Order for T-14 MBTs, T-15 heavy IFVs for extended trials confirmed by Russian MoD

Key Points

• An order for two battalions of T-14 MBTs and a battalion of T-15 heavy IFVs has been confirmed by Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov
• A decision on series production of Armata-based platforms is due to be made after 2020 once trials of the vehicles are complete

An order placed by the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for two battalions of T-14 main battle tanks (MBTs) and a battalion of T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) has been confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD).
“It’s no secret that we already have a contract for trials and combat operations: two battalions of Armata tanks and one battalion of heavy infantry fighting vehicles,” Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov was quoted as saying by the MoD during a tour of the Uralvagonzavod factory in Nizhny Tagil on 9 February.
Reporting on the current status of the Armata programme, which is part of Russia’s State Armaments Programme (SAP) 2012–2020, Borisov said state trials would begin this year and continue until the end of 2019.
By 2020 development and trials of the AFVs will be complete, according to Borisov, after which a decision on substantial series-production contracts will be made. This appears to be good news for the Armata programme, which was previously reported to be in jeopardy after Russian defence funds were diverted into the modernisation of older armoured vehicles.
During his tour of Uralvagonzavod Borisov also commented that work on a new type of ammunition for the T-14 is close to completion. No details were given, but it is possible that this was a reference to the ‘Vacuum’ round, which is a sub-calibre armour-piercing projectile.

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