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 weapons was taken into account. missile systems. 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:

• heat-insulating 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 engine life of the car has increased, it starts easier when low temperatures, less air is required for blowing, which reduces the infrared signature of the tank. 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 the main battle tank. IN this issue The following aspects are highlighted:

• 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 weapons control more similar to computer game, rather than actually controlling 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. By technical specifications such guns are 17% superior to the best NATO tank guns in terms of muzzle energy and 20% in terms of 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 plays a role anti-aircraft installation 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 in various ways detection;
• 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.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

This article examines the features of the new Russian tank T-14 Armata, but do not forget that its characteristics are not disclosed at this time, and the design itself may be refined for several more years.

Therefore, the text does not pretend to be true, but is only reasoning based on information in open sources.

Armored crew capsule

Let's start with the capsule, which, together with the uninhabited tower, is the most interesting feature Almaty. It should protect the crew much better than the simple hull of the MBT we are used to.

But let's figure out if this is true. Conventional armor can protect you from ordinary destructive weapons such as shells or shrapnel; you just need to make it thicker or stronger using new materials. In addition, if we assume that the crew is sitting shoulder to shoulder, then the capsule occupies almost the entire width of the hull, leaving no room for the onboard armor, which is very weak and can only protect, together with active armor, from not all destructive weapons.

The capsule will not save you from the explosion of the ammunition, which has become a sad association with Soviet MBTs, so all that remains is the fire of the ammunition as a result of its damage.

Yes, quite often there is not an instantaneous detonation, but a fire, leaving time for the crew to escape. But on tanks like the T-64 or T-72, the ammunition is separated only by polym, which practically does not protect against high temperature and fire, and here the capsule becomes an excellent solution that saves the lives of the crew.

Perhaps it would be worthwhile to place the ammunition itself, along with the automatic loader, in an armored capsule, reliably separating them from the crew?

Hatches in Armata

If you are interested in Armata, you have probably already read about the insufficient thickness of the hatches, due to which modern anti-tank weapons can easily hit the new vehicle. I’m sure that the designers couldn’t just ignore such a drawback, so let’s talk about something else.

In the tanks we are used to, the hatches on the turret folded forward, protecting people during evacuation from small arms. In addition, the driver had his own, and in the bottom of the hull there was a special escape hatch. Of course, this did not provide any guarantee of survival for the crew of the damaged tank, but there were chances to escape the bullets.

The T-14 Armata has only 2 hatches in the front, and their covers do not in any way protect people leaving the tank. Imagine a situation in which the crew is trying to get out of a tank that is under fire and becomes an excellent target for the enemy. It is possible that Armata will receive an escape hatch, but the presence of an armored capsule makes this option unlikely. I'd like to be wrong.

Armored capsule and electronics

The abundance of electronics in the Armata is presented as an advantage, but this is also the Achilles heel of the new tank. What will happen to it if the electrical systems fail? A blind and deaf tin in which people sit, and this is by no means an exaggeration.

All old MBTs allow you to eliminate minor malfunctions such as misfire or failure to fire a projectile even during a battle, or shoot from a cannon or at least a machine gun manually.

The Armata has an uninhabited turret completely separated from the crew, eliminating this possibility.

The view from the tank is also provided by cameras; let’s assume that their resolution and the resolution of the screens are enough for normal vision, not inferior to optical vision. But such a design requires a constant supply of electricity even to an ambushed MBT, which can unmask it.

Well, it’s worth returning to the topic of crew evacuation. He will not only be forced to get out through the hatches in front of the tank, not only will he not have the opportunity to fight off enemy infantry with at least a machine gun, but he will also be practically blind in his capsule, not seeing what is happening outside.

The Armata's electronics, which provide excellent visibility, are certainly needed, and this is what our previous tanks lacked, but it would be better to also have the usual observation devices.

It seems that the T-14 Armata capsule has been sorted out. Now there is a contradictory impression that the capsule preserves the life of the crew only in certain conditions, and only then in order to then deprive them of the capabilities of self-defense and evacuation.

Tower

The Armata tower turned out to be controversial, or the model of the tower. Its body kit, and just a body kit, and not cardboard or something else, as they write in stupid gossip, is typical of most modern tanks, which do not have the main armor on the outside.

The shape of this body kit raises questions, since in some places it is very similar to cone-shaped bullet catchers, which will lead to bullets along with fragments getting into the optics, antennas and other important elements of the T-14 Armata.

A coaxial machine gun with a cannon is not noticeable, and the existing 7.62 mm will be insufficient in areas with various buildings, where various concrete slabs and walls can serve as cover from it, while a 12.7 mm or even an automatic 20-30 mm cannon allowed to hit targets behind cover.

Side screens

I would also like to note the unsuccessful installation of the side screens on the Armata. To the uninitiated, this may seem like a trifle, but the screens are the heavy legacy of the T-72, due to which it was lost a large number of tanks.

According to a senior Russian military official, Moscow will build 100 Armata main battle tanks by 2020. Thus, he put an end to extravagant fantasies, the authors of which claimed that by this time the Kremlin would create a whole armada of new formidable machines in the amount of 2,300 units.

“Today, experimental combat operation of the created products is being carried out. We have a contract for 100 units, which will be delivered to us before 2020,” said Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov, speaking in Kubinka at the Army-2017 trade forum, as reported by the TASS news agency.

Most serious military analysts who study the Russian military, including Michael Kofman of the Center for Naval Analyses, have long dismissed claims that Moscow will build 2,300 tanks by 2020 as ridiculous. T-14. Russia has neither the production capacity nor the financial capabilities to short time build so many new and expensive tanks. Even if the Russians produce 120 tanks a year, it will take them about two decades to create such a number of vehicles.

The Armata universal combat platform is the basis for the T-14 main battle tank, the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle, the T-16 repair and recovery vehicle and many other vehicles. And the Armata family may also include a heavy self-propelled artillery installation with a weapon of increased caliber. The T-14 packs serious firepower with a new 2A82-1M 125mm cannon housed in a remote-controlled uninhabited turret. This so-called “tank killer” may in the future be equipped with a 152-mm gun, which is currently used in the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzer. However, analysts have serious doubts that this option will ever be built.

Context

Should we be worried about the Russian Armata tank?

The collapse of the Russian "Armata"

How to defeat "Armata"

Horrible dream"Armaty"

Meanwhile, from Russian television footage it becomes clear that the T-14 main battle tank, part of the Armata family, has an armored capsule for a three-person crew, which is equipped with touch screen displays. The video shows that the interface of this tank is simple and intuitive. It also appears that the Russians have developed a combat network linking the T-14 and T-90MS tanks, through which messages can be instantly transmitted to other crews, including videos and photographs. This tank is also equipped with GLONASS and NAVSTAR GPS.

Perhaps the biggest impression in the Armata series is made by the Afghanit active protection complex. This complex uses a phased array radar that performs circular scanning, as well as powerful electronic warfare equipment used to jam radio-controlled ATGMs. There is also a complex to counter enemy laser guidance systems.

In addition, the tank is equipped with projectile interception equipment included in the active protection complex and having the ability to intercept an impact core from gliding ammunition in flight. This means that the Armata KAZ can be effectively used against armor-piercing shells. Most analysts do not believe in the effectiveness of this system against this type of ammunition, although it is possible that it could deflect a sub-caliber projectile. KAZ is usually most effective when used against grenade launcher rounds and rockets.

“The most revolutionary element of the T-14 MBT based on the Armata is the uninhabited turret. Much attention is paid to the protection of people on all platforms, including through active protection systems (APS). This suggests that the Russians have learned the lessons of past wars and concepts future battles,” notes the International Institute for Strategic Studies (ISIS) Military Balance 2016 report. “When the Armata enters service, it will be the first tank with an uninhabited turret and KAZ. If the Armata is successfully adopted, the effectiveness of ATGMs and shoulder-fired weapons such as RPGs will decrease. This will change the dynamics of the battle and increase the importance of guns, anti-tank guns and tanks.”

But The best way surviving on the battlefield means becoming invisible. And the Russians have taken a number of measures to reduce the tanks' thermal and radar signatures, making them harder to detect and track.

In case the Armata is nevertheless detected and the projectile overcomes its active protection system, the vehicle is equipped not only with powerful passive armor, but also with two-layer Malachite dynamic protection. The composition of the armor is unknown, but it is possible that it is some form of composite materials with ceramic plates. The tank also has lattice armor to protect certain areas that are vulnerable to rocket-propelled grenades.

"Armata" causes serious concern among the armies of Western countries. As a direct response to the creation of the T-14, Germany began equipping the Leopard 2 tank with a new 130-millimeter caliber gun, as well as developing plans for a new MBT, called the "main ground combat system"(Main Ground Combat System).

Dave Majumdar is a National Interest editor covering military issues.

InoSMI materials contain assessments exclusively of foreign media and do not reflect the position of the InoSMI editorial staff.