The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 is a modernized version of the previous Sprut-SD designed and manufactured by the Russian defense Company Tractor Plants. The new Sprut-SDM1 light tank is unified with the chassis of the new BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle and uses some fire control elements of the T-90MS main battle tank. The 2S25M can conduct combat operations in conditions of highlands or mountains and various climatic zones including hot tropical climate. The 2S25M can be transported by military cargo aircraft and assault landing ships, it is air-droppable by parachute with the crew inside the vehicle. It can embark on assault landing ships from water without assistance at the end of amphibious operations.
The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 is fitted with a two-man turret armed with a 125 mm 2A75M smoothbore tank gun which characteristics are virtually match those of the 2A46M5 tank main armament. It fires all types of ammunition designed for the T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks. The 2S25M has the same firepower level of T-90 main battle tank using the same ammunition with a high power-to-weight ratio. The turret is fully stabilized in elevation and traverse. The 2A75M’s ammunition load comprises 40 rounds, of which 22 are in the autoloader and 18 are stowed somewhere else in the vehicle. The organic ammo load consists of 20 blast-fragmentation and 14 APFSDS rounds and six ATGMs (Invar-M round).
The second armament includes a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun which is mounted coaxially with the main armament on the left side. The Sprut-SDM1 is fitted with remotely controlled weapon station on the top lef side of the turret which is armed with a 7.62mm PKTM machine gun. Three smoke grenade dischargers 902V Tucha are mounted on each side at the front of the turret. The Sprut-SDM1 is able to fire with the main gun during a river crossing or amphibious operations. The Sprut-SDM1 has new sights from the T-90MS main battle tank. Once the tank commander spots a target, it is selected and the gun is laid on the target automatically. The gunner completes al the aiming and firing process.
The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 is motorized with a UTD-29 multi-fuel four-stroke diesel engine with direct fuel injection and dry-sump. As compared to the original Sprut, the new vehicle use the torsion bar suspension from the BMP-3 IFV that is more reliable and easier to operate than the Sprut’s hydro-pneumatic gear. The suspension is of the hydro-pneumatic type and allows the ground clearance to be adjusted by the driver from his seat between 100 and 500 mm in 6 to 7 seconds. The 2S25M can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 500 km. The vehicle is able to negotiate 35% forward and 25% side slopes. It can cross a trench of 2.8 m width and a vertical obstacle of 0.8 m.
