Russia’s Innovative Amphibious Tank Fleet Sets Sail: Pioneering Advancements in Military Technology
The Russian army’s 2S25M Sprut-SDM1, a light amphibious tank, is now in serial production, according to information revealed by Kurganmashzavod’s executive director, Pyotr Tyukov. The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 successfully completed state tests and demonstrated impressive amphibious capabilities in the Black Sea, as stated by Tyukov.
Tyukov also commended the tank’s 125mm gun and weapons suite, which performed well during water tests. He noted during the ongoing international defense and security exhibition Armi-2022 in Moscow that “the shooting tests confirmed the characteristics of the weapon.”
Tyukov emphasized that his company is currently working on revising the project documentation for approval in the interdepartmental commission and assigning the designation O1. The production facilities at the plant are being adjusted to begin the serial production of the 2S25M Sprut-SDM1, Tyukov added.
It’s worth mentioning that during the first day of the Armi-2022 international military exhibition, Russia unveiled the upgraded version of the 2S25M Sprut-SDM1.
The Sprut-SDM1 is a 125mm self-propelled anti-tank gun, although some Western experts prefer to classify it as a light amphibious tank. This updated version features several improvements over the original, including a new add-on armor kit and updated versions of the fire-control system and remote weapon station.
While there is no official information available regarding the specifics of the add-on armor kit, sources indicate that the improvements to the fire control system are similar to those integrated into the T-90 main battle tank. This system includes a day and night commando sight, as well as thermovision. Additionally, the new feature in the remote weapon station is the integration of a PKTM machine gun and six 902V ‘Tucha’ smoke dischargers.
The original 2S25 Sprut-SD was designed in late 2011 but only entered service in 2005. Its primary gun is the 125mm 2A75M, which is known to perform similarly to the 2A46M5 used in tank versions. The 2A75M can fire all types of projectiles compatible with the T-90 and T-72 tanks.
The Sprut-SDM1 is operated by a crew of three and is powered by a 2V-06-2S water-cooled diesel engine producing 510 horsepower. Its suspension is hydropneumatic with variable height control (190 mm to 590 mm). On the road, it can reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h, while off-road, it averages around 45 km/h, and in water, it travels at 10 km/h. With a full tank of fuel, the vehicle can cover a distance of 500 km.
As of now, the Russian Army is the sole operator of the 2S25 Sprut-SD, with only about 30 vehicles in service, according to open sources. However, in recent years, Russia has placed orders for the production and delivery of additional units. There is no evidence to suggest that the 2S25 Sprut-SD or Sprut-SDM1 has been used in military operations, including the conflict in Ukraine.
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