Russia’s New Armata Tank Hard to Rival - Russian Deputy Prime Minister

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said that foreign countries lag behind Russia in terms of advanced tank-building technology by some 15-20 years.

KRASNOYARSK (Sputnik) — Foreign countries will be hard-pressed to catch up with Russia's next-generation Armata and its tank-building industry, which is some 20 years ahead of those abroad, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Sunday.

Rogozin's reaction came a day after German media reported that Berlin plans to join efforts with Paris in developing a new main battle tank.

"Their plans are of course realistic, these are hi-tech countries with their own powerful engineering potential and traditions, but I think that the French and Germans, or Americans, or Israelis, who are also known for their tanks, will find it very hard," Rogozin told Russian NTV channel.

The deputy prime minister added that these foreign countries lag behind Russia in terms of advanced tank-building technology by some 15-20 years.

"Even if they make something similar to what we have made, we will make something else by that time," Rogozin said.

The Russian Defense Ministry unveiled its new Armata tank at the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9.

The tank is operated by a crew of three, housed in an armored capsule at the front.

The Armata tank's main armament includes a 7.62 mm remote-control machine gun and a 125 mm smoothbore cannon.

Earlier this month, Rogozin said that the tank could be also fitted with a bigger 152 mm cannon.