Kurganmashzavod (part of High-Precision Systems within the state tech corporation Rostec) is set to launch the mass production of the latest 125mm self-propelled anti-tank gun following the completion of its state trials. The upgraded light amphibious tank showed high amphibious properties during state tests in the Black Sea. In addition, the 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 demonstrated the possibility of its transportation by large amphibious assault ships and the capabilities of its weapons suite afloat. The shooting trials confirmed the weapon’s characteristics of accurate hits in various modes of operation. It is also working on technological processes, choosing and producing fittings and holding negotiations with suppliers.
Company Executive Director Pyotr Tyukov told TASS in the run-up to the Army 2022 international arms show on Friday, he said,”The state tests of the 125mm 2S25 upgraded light amphibious tank were completed in the first half of 2022 according to plan. Work is currently underway to adjust the design documentation for approving it at the inter-agency commission and assigning it the O1 designation. After that, a decision will be made on the prospect of adopting the weapon for service in the Russian Army. The enterprise is now preparing production facilities for the mass manufacture of this weapon”.
The 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 is a modernized version of the previous Sprut-SD designed and manufactured by the Russian defense company Kurganmashzavod. 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 vehicle is primarily being created for the Russian Airborne Force.
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. 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.
