Rostec prepares mass production of Sprut-SDM1 tank
Sprut-SDM1 was designed for the Russian Airborne Forces (photo – Rostec)
Russian state-owned defence group Rostec announced on 29 December that the governmental trials of the Sprut-SDM1 tank are to be completed at the beginning of 2022.
Russian state-owned defence group Rostec announced on 29 December that it is preparing mass production of the light floating tank Sprut-SDM1 since the governmental trials of the vehicle are to be completed at the beginning of 2022.
According to a press release, the relevant accessories of this platform are being selected and manufactured, and negotiations with the component vendors are underway.
The Russian government has been testing this platform since 2019. Some of the trials were intended to demonstrate the Sprut-SDM1’s amphibious capacities in Black Sea conditions in addition to testing its armour protection.
In September, Rostec has dropped a Sprut Light Tank from a special tower in order to demonstrate the vehicle's ability to withstand overload during airborne insertion. The final governmental trial is the transportation by IL-76 aircraft as the press release pointed out.
The Sprut-SDM1 was designed for the Russian Airborne Forces and can be airdropped with the crew inside and move up to 500 km without refuelling.
It combines the characteristics of a light tank and an amphibious assault vehicle. This platform features a 125 mm weapon system and can fire from both land and water.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the Sprut-SDM1 is a further development of the 2S25 Sprut-SD, with the most significant differences appearing to be a new turret and the use of the BMD-4M hull.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence]()
UAE’s first combat use of M-SAM II could raise export prospects for South Korean air defence
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
-
![UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary]()
UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
