Russia’s latest T-14 Armata Tank Debuts in Ukraine

Russia’s military has put the latest T-14 Armata battle tanks to use in Ukraine, but have not yet participated in direct assault operations.

"Russian troops have begun to use the latest Armata tanks to fire on Ukrainian positions. They have not yet participated in direct assault operations," an informed source was quoted as saying by Russian government-owned RIA Novosti today.

He said that the Armata tanks in the NVO zone received additional side protection from anti-tank ammunition.

Crews have been undergoing training in Donbass on Armata operation since late 2022, the source added.

T-14 Armata Tank

The T-14 Armata is a Russian fifth generation main battle tank based on the Armata Universal Combat Platform. The tank is operated by a three-member crew from an armored capsule at the front. The T-14 can be used as a reconnaissance, target designation and fire adjustment vehicle for self-propelled guns, surface-to-air missile systems and T-90 tanks.

It is said to be the first tank in the world to incorporate “network centric warfare” technologies. Another unique feature of the tank is the placement of crew in an armored capsule, separated from the ammunition load.

The tank’s armament includes a 7.62mm remote-control machine gun and 125mm smoothbore cannon. An unmanned version of the Armata is planned and is currently in development.

The T-14 has been painted with anti-slip coating, and features a lavatory to provide comforts to the crew during long combat missions.