Active defense with the Armata

The longer the T-14 Armata exists, the richer our knowledge becomes about the equipment of the tank, which is perceived as a challenge to current Western models. This includes not only the unique design with a turret and the encapsulation of the three-man crew in a heavily armored cell. What is particularly exciting is that this vehicle, which is significantly larger than previous Russian tanks, has an active defense system.

This is not surprising in principle: missiles themselves are not difficult to defend against, as they are relatively slow-moving projectiles filled with electronics, explosives, and engines. The Afghanit Active Protection System (APS), which is intended for use in the Armata, is designed to intercept armor-piercing discarding-sabot (APDS) ammunition, specifically arrow-shaped projectiles made of depleted uranium. The system is manufactured by the company Instrument Design Bureau (KBP). It uses radar to detect incoming projectiles and destroys them with special fragmentation projectiles. According to reports from the Russians, the first successful tests took place this year, which would represent a significant technological advantage, as APDS ammunition was previously considered unpreventable, given that the arrow-shaped projectile travels at a speed of 1,500 to 2,000 m/sec.

The observer can recognize the Afghanit APS on both the turret of the T-14 Armata and the hull of the infantry fighting vehicle version T-15, which is based on the same chassis: the small tubes at the bottom of the turret are the defense mechanisms, and the rectangular "plastic surfaces" on the turret are the covers for the corresponding radar system.

Russian Ministry of Defense website: eng.mil.ru