Pentagon Consultant: Russia’s Armata Tanks Disappear From Frontlines
12- 23.03.2025, 20:37
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A Failed Lesson for the Kremlin
Russia has quietly withdrawn its T-14 "Armata" tank from Ukraine. The real combat conditions have turned this armored vehicle into a failure for the Kremlin’s army, writes military expert and former Pentagon consultant Kris Osborn for 19FortyFive.
Russian T-14 "Armata": A Failed Lesson
For years, the Russian T-14 "Armata" was considered a breakthrough in tank development, but its actual use on the battlefield has raised serious doubts about its effectiveness.
According to Russian news agency TASS, the deployment of the T-14 in Ukraine was short-lived and experimental. The tanks were quickly pulled back from the front line, indicating that their combat performance may have fallen short of expectations.
Russia has struggled with both the production and modernization of the "Armata," which has been in development for a long time. However, its disappointing battlefield performance has only added more questions regarding its capabilities.
One possible reason for the tank's rapid withdrawal was Moscow’s reluctance to risk exposing its technology in active combat. The destruction or capture of a T-14 by Ukrainian forces would have been a significant blow to its reputation. However, this cautious approach itself raises doubts about the tank’s actual combat readiness.
Overhyped Specifications
Russian media has extensively promoted the T-14’s advantages. Reports claim that the tank is faster and lighter than the American M1 Abrams, weighing 55 tons, which supposedly improves its mobility. The tank features a 1,500-horsepower engine, similar to the Abrams, but with a lower overall weight, potentially providing greater speed.
A key feature of the T-14 is its unmanned turret, which reduces crew size and enhances survivability by eliminating the need for a gunner inside the turret. This is similar to the American CROWS system, which allows remote weapons operation from inside the vehicle’s armor.
However, claimed specifications do not always translate into battlefield performance. For example, the accuracy and effectiveness of the T-14’s thermal imaging sights remain uncertain. The Gulf War demonstrated that American Abrams tanks had a decisive advantage over Iraqi T-72s due to superior sensors, allowing them to engage targets from greater distances.
A source within Russia’s GRU intelligence agency has claimed that the T-14’s optics allow it to detect targets at 5 km at night and 3.5 km during the day, but these figures have not been independently verified.
Survivability and Firepower
The main question regarding the T-14’s protection is the quality of its composite armor. If Russia has successfully developed lightweight materials with high protection levels, it would mark a technological breakthrough. However, traditional, heavier tanks like the T-90 and T-72 likely offer better survivability, as effective lightweight composites are difficult to produce.
According to Popular Mechanics, the T-14 is capable of firing the 3UBK21 Sprinter missile, which has a reported range of 11 km (7 miles)—almost twice the range of the older 9M119 Refleks missile, which has a 5 km range. However, even this advantage does not guarantee battlefield superiority, especially against modern Ukrainian anti-tank weapons.
Despite its advanced weaponry, the T-14 remains vulnerable to highly effective systems like Javelin, Carl Gustaf, and NLAW, which have proven highly successful in destroying Russian armor.
Ukrainian Military Tactics
Ukrainian forces effectively employ mobile assault groups operating in urban areas and difficult terrain. Using anti-tank weapons, they ambush Russian armor from buildings, bridges, and natural cover, significantly reducing the effectiveness of heavy tanks like the T-14.
Russian T-14 "Armata" – Claimed Features
According to Russian sources, the T-14 has an unmanned turret, improving crew survivability. Additionally, it is supposedly equipped with enhanced composite armor and reactive armor.
Reports also claim the tank is fitted with the Afghanit active protection system, designed to detect and neutralize incoming threats such as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
Russia has stated that the T-14 is powered by a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, capable of reaching speeds of 75-80 km/h (46-50 mph) and has an operational range of approximately 500 km (310 miles) on a single fuel tank.
Despite these claims, the hasty withdrawal of the T-14 from Ukraine raises serious concerns about its real-world performance.
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