Russia's 'Invisible Tank' vs Israeli Merkava. Unseen Armata claims superiority
Rostec assures that work on improving the T-14 Armata's firepower will yield results shortly. They also claim that the Armata far outstrips the Israeli Merkava tank, one of the most modern globally and often considered one of the best. This comparison is made based on Israel's performance in the Gaza Strip. However, it needs to be noted that the Armata has yet to prove itself in an actual combat scenario.
Initial Reception of T-14 Armata
The T-14 Armata was initially received with skepticism by the Russian military, primarily due to technical issues. British intelligence did not disclose specific information on the problematic aspects of the Armata, which exposed this discontent amongst the Russians. However, so far, the Kremlin has failed to deploy these tanks in combat, even though there is information regarding the training of the crews.
The Russian media circulated claims that the Armatas were deployed in Ukraine but later withdrawn for various reasons. No confirmation of such an occurrence has been made by any party involved. The explanation might lie in the T-14 used for shelling from entrenched positions, not assault operations. This could be the reason behind the push to maximize the tank's firepower.
The Armata vs. The Merkava
The Russian propagandists compared their untested tank with the Israeli Merkava, considered one of the best in the world. They argue that experiences from the Gaza Strip reveal that the Merkava primarily ensures crew protection equivalent to a heavy infantry fighting vehicle. In contrast, the Armata provides tankers with added protection within an armored capsule.
The propagandists laud Armata's analog systems, deeming them more straightforward and safer than the electronics in the Israeli tank. Perhaps an actual combat situation will provide a concrete opportunity to validate these claims if the Russian Armata division can finally make its exit from the range.
