Russia’s Next Generation Battle Tank To Be Unveiled This Year

Prototypes of Russia’s latest Main Battle Tank, the Armata will be revealed to select officials at an arms expo in September, according to Ria Novosti.

The show is probably the 9^th edition of the Nizhny Tagil State Demonstration and Exhibition Centre of Armament and Military Exuipment also known RAE 2013.

Reportedly in the pipeline since 1995, it was only in 2005 that the Russians would officially confirm the project without divulging any information. The tank was due to be introduced in 2009, but was perpetually delayed. The Russian government terminated its involvement in the project in 2010 and withdrew all funding.

The tank is designed to separate the crew from incoming fire by a special capsule, since protecting the crew is a high priority. The new tank will have new electronic equipment and the crew will be protected by internal turret and will feature a remotely controlled gun and fully automated loading, as well as a separate crew compartment made from composite materials and protected by multilayered armor.

Manufactured by Uralvagonzavod, an upgrade to the T-72 main battle tank, the Armata is expected to enter the military service by 2015. 

The Armata’s design incorporates aspects of other projects, including Object 195 and Black Eagle, according to manufacturer Uralvagonzavod.

The new tank is expected to have a more powerful engine making it faster and easier to operate.

It will also be able to carry more arms and will also be protected against all kinds of explosives and ammunition.

A major requirement of the Armata is that it should be armed with more powerful guns and it should have the necessary electronic gadgets and onboard information control complex.

About 2,300 Armatas are expected to be delivered to the military by 2020.

Potential customers include India, Syria, several countries in Africa and South America.