In recent weeks, information appeared in domestic and foreign media about India’s desire to purchase the latest Russian Armata tanks. Moreover, according to various sources, we are talking about a serious contract - Delhi is thinking about making the T-14 its main combat vehicle. This month, Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Indian General Staff, came to Russia. Although officially it was not confirmed, but a number of foreign publications reported that during this visit, the possibility of supplying "Armata" to India was discussed.
The amount of the contract could reach 4.5 billion dollars. The authoritative American edition of The National Interest considered the prospects of such a “deal of the century.
"Armata" - the main contender for victory?
India is one of the main buyers of Russian armored vehicles. Currently, the army of this country has about 2 thousand T-72 tanks of various modifications and about 1 thousand - T-90. However, time passes and the "seventy-second", created in the Soviet Union, is gradually becoming obsolete.
To replace them in India, the implementation of the new program Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) has begun. It is planned to purchase 1.7 thousand combat vehicles of the selected model. The Request, prepared by the Ministry of Defense of the country, lists the main requirements of the military to the new tank.
The mass of the combat vehicle must not exceed 57.5 tons; it must be equipped with a 120 or 125-mm cannon, capable of penetrating 650-mm armor and releasing up to 6 rounds per minute. In the front, the tank protection should be equivalent to 800 mm of homogeneous armor, and be complemented by dynamic and active protection, as well as devices for setting up a multi-spectral smoke screen. In addition, the Indians require that ammunition be stored in safe conditions, that is, in a separate compartment with expelling panels.
The ratio of engine power to weight of the tank must be at least 1:25, and the machine must be equipped with an additional power unit capable of maintaining the main systems for six hours. Quite high demands are made for sights. The gunner’s and commander’s sights should track the target and have thermal imaging channels.
An additional condition for the conclusion of the contract is the "comprehensive" transfer to the Indian side of the production technology of the combat vehicle.
In general, the Russian tank "Armata" is almost ideally suited for all conditions of the Indian military. It fits in weight and power density, has an excellent level of security. The gun T-14 can use piercing feathered armor-piercing shells with separating pallets (APFSDS). True, "Amata" does not have a stern niche for ammunition with expelling panels, which is a common structural feature of Soviet and post-Soviet tanks. The sights T-14 fully comply with the requirements put forward. True, there are nuances.
India plans to spend on the purchase of tanks 4.5 billion dollars, respectively, each machine should cost no more than 2.5 million dollars. However, each "Armata" is worth more than $ 4 million. But if we talk about the latest Western cars, their price is even higher. For example, the South Korean tank "Black Panther" is worth 7.5 million dollars. It is also unknown whether the Russian side wants to transfer the main production technologies of the newest tank.
There is, however, also the threat of Western sanctions imposed on enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex. They can create certain problems. But if India is ready to take the risk and buy the S-400 air defense systems, then why not do the same for the Armat tank.
