State Trials of Upgraded Russian Sprut-SDM1 Tank to Begin Soon

Russian Ministry of Defense will soon kick-off state trials of modernized Sprut-SDM1 tank.

“The upgraded version of the Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank will undergo state tests. Based on their results, the documentation will be approved, which will allow starting the serial production of tanks,” state-run Rostec said in a Twitter statement today.

On August 21, Rostec’s subsidiary High-Precision Systems handed over prototypes of the modernized tank to the defense ministry for state trials that will take place for a year and a half.

"Sprut-SDM1" will be tested in sea and high altitude conditions, in different climatic zones, including at air temperatures from -40 to +40 degree Celsius.

Rostec claims that the tank “has become more mobile” due to the installation of new engine, undercarriage assemblies, chassis and control system, which have already been tested on BMD-4M and BMP-3. It has better command control system, updated software and hardware complex for operation as part of an automated tactical control system. Combat power is enhanced by a new digital fire control system.

“There are no analogues of Sprut-SDM1 in the world, and therefore it has a high export potential,” said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec State Corporation.

Light amphibious tank "Sprut-SDM1" is a combat armored tracked amphibious vehicle with an artillery and missile system of weapons of 125 mm calibre. It has a range of 500km without refueling. The tank can be transported by ships, transport aircraft. It is capable of parachute landing with crew on-board.

The vehicle is capable of conducting combat operations in high mountains and hot tropical climates against highly armored vehicles, fortified strongholds and enemy manpower, without preparation to overcome water obstacles in waves of up to 3 points while firing afloat. If necessary, the tank can be equipped with snow and swamp tracks, which further expands the possibilities of its use.

“In terms of firepower, the Sprut-SDM1 is not inferior to the T-80, T-90 tanks, and in terms of mobility on land and water it is at the level of the BMD-4M. These and other qualities, combined with the circular rotation of the turret and stabilization of weapons in two planes, make it possible to use the Sprut-SDM1 as a light amphibious tank," said Alexander Denisov, General Director of the High Precision Complexes NPO. 

The machine was designed and developed by PJSC Kurganmashzavod, which is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding of the State Corporation Rostec.