Army 2019: Russia presents new T-15 variant

Rostec subsidiary Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) presented a new variant of the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) at the Army 2019 defence exhibition held in Kubinka, close to Moscow, on 25–30 June. This version uses a modified variant of the Kinzhal 57 mm turret developed by TsNII Burevestnik that was shown in 2018.

UVZ unveiled a new variant of the T-15 heavy IFV at Army 2019. (IHS Markit/Mark Cazalet)

The 2019 Kinzhal turret appears to be a cropped version of the one shown in 2018, with a much smaller side profile, which may be indicative of modifications made to the ammunition stowage and feed systems. The turret also appears to be mounted somewhat higher off the top of the hull than the 2018 Kinzhal, which may be indicative of modifications to allow greater weapon elevation.

Of interest is also the fact that both the gunner sight and the commander’s independent sight are different, and appear to use the same sighting system as that used on the 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO, which was first unveiled in 2018, and had a smaller side profile than the 2018 Kinzhal. As such, it is highly likely that some of the development work that has been used for the Derivatsiya has made it into the T-15 turret programme, given that TsNII Burevestnik is the company that developed both the Kinzhal turret and the Derivatsiya.