Russia’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has ordered the batch of new main battle tanks and heavy infantry fighting vehicles bases “Armata” universal combat platform.
According to the source in MoD, the Russian military has already been ordered about 80 4th generation main battle tanks and about 20 heavy infantry fighting vehicles based on the “Armata” universal combat platform.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov specifically noted that the contract for two battalions of T-14 tanks and one battalion of the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicles has already been signed.
After the tests, a decision will be made about large-scale purchases. “There is no need to speed up the work. Tactico-technical characteristics of products are constantly being modernized: for example, work on a new ammunition is concurrently being completed. But the existing characteristics today is quite satisfied with the troops. Their level is confirmed by the high export potential of these models, “said Yury Borisov.
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Final operational evaluation for the T-14 has been set for 2019. In accordance with the 2018-2027 State Armaments Program, the serial production of the T-14 tanks based on the Armata platform is planned to begin in 2020.
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The T-14 Armata is a new generation of Russia main battle tank with an unmanned turret and a special armored capsule in the front of the hull for the crew of three.
The T-15 is a heavy infantry fighting vehicle based on the “Armata” universal combat platform as well as the T-14 tank. The T-15 straddles two categories of vehicles: the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), a staple of modern mechanized armies, and the heavy armored personnel carrier (APC), a much rarer type that has only recently gained prominence.
