New Cannon Developed for Russia’s Elite T-14 Armata Tanks

Since its unveiling in 2015, new technologies have continued to be integrated onto Russia’s next generation battle tank the T-14 Armata and its troop carrying counterpart the T-15. The Uralvagonzavod tank company has continued to develop a more advanced armament for the new platform, and has reportedly completed modernisation of the T-14’s 125mm cannon. The program aims to make the gun compatible with new types of munitions being developed for the T-14, which include guided bunker busting munitions and even anti aircraft rounds. A report from the company stated: “We fulfilled all the works that were planned for 2018 in the scope of research and project [of the platform] Armata for the modernization of the 125 mm 2A82-1M cannon.”

A number of reports have further indicated that research is being done into integrating a heavier 152mm cannon onto the T-14 - which would seriously enhance its firepower and range. The tank’s heavier chassis compared to the T-72 and T-90, which currently comprise the mainstay of Russia’s armoured units, could make such an integration feasible. The Soviet military previously carried out similar tests on the T-80 heavy battle tank with some success, although the state’s collapse in 1991 terminated funding for this program. The T-14 is currently one of just three next generation battle tanks in service alongside the South Korean K2 Black Panther and the Japanese Type 10, and with both of these deploying lighter 120mm smoothbore cannon the integration of a 152mm gun onto the Russian platform would give it a decisive advantage. It is unclear whether rival manufacturers planning their own next generation battle tanks have plans to integrate similarly heavy guns onto their own platforms.