The Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank has successfully passed testing. The vehicle demonstrated its reliable floating capability and high navigability in the Black Sea during the trials. The testing confirmed that the tank is capable of overcoming water obstacles of up to sea state 3 WMO without preparation, firing while afloat and easily landing to an unprepared shore. Each stage of trials in different conditions also included cannon firing tests. According to the results of state testing, the design documentation will receive the “O1” marking, which allows to start serial production.
“Given its purpose, the vehicle must meet very serious requirements. During state testing, the light tank successfully passed extreme trials at sea, in central Russia and the subtropics, where the air temperature reached +40 degrees. Low temperature tests are scheduled for early next year. Sprut-SDM1 is primarily intended for Russian paratroopers. It can be expected that the capabilities shown by the tank will also interest international customers,” said Bekhan Ozdoev, Industrial Director for the Armament Cluster at Rostec.
The 2S25 Sprut-SD Kraken-SD” is a self-propelled tank destroyer or light tank developed and manufactured by the Russian defence company, Volgograd Tractor Plant joint stock company, to meet the requirements of the Russian Airborne Forces (from Vozdushno-desantnye voyska Rossii, VDV). The Sprut-SD is designed to defeat tanks, hard-skinned material and enemy manpower by airborne and amphibious landing forces, as well as by specially designated units of ground forces. This allows the 2S25 to be as powerful as a main battle tank and as maneuverable and amphibious as airborne infantry combat vehicles.
The Sprut-SDM1 is a new version with fire-control system and remote weapon station. Its main armament, the 125mm 2A75 cannon can fire anti-tank guided missiles, APFSDS, HEAT and HEF projectiles. It can carry 40 rounds for the main armament, with 22 ready to use in the autoloader. In case the autoloader is no longer intact, manual loading is possible at the cost of a substantially longer reload time. For smaller targets there is a Remote Controlled Weapon Station with 7.62mm MG and a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun mounted to the left side of the main armament serves as the secondary armament of the 2S25; equipped with one tape of 2000 rounds.
