Momentum towards the sale of the T-14 Armata next generation Main Battle Tank to India is high on the Russian agenda during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vladivostok for the 5th Eastern Economic Forum and the 20th Jubilee Bilateral Summit, sources privy to advance discussions indicated to SP's.

An estimated $ 4.5 Billion Armata deal is being pitched both as a replacement for the Indian Army's ageing T-72 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and also a universal chassis system which serves as a platform for a variety of armoured tracked vehicles.

India is one of the largest operators of Russian tanks and armoured vehicles. Its sizeable fleet of Soviet-era BMP Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) is also due for gradual replacement. The Armata deal is being offered as a multi-purpose replacement for both the T-72 tanks and ICVs.

By issuing an RFI in November 2017, the Indian Army has indicated an intention to run a global competition to procure 1,770 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) built in India with foreign collaboration under the 'Make' category through the Strategic Partnership model. But Russia is pitching for a government-to-government deal

The recent visit of an Indian Army delegation - reportedly also including officers of the Mechanised Infantry - to evaluate the Armata in Russia is an indication that India is considering the offer seriously.

By issuing an RFI in November 2017, the Indian Army has indicated an intention to run a global competition to procure 1,770 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) built in India with foreign collaboration under the 'Make' category through the Strategic Partnership model. But Russia is pitching for a government-to-government deal.

The 'test batch' of the first 100 serial produced T-14 Armata tanks are scheduled to be delivered to the Russian Army in 2020. The next generation features on these tanks include an unmanned turret, better armour, mobility, weaponry, fire control system and crew facilities like a toilet.