The new T-14 "Armata" tank has unique capabilities thanks to its effective explosive reactive armor system. However, the combat vehicle has not yet entered the battlefield: preference was given to more proven platforms — the T-72B3M, T-80BVM, and T-90M "Proryv".
Pervyi tekhnicheskii, relying on data from open sources, found out how much the "Armata" actually costs if rearming tank crews with the T-14 is for now impractical.
More expensive than the "Proryv"
Unofficial calculations indicate that the cost of a T-14 "Armata" tank may reach around 500 million rubles per unit.
At the same time, expert estimates vary in the range from 350 to 500+ million rubles depending on configuration, production batch, and stage of manufacturing. For comparison, the cost of the T-90M was estimated at about 350 million rubles.
Why the tank turned out to be so expensive
The high cost of the T-14 "Armata" is due to the fact that it was created on a fundamentally new platform rather than on the basis of modernizing existing models.
The design uses a new layout with an unmanned turret, an integrated digital control system, a modern electronics suite and active protection, as well as a new power unit.
A number of truly innovative solutions were introduced into the T-14 design. Unlike conventional tanks, where the crew operates the main gun from the turret, the T-14 turret is remotely controlled and fully automated.
All these solutions increase production complexity and raise cost price, especially at the stage of mastering serial production.
What stage the program is at now
There is still no fresh news about the development of the "Armata" program. It can be assumed that production is proceeding on a limited basis and without large-scale deliveries to the troops.
The main emphasis now is on refining the design, testing, and adapting certain technological solutions for other armored vehicle models.
General Director of the Uralvagonzavod concern Aleksandr Potapov said that a promising tank support fighting vehicle may appear on the basis of the T-14 "Armata" tank.
A promising platform for the next-generation BMPT could be the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle from the family of tracked vehicles on the "Armata" platform.
Apparently, the T-14 is still acting more as a technological platform for future generations of equipment than as a mass-produced main battle tank in active service units.
Read more materials on the topic:
- A 19FortyFive analyst admired the tank "that Russia never actually built"
- Development of the first unmanned tank is already underway in Russia
- Russian tanks will receive "Armata" technologies: MBT modernization has great prospects
