The Russian military may receive a prototype of a new main battle tank (MBT) for field testing almost a year earlier than scheduled, First Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Sukhorukov said on Wednesday.
The tank, dubbed Armata, is being developed by tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod in Russia’s Urals region. The Defense Ministry earlier said the field testing of the MBT was expected to start in 2014.
“Uralvagonzavod tells us they will supply a first prototype under the Armata project for testing 10 months ahead of schedule,” Sukhorukov said.
The first deliveries of the tank to the Russian Armed Forces are scheduled for 2015. A total of 2,300 MBTs are expected to be supplied by 2020.
The design of the Armata incorporates work from other projects, including Object 195 and Black Eagle.
The tank will reportedly feature a remotely controlled gun, fully automated loading and separate crew compartment made from composite materials and protected by multi-layered armor.
