Russia offers Sprut-SDM1 lightweight amphibious tank for India light tank tender.

According to information published by the Russian press agency TASS, the Russian state defense company Rosoboronexport offers the Sprut-SDM1 lightweight amphibious tank to take part in India’s tender for the delivery of light tanks.
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Russian-made Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank.  (Picture source Army Recognition)

Russia’s state arms defense export agency Rosoboronexport intends to offer the Sprut-SDM1 lightweight amphibious tank and local production of its separate units in a tender for the delivery of light tanks to India, said Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev. 

In April 2021, Army Recognition has reported that Indian army has issued a new RFI (Request For Information) to acquire 350 light tanks weighing less than 25 tons. According to the RFI, the Indian army would like to have a light tank featuring a multiple, modular and upgradable weapon system with the capability to destroy and offer countermeasures to varied threats.

The new light tank Sprut-SDM1 should also feature multiple weapons for anti-aircraft and ground role with different caliber assisted with remote control weapon station. For ammunition, the tank should employ modern advance multipurpose ‘smart munitions’ with a gun able to fire anti-tank guided missiles. The tank should have an auxiliary power unit, preheated, environment control unit and anti-drone capability, UAV jammers, net-enabled.

The Sprut-SDM1 lightweight amphibious tank has been developed by the High Precision Weapons Company within the state tech corporation Rostec and is based on the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun. The new tank features improved team control through special equipment installed for operation within the unified tactical-level command and control system. Its firepower has been enhanced by a new digital fire control system.

The Sprut-SDM1 NATO named 2S25M is a light amphibious tank which has the mobility and the firepower of a modern main battle tank. This light tank 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. It fires all types of ammunition designed for the T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks.

The Sprut-SDM1 has a combat weight of only 18,000 kg. The 2S25M can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 500 km. The vehicle is able to negotiate 35% forward and 25% side slopes. It can cross a trench of 2.8 m width and a vertical obstacle of 0.8 m. The 2S25M is also fully amphibious propelled in the water at a maximum speed of 7 km./h thanks to two water jets situated one either side low down at the rear of the hull.