The T-14 Armata is a next-generation tank with an unmanned turret and a three-person crew located in the hull. These tanks are produced by Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil, although the scale of production is unclear and unofficial estimates suggest only a few dozen have been built.
High costs, technical problems with vetronics and propulsion, as well as the impact of Western sanctions on acquiring advanced components, have hampered the programme. Uralvagonzavod has nonetheless offered to design and develop the Armata in line with India’s unique requirements under its new generation tank programme.
The company has also declared an intention to cooperate with Indian defence industry organisations. Strategic collaboration is aimed at a potential partnership with India’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE).
The Indian version of the T-14 Armata would be fitted with a locally made Datran-1500HP engine instead of the Russian 12N360. This is expected to improve reliability, particularly in high-altitude conditions, with the engine currently under testing and planned for serial production in 2027.
The unit cost of the base version of the tank is estimated at 30–42 crore (12.5–17.5 million PLN). By localising production, savings of at least 10 crore (around 4 million PLN) per unit are expected.
Uralvagonzavod had earlier signed a technology transfer agreement with India for T-90S tanks. Under this deal, the tanks were produced in India as the T-90 Bhishma, with more than 83 per cent of components domestically sourced, including engines. A similar model of cooperation is being proposed for the T-14 Armata.
