Russia Deploys T-14 Armata Tank in Ukraine Despite Potential Risks, UK Ministry of Defense Claims
Russia has reportedly deployed its new T-14 Armata battle tank in Ukraine, which has an unmanned turret and is operated by remote control from an isolated armored capsule in the front of the hull. According to state media, the new tanks have not yet participated in direct assault operations but have undergone combat coordination at training grounds within Ukraine. However, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense has suggested that commanders may be unlikely to trust the vehicle in combat due to concerns about the program's delays, reduction in planned fleet size, and reports of manufacturing problems. The ministry has also highlighted the challenge for Russia to adjust its logistics chain to handle the T-14, which is larger and heavier than other Russian tanks.
Despite potential risks, Russia has rolled out the T-14 tanks for propaganda purposes. Production of the tanks has been slow, with only low tens produced so far, and the original goal of producing 2,300 by 2020 has been pushed back to 2025. The Russian state-owned conglomerate Rostec has started building around 40 of the tanks, which are expected to be delivered after 2023. The T-14 reportedly can reach a maximum speed of 50 mph.
The deployment of the T-14 tanks in Ukraine comes as concerns about a new world war are rising. Putin ally and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has warned that the world is sick and on the verge of a new world war, and concerns about a nuclear conflict are more serious than worries about climate change. Vladimir Yermakov, who leads the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department, also warned that if the United States continues to follow its current course of confrontation with Russia, the fate of the START treaty may be a foregone conclusion.