For the now, Russia would not risk testing T-14 Armata tank in Ukraine. The Armata’s only experience has been on a parade ground. Chances are it will fall flat on its face and be smashed by NLAWs or Javelins just as quickly as the T72s and Russia would be further embarrassed.
Meanwhile, some school of thoughts practically believe that T-14 Armata does not exist, stating that The T-14 Armata is only a fairy tale the Russian military industry and the Russian army uses to convince the West how powerful and resourceful they are.
It is true that the first and only time we have seen T-14 Armata tank is on a parade in Moscow where it stopped and had to be towed.
They have reasons to think like this because ever since the Moscow’s parade, there has been no confirmation about the T-14 capabilities except those given by the Russian officials. Nobody else has tested the T-14 and nobody provided any plausible data about its design, armor or armament.
If this is the case, Russia will not be willing to risk these tanks in combat, they are very expensive and modern, they will more likely keep using old cold war era tanks like the ones we see right now.
The simple process of transporting the tank will be a huge issue. Now, the Russians are having trouble feeding their troops and getting fuel to AFVs—and they are going to transport an element of T-14 tanks across Russia to Ukraine? Head of the Russian military would have to bet against it.
Also, Ukraine can be referred to “mud city” right now. That’s why so many Russian forces have been caught on roads—they’re struggling to maneuver off-road. So committing a force of T-14s doesn’t solve that problem and it will only increase their vulnerability.
Above all, the T-14 is not going to be a decisive factor in Ukraine. Russian “fears” it has nothing to do with it. There are several practical reasons Russian military will keep the T-14 out of harm’s way for the moment, but the overwhelming reason is, not to risk having one destroyed before all the world’s eyes as Moscow’s event unfolded.
That would not only be humiliating, would also tell the world that Russian top-notch gear is unreliable, Russian troops are badly equipped, and Russian arms industry isn’t able to build anything worth buying. Russia will not take chance to pit T-14 Armata tank against Ukraine.
