What type of combat tanks Russia produce

 Russia, through its primary tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod, currently focuses its production and modernization efforts on several key types of battle tanks, primarily the T-72B3/B3M, T-90M Proryv, and to a lesser extent, the T-80BVM. While the much-touted T-14 Armata represents Russia's vision for a next-generation tank, its large-scale production and operational deployment remain limited.

The T-72B3 and T-72B3M are modernized variants of the ubiquitous T-72, a tank that formed the backbone of Soviet and now Russian armored forces for decades. These upgrades focus on enhancing firepower, protection, and mobility to bring them closer to modern standards. Key improvements include a new 125mm 2A46M-5 gun, an improved fire control system (often featuring the Sosna-U thermal sight), and the integration of Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA) for enhanced protection against various anti-tank munitions. The T-72B3M, in particular, incorporates a more powerful engine and further refinements. Given the vast existing stocks of T-72s, their modernization is a cost-effective way for Russia to maintain a large armored force, and these variants are seeing significant deployment in ongoing conflicts. Uralvagonzavod has been actively processing and delivering hundreds of these modernized T-72s annually.

The T-90M Proryv is considered Russia's most advanced operational main battle tank. It is a deeply modernized version of the T-90, which itself was initially an evolution of the T-72 platform. The T-90M incorporates substantial upgrades, including a new turret design, improved armor protection (often featuring the Relikt ERA and sometimes the Arena-M active protection system), a more powerful engine, and a significantly advanced fire control system with enhanced optics and situational awareness. It is also designed with improved ergonomics for the crew. The T-90M aims to bridge the gap between the older Soviet-era designs and truly next-generation tanks, offering a balance of proven technology with modern capabilities. Production of the T-90M has been surging, with estimates suggesting annual output in the hundreds. Russia has publicly stated its commitment to ramping up production of the T-90M, and it represents a crucial part of their current tank procurement strategy.

While not produced in the same numbers as the T-72B3 or T-90M, Russia has also been modernizing and fielding the T-80BVM. The T-80, known for its gas turbine engine, offers superior mobility compared to the T-72/90 series. The T-80BVM upgrade brings it in line with contemporary standards, incorporating features like Relikt ERA, a modern fire control system, and a more fuel-efficient gas turbine engine. There have been reports of Russia resuming or planning to resume the full production of T-80 tanks, signaling a potential diversification in their armored vehicle manufacturing.

The T-14 Armata is Russia's most ambitious tank project, unveiled with much fanfare during the 2015 Victory Day Parade. It boasts a revolutionary design featuring an unmanned turret, an armored crew capsule, and advanced active protection systems. The T-14 was intended to be the cornerstone of Russia's future armored forces. However, its production has faced significant delays, technological challenges, and high costs. Despite initial reports of deployment to combat zones for trials, the T-14 Armata remains largely a parade piece and has not seen widespread operational deployment. Russian officials have cited its high cost as a reason for not fielding it in large numbers, preferring to rely on the more cost-effective T-72 and T-90 modernizations. Its future as a mass-produced main battle tank for the Russian military remains uncertain, with current indications suggesting limited numbers will be produced, likely for specialized roles or for propaganda purposes rather than as the backbone of their armored divisions.

In essence, Russia's current tank production strategy is a mix of deep modernization of existing, reliable platforms (T-72 and T-80) and the serial production of a highly advanced, yet conventional, design (T-90M). The T-14 Armata, while technologically significant, has not transitioned into a widely produced or deployed battle tank. This approach allows Russia to rapidly replenish and upgrade its tank fleet, addressing the demands of ongoing conflicts and maintaining a substantial armored capability.