Tankers Day was established in Russia 70 years ago. It recognizes the invaluable contribution of tank mechanized troops to defeating the enemy in the Great Patriotic War [WWII].
The day also celebrates the achievements of scientists, constructors, tank engineers in the technical equipment of the Armed Forces.
Tank troops are the main striking force of the Russian Ground Forces. They are used primarily in conjunction with the motorized troops in key areas and perform the following main tasks: the defense, which is the direct support of the motorized troops in repelling the enemy's offensive.
Tank troops are also used in counter-attacks and numerous types of battles. Over the years, the troops have walked a heroic path of growth and development from light tanks to tanks equipped with modern arms like rocket and cannon armaments.
The recent footage showings the Armata tank demonstrates great progress Russian tanks have seen in the past few years.
The new generation tank has unique defensive capabilities and technical characteristics. According to the Ministry of Defense, the published footage is the most spectacular and rare in modern history of the Russian armored forces.
The T-14 Armata was unveiled during the May 9 Victory Day military parade in Moscow in 2015.
The main battle tank is operated by a crew of three soldiers, housed in an armored capsule at the front.
Its main armaments include 125-mm smoothbore 2A82-1 M tank cannon with 45 rounds, a 7.62-mm remote-control PKTM machine gun and a 12.7 mm (0.50 in) Kord machine gun.
Armata also uses a wire-guidance system that allows the operator to correct the course of their missiles while it is in the air.
The Russian Defense Ministry plans to purchase as many as 2,300 Armata tanks by 2020.
