Russian tank maker doesn't want Armata sold to Beijing

Uralvagonzavod, a Russian machine building company in Nizhny Tagil, recently rejected the idea of selling the Armata heavy vehicle platform to China despite the nation demonstrating great interest in the tank platform according to the Vzglyad, a Moscow-based newspaper, on Jan. 20.

Oleg Bochkaryov, deputy chairman of the Military and Industrial Commission, said that the Armata Universal Combat Platform will be commissioned by the Russian army next month. 

After they take part in the military parade on May 9 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, all Armata tanks are to be brought back to the plant for modifications before they enter regular service with the Russian military.

After three years of tests with combat units, production of the Armata Universal Combat Platform will officially begin in 2018. China had already demonstrated great interest in purchasing the tanks from Russia even though they are yet to enter active service. 

However, Uralvagonzavod opposed the idea of providing any advanced tanks to China to prevent Beijing from stealing technology from Moscow through reverse engineering.

Russian military commentators said it is too early to discuss providing the Armata to China since the export version of the tank platform has not yet been designed. China is likely testing Russia's level of trust through expressing its intent to purchase the Armata.

If the Russian government eventually decides to export the tank, the state-run Rosoboronexport is likely to be the broker.

Sumber : Chinatimes