Russia has offered India a localised version of its advanced T-14 Armata main battle tank (MBT), aiming for joint development and production aligned with India’s Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) program.
Russia Offers T-14 Armata For The Indian Army
Russia has offered India a localised version of its advanced T-14 Armata main battle tank (MBT), aiming for joint development and production aligned with India’s Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) program. This offer, coming from Russia’s defence giant Uralvagonzavod, represents a significant step in military-technical cooperation announced during recent Russian-Indian summits and intergovernmental discussions.
T-14 Armata
The T-14 Armata is a fourth-generation MBT featuring revolutionary characteristics such as an unmanned turret, crew isolated in an armoured capsule, a digitalised control system, and advanced active protection systems (APS) capable of intercepting anti-tank missiles. It is equipped with a 125mm smooth-bore cannon capable of firing laser-guided missiles and a 7.62mm machine gun. Its armour includes modular components and reactive armour, meeting STANAG 4569 Level 5 protection standards, while providing nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection and an automatic fire suppression system for crew survivability.
Designed: 2014
Crew: 3
Effective firing range: 5 km, Uralvagonzavod claims
Engine: 12N360 Twin Turbo Diesel; 1,100 kW (1,500 hp)
Height: 3.3 m (11 ft)
Manufacturer: Uralvagonzavod
DRDO Advancing Next Generation Main Battle Tank
DRDO is actively developing smoothbore guns for the Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT), which is part of the broader Future Main Battle Tank project aimed at modernizing the Indian Army’s armoured capabilities. Â This initiative is crucial as it seeks to replace the aging T-72 tanks currently in service.
The key features of Smoothbore Guns for NGMBT
Calibre Variants: DRDO is working on both 120mm and 125mm smoothbore gun systems. This dual-calibre approach allows flexibility in operational capabilities, catering to diverse battlefield requirements and evolving ammunition technologies.
Enhanced Projectile Velocity: Smoothbore guns provide superior projectile velocity compared to rifled guns, which translates to better armour penetration and overall lethality.
