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.
More from Land Warfare
-
![DRS receives more orders for Bradley targeting system]()
DRS receives more orders for Bradley targeting system
Leonardo DRS is providing more target acquisition systems for gunners aboard the Bradley IFV.
-
![Ukraine to gain three more IRIS-T air defence systems from Germany]()
Ukraine to gain three more IRIS-T air defence systems from Germany
Germany can now fund the delivery of four IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine.
-
![Smartshooter unveils SMASH 3000 handheld fire control system]()
Smartshooter unveils SMASH 3000 handheld fire control system
The new handheld fire control system, SMASH 3000, has an extended lethality range and can be used as a C-UAS solution.
-
![US dispatching 18 more HIMARS to Ukraine]()
US dispatching 18 more HIMARS to Ukraine
The latest commitment to Ukraine will double its HIMARS fleet from 16 to 34, but the 18 additional systems will not be available to Ukraine immediately as they need to be built.
-
![Embraer delivers first enhanced SABER M60 radars to Brazilian Army]()
Embraer delivers first enhanced SABER M60 radars to Brazilian Army
Acquiring the SABER M60 2.0 3D radars was part of the 2020-2023 Brazilian Army Strategic Plan - the first two have been delivered with four more to follow.
