Putin deploys camouflaged tanks in combat debut

Russia has reportedly deployed its new T-14 Armata battle tanks to fire on Ukrainian positions, as per a source quoted by RIA state news agency. However, the tanks have not yet taken part in direct assault operations. The T-14 tank features an unmanned turret, with crew remotely controlling the armaments from an isolated armoured capsule located at the front of the hull. The tank has a maximum speed of 80 km/h on the highway. The T-14 was developed over 11 years and was part of Russia's £250 billion military update programme. It was unveiled by Putin at Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow in 2015. The Kremlin had ordered the production of 2,300 T-14 tanks by 2020, but this was later stretched to 2025. The tank would pose a logistical headache for Russia, as it is larger and heavier than other Russian tanks. Reports suggest that production of the T-14 is probably only in the low tens, while commanders are unlikely to trust the vehicle in combat. The British military has stated that any deployment of the T-14 would likely be a high-risk decision for Russia, taken primarily for propaganda purposes. The T-14 tank was designed to be invisible and has radar-absorbing paint and materials that make it resistant to rapid detection by radar. The tank also features a cloaking device buried deep behind shielding inside the heavily-armoured body that disrupts the infrared signature pinpointing its location for enemy forces.