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Russia is planning to launch new air-droppable self-propelled gun called Zauralets-D TASS 12107161

Defence & Security News - Zauralets-D howitzer

Russia is planning to launch new air-droppable self-propelled gun called Zauralets-D.

Russia`s TsNIITochMash design bureau (a subsidiary of the Rostec state corporation) is planning to launch the serial production of the new air-droppable self-propelled gun (SPG) for the Airborne Forces (Russian acronym: VDV, Vozdushno-Desantnie Voyska) in mid-2019, according to the company`s CEO, Dmitry Semizorov.

The new Zauralets-D will be based on the 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 air-droppable self-propelled anti-tank gun (SPATG).

"The works under the Zauralets-D SPG program have been finished at the preliminary trials level. We have increased the range of the gun twofold compared to the original requirements. The firepower and mobility of the SPG have been successfully enhanced. Russia`s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has issued the stricter requirements to the vehicle. TsNIITochMash is enhancing the gun`s rounds in order to increase firing range. The Zauralets-D SPG is supposed to be drastically upgraded. We are planning to launch the serial production of the new vehicles in mid-2019," Semizorov said.

Previously, a source in Russian defense industry said that the Zauralets-D program had been ceased due to the introduction of the stricter requirements by the MoD. The renovated program was designated as Lotos (Lotus), he added.

Zauralets-D SPG is being developed on the base of 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 air-droppable self-propelled anti-tank gun (SPATG). For the SPG TSNIITOCHMASH is making two types of main gun chambered for different shells, namely, 120mm and 152mm. Their ranges and projectile power will be increased, as compared to the actual artillery equipment. Zauralets-D SPG is intended to replace 2S9 Nona-S guns in the Russian Airborne troops.