"Today we hold 70 percent of the world market on tank construction. I mean tanks both produced in Russia and under our licensing in the world. We’ve held first place for several years already and aren’t willing to give that up," Sienko told RIA Novosti in an interview.
The serial production of Russia’s newest Armata tanks may begin as early as 2016, Sienko added.
“Everything depends on the customer, that is the Defense Ministry. We’re ready to begin fulfilling the order even today, everything depends on the series….the production of certain lots we can start immediately,” Sienko told RIA Novosti.
The first batch of the Armata tanks is currently undergoing tests with a 1,350-horsepower engine.
According to Sienko, Uralvagonzavod holds Armata tests on its internal field on a daily basis.
"All characteristics planned for the vehicle have been implemented. Now there is a refinement of completely nonessential things," Sienko said.
The Russian Defense Ministry unveiled its new Armata tank at the May 9 Victory Day military parade in Moscow in 2015.
The tank is operated by a crew of three, housed in an armored capsule at the front. Its main armament includes a 125-mm smoothbore cannon and a 7.62-mm remote-control machine gun.
