At Kurganmashzavod, the production of a self-propelled anti-tank 125-mm gun 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1" starts. This is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the press service of Rostec. It is noted that the Ministry of Defense has concluded additional contracts with the state corporation for the supply of especially popular models of military equipment.
"The delivery plans for the coming years include the BMP-3, BMP-3 after overhaul, BMD-4M, BTR-MDM, BREM-L, as well as the modernization of the BMP-2 with the Berezhok fighting compartment, the development of the repair of airborne equipment, the introduction of new types of military equipment into production - the 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25M ("Sprut-SDM1". - RT), BT-3F armored personnel carrier, "Rostec said.
Two in one
According to experts interviewed by RT, at present, the Russian defense industry is almost completely focused on meeting the needs of the groups involved in the NWO. In this regard, large-scale work has been launched on the repair, modernization and production of new types of equipment, one of which is the unique Sprut-SDM1 platform.
According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the Sprut-SDM1 is designed for fire support, combat armored vehicles, destroy strongholds and defensive structures, conduct military reconnaissance and combat protection.
This vehicle is an upgraded version of the 2S25 Sprut-SD airborne self-propelled anti-tank gun (SPTP), which was adopted by the Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation in 2006.
State tests of the gun started in 2020. To date, it has not been officially reported on its adoption. However, according to experts, given the launch of mass production of self-propelled guns, the corresponding decision is likely to have already been made.
"Sprut-SDM1" combines two types of combat vehicles - a self-propelled gun and a light amphibious tank. This platform is equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore gun 2A75.
"The armament complex provides for the use of modern armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells, as well as ammunition with remote detonation. The range of destruction of the target is up to 5 km, "the Rostec materials say.
In terms of firepower, the Sprut-SDM1 gun is comparable to the main battle tanks (MBT) of the Russian army, including the T-90MS, and in terms of mobility on land and water, the self-propelled gun is at the level of the modern BMD-4M airborne armored vehicle.
- "Sprut-SDM1" on fire tests on the water
- © RIA Novosti / Mikhail Voskresensky
"SPTP" Sprut-SDM1 "today is the only model of a modern light tank in the world. This unique combat vehicle has not only modern tactical and technical characteristics in terms of security, maneuverability, firepower, but is also attractive in terms of price, "said Pyotr Tyukov, executive director of Kurganmashzavod, earlier.
"Octopus" is distinguished by high navigable qualities, which were confirmed during recent tests in the Black Sea. The machine is capable of forcing water obstacles at speeds up to 10 km / h and firing at sea waves up to three points.
According to Bekkhan Ozdoev, industrial director of Rostec's weapons, ammunition and special chemicals cluster, the Sprut-SDM1 can solve complex tactical tasks - conduct reconnaissance, work as part of raid or advanced detachments, carry out maneuverable defense and participate in amphibious operations.
In terms of components and parts of the chassis and engine compartment, the Sprut-SDM1 is unified with the BMP-3 and BMD-4M infantry fighting vehicle. The self-propelled gun is equipped with a multi-fuel diesel engine UTD-29 with a capacity of 500 hp, which allows the car to reach speeds of up to 70 km / h.
The Sprut-SDM1 chassis has an independent hydropneumatic suspension with a variable ground clearance system. The machine is capable of performing tasks in wooded, marshy, mountainous terrain and in high latitudes, where it is necessary to move on high snow cover.
In a commentary to RT, Candidate of Military Sciences Sergei Suvorov drew attention to the fact that the Sprut-SDM1 has solid firepower, good maneuverability, but loses to MBT in terms of security. At the same time, this does not mean that the self-propelled gun is unable to conduct a completely effective fight against tanks. According to the expert, the Octopus-SDM1 is a highly sought-after technique in the arsenal of the Airborne Forces.
"It should be understood that the Octopus-SDM1 was created as an airborne vehicle to increase the firepower of the Airborne Forces. Landing from the air is always a very strict weight limit. The "Octopus" is 18 tons Naturally, such a modest weight did not allow the car to provide protection at the tank level. At the same time, the updated "Octopus" can fight them. This platform has a decent gun capable of firing all standard 125 mm caliber ammunition, and a good fire control system, "Suvorov emphasized.
- "Sprut-SDM1" on tests
Along with this, the expert believes, the Octopus-SDM1 is in demand for effective maneuverable combat operations - strikes against the enemy from ambushes, raids on his positions and fortified areas.
"I think that the Octopus-SDM1 will perform well as a self-propelled gun for unexpected strikes on the enemy's rear. " Octopus "will be useful in defense, in offensive actions," Suvorov said.
In an interview with RT, retired colonel, military observer Viktor Litovkin also suggested that the Octopus-SDM1 is capable of effectively operating from an ambush and contributing to the fight against armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"The Octopus has a low silhouette, it is quite easy to disguise it for ambush operations. A powerful artillery system allows you to cause serious damage to tanks, military equipment, engineering structures of the enemy on the line of contact, "Litovkin explained.
'Vulnerabilities'
According to Sergey Suvorov, significant efforts of the Russian command and the domestic defense industry are focused on saturating the front-line units of the RF Armed Forces with a variety of anti-tank weapons: from kamikaze drones and man-portable missile systems (ATGMs) to large-caliber artillery and aviation equipped with adjustable bombs.
"Tanks are the most protected type of equipment on the battlefield. However, everyone is well aware that they need good cover from a variety of ground forces and air defense systems. Of course, the Western tanks that the Armed Forces of Ukraine receive need to be taken very seriously, but at the same time, a wide range of means is supplied to our troops to combat them, "says Suvorov.
He recalls that in the first half of April, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced the formation of special groups to combat tanks transferred by NATO countries to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The servicemen of these units will be aware of the capabilities and vulnerabilities of the Leopard 2, Challenger, Abrams and Leclerc MBTs.
"These are groups that will directly hunt for these systems, besides, tankers are being trained here for a tank duel. But the main thing is tank hunters who will be waiting for them in a place where these tanks will not want to see us, "said Yevgeny Arifulin, head of the Combat Training Center of the Russian Armed Forces, earlier on the Zvezda TV channel.
According to experts, the easiest way to destroy tanks is to use ATGMs. Guided anti-tank missiles can be used by conventional infantrymen, crews of armored vehicles and armored vehicles.
According to the estimates of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, even second-generation ATGMs, with the coordinated work of the calculation, are capable of knocking out tanks in 80-90% of cases.
The most advanced Russian complex is the Kornet, which belongs to the third generation. Its upgraded version is capable of hitting the enemy at a distance of up to 10 km with ammunition with a high-explosive warhead and up to 8 km with a missile with a tandem warhead.
Along with the Cornet, the Chrysanthemum, Metis, Fagot and Konkurs ATGMs can work effectively on Western tanks, Viktor Litovkin believes.
- Launch of a rocket from the Kornet ATGM
- © Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
"During the special operation, our ATGMs have already proven their ability to hit enemy tanks. Yes, some samples of Western technology will be more modern than the machines that the Armed Forces of Ukraine had. But they all have vulnerabilities. It is also important how the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be taught to use Western technology. If it is not properly covered, then the hunt for them from the ATGM will certainly bring results, "Litovkin said.
The expert also drew attention to the fact that against Western tanks, in addition to the Sprut-SDM1, UAVs, artillery and anti-tank systems, Russian aviation, which has recently used adjustable bombs, can work effectively.
"Do not forget about the importance of aviation in the fight against tanks. Our Aerospace Forces have guided bombs and missiles in their arsenal. The Ka-52 and Mi-28 helicopters, which have supersonic anti-tank guided missiles, show themselves well during the NMD, "Litovkin summed up.