The Russian army has unveiled its new Armata tanks in the streets of Moscow Monday morning as troops rehearsed for the Victory Day parade. The Armata will be the highlight of said event, which will take place on Saturday, May 9, in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the World War II victory against the Nazis, according to Yahoo News.
The Armata tank is believed to be more powerful than any other tanks against its Western counterparts. It has an internal armored capsule that can accommodate a three-man crew, a feature that is reportedly a first anywhere in the world. The machine is also controlled remotely by a turret and comes with an automatic weapons loading system. The design of the machine is meant to make maintenance and support more streamlined.
But apart from showcasing its newest and most powerful tank, other military hardware will also be on display during Victory Day. At least 16,500 troops and world leaders, including officials from China, are expected to join the commemoration. The United States and Germany, however, have declined the invitation. The parade will culminate at the Red Square.
The government of Russia has also released a series of photos of its latest weapons, which can be seen at the Russian Defense Ministry's official website. The gallery features the Armata vehicle as well as weapons and machinery like the Kurganets-25 IFV and APC, the Boomerang armored personnel carrier, the Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled artillery piece and the Kornet-D self-propelled anti-tank complex. These military machines have been acquired by President Putin's government as part of its 10-year armament program. The government apparently spent 20 trillion rubles (£254billion) for the weapons.
"The task set by the president not to allow anyone to get a military advantage over Russia will be fulfilled no matter what," remarked Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a meeting with officials back in February, according to the Daily Mail.
