IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

T-14 ARMATA BATTLE TANK

27th April, 2023 Security

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Context

  • Russia has begun using its new T-14 Armata battle tanks to fire on Ukrainian positions "but they have not yet participated in direct assault operations.

About the tank

  • The Armata is a new Russian Main Battle Tank (MBT). It is also referred as the T-14.
  • Its development commenced in 2011.
  • The Armata was developed as a replacement to the cancelled T-95, and possibly uses some of its technology.
  • The T-14 tank has an unmanned turret, with crew remotely controlling the armaments from "an isolated armoured capsule located in the front of the hull."
  • The tanks have a maximum speed on the highway of 80 kilometres per hour.

Background

  • The Kremlin ordered production of 2,300 of the tanks - first unveiled in 2015 - by 2020, but this was later stretched to by 2025.
  • The state conglomerate Rostec had started production of some 40 tanks, with an anticipated delivery after 2023.

Uniqueness

  • The new tank is much bigger, than the T-90.
  • Armata is the world's first production tank with unmanned turret.
  • Armata might be one of the most protected MBTs in the world.
  • It can operate even with penetrated armor, as far as the crew compartment is intact. It is the first production MBT with such crew layout.
  • Most modern tanks have a top speed of 70 km/h. The Armata can reach a maximum road speed of 75 km/h.
  • The tank has a maximum range of 500 km on internal fuel.

Variants

  • Heavy infantry fighting vehicle. It is also referred as the T-15.
  • BMP-KSh is a command post vehicle.
  • BMO-2 is a proposed specialized heavy armored personnel carrier.
  • Armored recovery vehicle. It is also referred as the T-16.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Which of the following statements with reference to T-14 Armata battle tanks is/are incorrect?

a. Armata is the world's first production tank with an unmanned turret.

b. The Armata can reach a maximum road speed of 150 km/h.

  1. a only
  2. b only
  3. both a and b
  4. neither a nor b

Correct Answer: 2

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/russias-new-t-14-armata-battle-tank-debuts-in-ukraine-report-3976815