Russians hope Shturm can weather UGV problems
Design image of heavy UGV variant with low-velocity cannon. (Photo: TSNII)
Unresolved problems over the reliability of heavy UGVs fail to stop a decision to proceed with a prototype of the Shturm system.
Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) is working on initial prototypes of a new type of heavy UGV, according to a recent RIA Novosti report citing unnamed sources in the Russian defence industry.
The Shturm (‘Assault’) system will be based on the proven T-72B3 chassis and is intended for urban warfare.
In May 2021, UVZ reported that Shturm is in the R&D phase, which usually culminates in the production of a prototype. The other three NIRs seem to have fallen by the wayside.
Industry sources indicate that a Shturm robotic system will comprise a manned C2 vehicle (possibly also based on the T-72)
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