Ukraine will develop its own next-generation main battle tank, the country’s state-owned defense industrial group Ukroboronprom has confirmed.

In a statement made Wednesday, the Ukroboronprom said: “Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau is in the process of development of the next-generation main battle tank”.

“Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (KMDB), part of the Ukroboronprom conglomerate, is working to create main battle tank to replace aging T-64 and T-80 tanks.

A comprehensive effort, which involves the design of a completely new combat vehicle, is divided the entire process into distinct stages. It is envisaged the development of the powerpack, new weapon systems, protection, and fire control systems, as well as the automation of most processes to reduce the number of crew members from three to two.

According to a local source, the new Ukrainian tank will use new technology and design that could compete with the new generation of Russian main battle tank T-14 Armata.

The new features will include 360° vision capacities for all members of the crew and the tank will be protected with active protection system to counter guided and unguided anti-tank missile systems.