Infantry Fighting Vehicle
T-15 Armata heavy IFV
The T-15 is a Russian heavy infantry fighting vehicle on the Armata platform, made by Uralvagonzavod and shown at the 2015 Victory Day parade. It weighs about 48 t, carries eight troops, and remains in limited trials rather than series service.
Russia|UralvagonzavodOverview
The T-15 was unveiled at the 2015 Victory Day parade. The engine sits front-right, the crew in the front hull and the infantry compartment behind, with an unmanned turret carrying a 30 mm 2A42 cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun and Kornet missiles. Weight is about 48 t, the largest of any IFV. Power comes from an A-85-3A 12N360 diesel rated at about 1,500 hp, for a top speed near 70 km/h. Protection includes Malachit explosive reactive armour and the Afghanit active protection system.
The vehicle is in development and limited trials. The Russian MoD planned 132 T-14 and T-15 vehicles by 2021 but cut it to small batches, and reports in 2021–2022 mention a trial delivery and one example reportedly evaluated in Ukraine (unverified). Cost is high, quoted at up to 400 million roubles (about 5–6 million USD) per vehicle, and the ministry has said numbers will stay small. There are no export operators. Counterparts include the Bradley and XM30, Puma, CV90, Tulpar, ZBD-04A and K21.
Key Specifications
Variants
The T-15 is the heavy IFV version of the Armata platform with a 30 mm unmanned turret.
The T-15 with the Epoch turret is a variant fitted with the unmanned Epoch weapon module.
The Armata platform is the common tracked chassis that also underpins the T-14 tank and T-16 recovery vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the T-15 Armata in service?
No. The T-15 Armata is not in series service and remains in development and limited trials. The Russian MoD cut early large-batch plans to small numbers.
How much does a T-15 cost?
A T-15 is quoted at up to 400 million roubles, roughly 5–6 million USD, per vehicle. These are reported figures, and the programme remains small.
Has the T-15 been used in Ukraine?
One T-15 was reported used in Ukraine for evaluation, but this is unverified. The T-15 has not entered confirmed combat service. The T-15 remains in limited trials, and Russia has said it will be built only in small numbers.
T-15 vs Bradley: which is better?
The T-15 is a heavy IFV of about 48 t with a 30 mm cannon and Afghanit active protection, while the M2 Bradley is lighter and in service worldwide. The T-15 is not in mass service, so the comparison is on paper.
How heavy is the T-15 Armata?
The T-15 Armata weighs about 48 t, with some reports giving 48–50 t. That makes it heavier than any other IFV. The weight comes from its heavy armour, and it carries eight troops and a three-person crew.
Which countries use the T-15?
No country operates the T-15 in series service, and there are no export operators. Russia has marketed the Armata family, including to India, at exhibitions.