Maya Carlin
The T-14 was dispatched to Ukraine temporarily in 2023, likely for propaganda purposes rather than real combat experience.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rages on, tank losses on both sides continue to amass. From World War II-era relics and Soviet-designed models to more modern successors, the main battle tank (MBT) has taken major hits throughout the last three-plus years of fighting. In fact, open-source intelligence trackers estimate that Moscow alone has conservatively lost at least 4,000 MBTs, although the accurate figure is likely much higher. Russian forces have been forced to turn to their storage of decades-old tank models to replenish their rapidly diminishing fleet on the frontlines. Despite these losses, however, it is noteworthy that the nation’s newest MBT platform has not played a role in its offensive efforts. The T-14 “Armata” is touted by the Kremlin as top-tier and unparalleled in capability, yet its absence in the war has caused many to wonder if these statements are in fact reality.
The T-14 was dispatched to Ukraine temporarily in 2023, likely for propaganda purposes rather than real combat experience. As one of the only fourth-generation MBTs in service across the globe, the Armata should certainly be serving as Moscow’s primary tank in the force. According to a UK assessment, the tank may not be as stellar as the Kremlin would like to purport. “Any T-14 deployment is likely to be a high-risk decision for Russia,” said the UK’s Defense Ministry. “Eleven years in development, the program has been dogged with delays, reduction in planned fleet size, and reports of manufacturing problems.” Russian officials have tried to paint the Armata’s absence in the war as a consequence of its value. Last year, the CEO of Russia’s state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec claimed that the T-14’s role in Ukraine has been limited since it is “too valuable.” Sergey Chemezov added that the latest Russian MBT is the most “revolutionary tank in a decade.”
What We Know About Russia’s T-14 Armata
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