Exclusive: Russia develops AI-powered unmanned T-72 Shturm tanks for deployment in Ukraine.

As reported by Viktor Murakhovsky on September 24, 2024, an unmanned tank incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) is being developed based on the T-72 platform as part of the "Shturm" experimental design project. This project is led by Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) under an experimental design commission from the Russian Ministry of Defense.
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The T-72 tank was chosen as the platform for the Shturm Remote-Controlled Tank (RTK) due to its cost-effectiveness, reliability, protection features, and mobility. (Picture source: Russian social media)

Murakhovsky, a retired colonel and editor-in-chief of "Arsenal of the Fatherland," stated that the T-72 tank was chosen as the platform for the Remote-Controlled Tank (RTK) due to its cost-effectiveness, reliability, protection features, and mobility. The selection of the T-72 aims to create a protected and maneuverable platform for integrating various weapons systems and control units, utilizing a tested and established chassis.

Development began before the conflict in Ukraine but has since accelerated. Army Recognition reported on September 10, 2023, that UVZ started testing the Shturm unmanned tank, built on the T-72B3 tank chassis, with intentions for deployment on the Ukrainian frontline. The testing program involves live-fire exercises against diverse target scenarios, emphasizing the use of the robot’s main armament (a 125mm 2A46 tank gun with a shortened barrel) and refining its autonomous operational capabilities.

The T-72 Remote-Controlled Tank (RTK) is equipped with weaponry that includes the RPO-2 "Shmel-M" flame rocket launcher, 30mm automatic cannons, and 220mm thermobaric unguided rockets from the TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system. Additionally, an assault gun has been developed using the 2A46 125mm tank gun with a shortened barrel, representing the use of weapon systems previously tested for effectiveness on this platform.

The testing program of the T-72 Shturm involves live-fire exercises against diverse target scenarios, emphasizing the use of the robot’s main armament and refining its autonomous operational capabilities. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The fire control system is based on technology already used in the T-90M and T-14 Armata tanks, with adaptations that incorporate intelligent elements enabling the tank to identify various target types and make autonomous firing decisions. This adaptation is designed to enhance the RTK’s capability to engage targets without direct human input.

The RTK’s control and movement systems combine components previously tested in other RTKs with new elements, facilitating automatic movement in formation, route planning, terrain evaluation, and obstacle navigation. The system employs sensors that operate across ultrasonic, visible, and infrared ranges, supported by a technical vision system and AI using trainable neural networks. This setup allows the RTK to assess its surroundings and respond accordingly.

Murakhovsky mentioned that these heavy-class robotic systems might become part of the standard equipment in Russian Ground Forces units, potentially forming "robotic" companies within larger formations, such as combined-arms regiments, which could contribute to their integration into military operations.

These unmanned T-72s might become part of the standard equipment in Russian Ground Forces units, potentially forming "robotic" companies within larger formations, such as combined-arms regiments. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

Army Recognition previously reported that the Shturm project involves four combat vehicle types. The first variant is equipped with a 125mm gun with a shortened barrel, the second carries missiles or a rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower with a thermobaric "Shmel-M" warhead, the third is a robotic adaptation of the Terminator fire support vehicle fitted with two 30mm automatic cannons that launch thermobaric missiles instead of anti-tank missiles, and the fourth is an unmanned vehicle intended to operate alongside the TOS-1A "Solntsepek" thermobaric rocket launcher system.

The unmanned tanks feature sensors across ultrasonic, visible, and infrared spectrums that support automatic convoy movement, terrain assessment, and obstacle navigation. A comprehensive all-angle technical vision system, combined with AI based on trainable neural networks, allows these systems to evaluate situations and make operational decisions, ensuring the ability to navigate natural and engineered obstacles without direct human intervention.

Military expert Yuri Knutov commented that deploying T-72-based unmanned tanks could change operational dynamics for the Russian Armed Forces, as these vehicles can be remotely controlled, thereby reducing risks to personnel under enemy fire. Knutov noted that integrating such robots might necessitate adjustments in the use of tanks and heavy armored vehicles, particularly considering the observed effectiveness of anti-tank guided missiles in recent conflicts.

The use of unmanned tanks, including a captured Ukrainian T-72AMT now labeled "Vasya" by Russian forces, may lead to adjustments in traditional armored tactics, emphasizing strategic deployment and reducing personnel risks. Knutov observed that despite the presence of numerous armored vehicles, anti-tank guided missiles have been notably effective in neutralizing them during the Ukraine conflict. For effective combat operations, it might be more efficient to deploy armored vehicles strategically, such as in a "tank carousel" formation with three vehicles, rather than deploying larger numbers simultaneously.

Introduced in 2011, the T-72B3 is an updated version of the T-72B tank, achieving performance levels comparable to more modern tanks like the T-90A. (Picture source: Russian social media)

Introduced in 2011, the T-72B3 is an updated version of the T-72B tank, achieving performance levels comparable to more modern tanks like the T-90A. It is armed with a 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun capable of firing armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) rounds, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) up to a range of 5,000 meters. The main gun is paired with a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun, and the tank is equipped with a roof-mounted 12.7mm NSV or "Kord" machine gun for anti-aircraft and ground target engagement. The T-72B3’s fire control system includes the “Sosna-U” multi-channel gunner sight, thermal imaging capabilities, and an automatic target tracking system, enabling engagement in various visibility conditions.

Visually, the T-72B3 retains the original hull and turret armor of the T-72B but is fitted with Relikt Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) modules, offering coverage against certain armor-piercing and tandem warhead threats. The tank also features Kontakt-5 ERA in combination with its composite armor, along with smoke grenade launchers to provide concealment. It is equipped with systems for nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, safeguarding the crew in contaminated areas.

The T-72B3 is powered by a V-84MS diesel engine, generating 840 horsepower, resulting in a maximum speed of around 60 km/h on roads and an operational speed of 35-45 km/h on rough terrain. With a total weight of approximately 45.6 tons, the tank has wide tracks that contribute to low ground pressure, improving its ability to navigate challenging terrain. The tank’s transmission and suspension systems are designed to support mobility and maneuverability in various conditions.

Visually, the T-72B3 retains the original hull and turret armor of the T-72B but is fitted with Relikt Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) modules, offering coverage against certain armor-piercing and tandem warhead threats. (Picture source: Russian social media)