the T-80, for example, actually received a new power plant before hitting the production line.

Next year, Russian specialists will begin state tests of the newest domestic T-14 Armata tank, the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Russian Ministry of Defense said.

“In the interests of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the T-14 combat vehicle, developed on the universal Armata platform, has been created and is completing factory tests. Next year, the tank will begin undergoing state tests at research institutes of the country’s defense department,” reported.

A week earlier, Western experts told the American publication The National Interest about the superiority of the Armata, which implements the concept of “network-centric warfare” in its design concept, over the combat vehicles of Britain - Challenger 2 and the USA - M1A2 Abrams.

According to military specialist Will Flannigan, the Russian vehicle presented in 2015 showed how outdated the alliance's main battle tanks are. In particular, the Russian tank has surpassed Western competitors in terms of survivability, firepower and mobility.

As the expert emphasized, the lack of an active protection system on the Challenger 2 and M1A2 shows that in the field of using effective and lightweight protection systems, Western tank building has remained far behind the Russian one.

In addition, there are many questions regarding NATO tanks regarding their combat effectiveness. Unlike the Russian T-14, which is equipped with a multi-role 125mm smoothbore gun 2A82-1M, NATO combat vehicles cannot fire anti-tank guided missiles.

Regarding mobility, the NI paper says,

"Armata" is equipped with an improved suspension and a diesel engine, which provide high strategic mobility of the vehicle and a good range. While the heavy weight of the M1A2 and Challenger 2 - over 50 tons - is an obstacle to effective deployment.

Last month, Western analysts presented their version of potential buyers of the Armata. It was noted that India is striving to become the first buyer of the newest Russian tank. New Delhi is considering the possibility of purchasing 1,770 new tanks to replace the outdated T-72 under the FRCV (Multipurpose Future Ready Combat Vehicles) program, and the highest priority option is the acquisition of Russian Armatas.

China also maintains an old tradition that dates back to the 1990s: Beijing buys expensive modern weapons systems from Russia and then uses their elements and ideas in its products, as it did with the J-11B (a fighter that is a licensed version of the Soviet fighter Su-27) and HQ-9 (Chinese anti-aircraft missile system developed on the basis of the S-300).

Algeria has a long-standing relationship with Russia in the area of arms trade. The country operates T-90 and S-50 tanks and Su-30MKA fighter jets (an improved version of the Su-30). Algeria has even acquired more recent Russian designs, such as the new Terminator BMPT and the Yak-130 fighter. If Algeria acquires the new Armata, it will ensure the country's military superiority in its region.

Like Algeria, Egypt is seeking to acquire Russian weapons systems, including T-90 tanks and MiG-35 fighter jets. Interestingly, both Egypt and Iraq have switched from using export versions of the American Abrams tank to Russian counterparts (this is evidenced by the recent acquisition of T-90 tanks), reports FAN .

Not long ago, the UAE began demanding from France updates for LeClerc tanks, including soft and hard protection systems. If Paris fails to satisfy the UAE's wishes, the country will likely resort to searching for alternatives, including the new Russian Armata tank.

Thus, China will most likely express a desire to buy the new Armata tank, at least in limited quantities, in order to evaluate the new development and adapt advanced solutions for its equipment. Beijing will most likely want to create its own analogue of the Russian Armata tank for export.

In October of this year, Great Britain demonstrated a prototype of the newest tank, which is expected to become a competitor to the Armata. The British fighting vehicle was named "Black Night" due to its increased ability to fight in the dark.

British developers created the “Black Night” based on the Challenger 2. The new equipment will, in particular, be equipped with a protection system capable of recognizing and eliminating anti-tank missiles, reports NSN .

Previously, Russian President Vladimir

Putin said that the newest types of weapons that will enter the Russian army as a result of the implementation of the state program are superior to their foreign counterparts.

At the same time, the president emphasized that it is now necessary to think about creating new types of weapons. According to Putin, the Russian military program has already been designed until 2027, and its implementation will begin in the near future.

“As a result of the implementation of the program, the troops should receive new, cutting-edge weapons, which in terms of tactical and technical characteristics are superior to their foreign counterparts,” the head of state said.

The Russian leader also noted that the program took into account current trends in the development of weapons and military equipment in the world, as well as the experience of the combat use of Russian weapons in Syria.

Putin clarified that we are talking about the Sarmat missile system, the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, the Armata tank, as well as the S-500 missile system and a Project 677 submarine.

23:03 — REGNUM According to the latest statement by the Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, The Russian Armed Forces will not receive large quantities of new generation armored vehicles - T-14 tanks based on the Armata heavy tracked platform and armored personnel carriers (APCs) on the Boomerang wheeled platform. Instead, in order to save money, it is planned to continue modernizing existing Soviet armored vehicles. How correct is this approach?

Grandiose rearmament plans collided with economic crisis

For the first time, new generation land vehicles were officially demonstrated at the Victory Parade in 2015, while the development of these machines began much earlier than 2014 (before the economic crisis caused by falling oil prices and anti-Russian sanctions). Then T-14 tanks and T-15 infantry fighting vehicles (BMP) based on the heavy tracked platform "Armata", infantry fighting vehicles based on the medium tracked platform "Kurganets-25", armored personnel carriers based on the wheeled platform "Boomerang" passed along the paving stones of Red Square "and 152-mm self-propelled artillery mounts (SAU) "Coalition-SV".

Vitaly V. Kuzmin

Subsequently, this truly promising and modern armored vehicle was regularly demonstrated at Victory parades in Moscow. In addition, it is undergoing military tests, and there is already a contract for the same T-14 tank - the delivery of the first series of 100 vehicles is planned. Now the question becomes whether this contract will also be fulfilled. As for the plans that existed before, they also talked about the need to supply 2000 T-14 tanks.

The main argument in favor of reducing the purchase of new equipment is budget savings, because the same T-14 is noticeably more expensive than the T-90 even in the latest modification, and even more expensive than the package for modernizing Soviet T-72 tanks to the level of T-72B3 or T- 72B3M. Another argument that Borisov gives is that potential opponents do not have tanks that are superior in capabilities to the modernized T-72.

To some extent we can agree with this, but only partly. For example, the modernization of the T-72 does not include the installation of an active protection system (APS), and this is one of the main directions for the development of armored vehicles. These systems are capable of detecting and shooting down ammunition flying towards the tank. For example, Israeli Merkava Mk.4 tanks have been equipped with the Trophy KAZ for quite some time, which has proven itself quite well when fighting grenade launcher rounds and anti-tank guided missiles. The T-14 is also equipped with a KAZ system called “Afganit”. The actual results of the Afghanit tests are unknown to the general public, but, according to official information, it is capable of shooting down even armor-piercing finned sabot projectiles (BOPS), the main weapon of enemy tanks. No other known system is capable of dealing with such ammunition.

It must be said that it is precisely such advanced electronics and sensors that greatly increase the cost of the T-14, and their installation on the same modernized T-72 will greatly increase the cost of modernization packages. However, installing a KAZ is a necessary thing, especially considering the fact that in reality Russia is only involved in local conflicts, where crew survivability plays a key role, and a huge amount of armored vehicles is not needed.

What is the best way?

A complete rejection of the T-14 tank and other promising ground weapons is fundamentally wrong. Firstly, their development took a lot of time and money. Secondly, with regard to such categories as infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, Russia has a serious lag. The Russian army mainly uses Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2, which are very outdated in terms of weapons, and especially protection. The existing BMP-3 also has problems with security, and in general is much less convenient for use by motorized rifles than its Western counterparts. It is new models of infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers that can solve this problem - although they have larger dimensions (according to some experts, they become more noticeable to the enemy, which is becoming less relevant in the age of drones and other modern reconnaissance systems), but due to this they provide a noticeably better level security and ergonomics. Modernizing the existing BMP-1 to the level of “Basurmanin” and BMP-2 with the installation of the “Berezhok” module only partially solves the problem - the security of the vehicles still remains low. The same can be said about the modernization of the BTR-80.

At the same time, modernization of a huge fleet of armored vehicles should not be abandoned in any case, but it is also necessary to have a fairly significant amount of new modern armored vehicles that can be used in real local conflicts, maximizing the safety of the crews. In this sense, it would be worth finding a “golden mean” - 2000 Armata today is really a lot for the Russian budget, but it costs 200-300 vehicles of this type, the same goes for Kurganets-25 and Boomerang. We should not forget about the export potential of these vehicles - it is unlikely that anyone will purchase them unless the Russian Ministry of Defense does so first. At the same time, the cost of the vehicles is high in Russian realities - in fact, promising vehicles are close in cost to Western models of armored vehicles.

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