Recent statements indicate that Uralvagonzavod could resume production of the T-80 tank if the Russian Ministry of Defense issues a clear directive. The plant’s general director, Alexander Potapov, conveyed this on the television channel Star, outlining ongoing discussions about the future of tank manufacturing at the facility.
Potapov emphasized that top management is actively addressing production-related issues in coordination with state authorities. He noted that restarting production would necessitate new capacities and resources, which are being considered in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade as part of a broader review of defense industrial readiness.
Historically, the T-80 was developed for the Soviet Armed Forces and entered service in 1976. It was produced at the Omsk Transport Engineering Plant and played a significant role in Soviet-era armored formations. The current discussions reflect a policy-level interest in revisiting older platform families alongside newer options, as state planners assess the optimal mix of capabilities for modern battalions.
In parallel coverage, Russian defense experts have commented on the trajectory of main battle tank development. Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of the Arsenal weekly Motherland magazine, indicated that the T-14 Armata concept would undergo modernization before large-scale production, with electronic systems and subsystems receiving upgrades to align with contemporary battlefield requirements. Projections at the time suggested that Armata deliveries to troops could begin in the mid to late 2020s, contingent on rigorous testing and logistical readiness.
On another note, sources have reported progress on domestic drone countermeasure capabilities, reflecting an emphasis on integrated air defense and counter-UAS solutions within the broader defense modernization program. These developments form part of a wider strategy to strengthen deterrence and ensure that armored and support platforms operate within a cohesive, multi-domain system.