Russian Army deploys T-14 Armata, the tank of the future, to Ukraine
The Russian army has deployed the T-14 Armata, known as the tank of the future, to the battlefield in Ukraine, an official source told RIA Novosti today.
"Russian troops have begun using the brand new Armata tanks to attack Ukrainian positions," the source said.
He added, however, that "they are not taking part in direct assault actions" and that the tanks have been equipped with additional protection "against anti-tank ammunition".
The Armata have been demonstrating their effectiveness since the end of last year at military ranges in one of the two Donbass People's Republics annexed by Moscow (Donetsk and Luhansk), he said.
Earlier this year, the UK Ministry of Defence had already reported on the possible deployment of Russian T-14s in the neighbouring country.
"Any deployment of T-14s is likely to be a high-risk decision for Russia. In its eleven years in development, the programme has suffered delays, reductions in the planned fleet and reports of manufacturing problems," it reported.
According to independent sources, T-14 production was postponed, but was reportedly resumed to coincide with the start of the war.
London also said that Moscow may find it difficult to adjust its logistics chain to the T-14s, which are larger and heavier than other Russian tanks, the deployment of which would then simply be a propaganda gesture.
The Armata's arrival coincides with the supply of Western tanks and battle tanks to Kiev, including German Leopards and British Challengers, while the US Abrams will not land until the second half of the year.
Faced with delays in the delivery of Western ammunition, Ukraine says it will not launch its long-awaited counteroffensive until it receives the tanks, long-range missiles and artillery shells it needs.
According to its builders, the Armata outperforms its Western counterparts in aspects such as the armoured capsule that ensures the safety of its crew and the 152-millimetre gun.
It also has the ability to go virtually undetected by enemy radar and simultaneously control up to 40 ground targets and 25 air targets within a 100-kilometre radius.
