Rostec plans 125mm cannon-armed wheeled AFV
The Sprut-SDM1 amphibious light tank. (Photo: Rostec.)
The mulled wheeled AFV would be based on the Sprut-SDM1 light tank.
Russia’s Rostec plans to develop a wheeled amphibious AFV featuring a 125mm cannon.
Plans would see a Sprut-SDM1 module installed on an amphibious wheeled chassis.
Kurganmashzavod – a division of Rostec - Volgograd Tractor Plant deputy chief designer Vladimir Budaev said: ‘We have an idea to install the Sprut-SDM1 module on a wheelbase chassis, which is also likely to be able to float.
‘What specific wheelbase we will use is still an open question; there are several very effective variants available in Russia and it all depends on the final purpose of the vehicle and which kind of troops will use it.’
Budaev added that a wheeled Sprut would likely be an export-oriented product as Russian forces traditionally prioritised tracked systems.
In July, during the first stage of trials on the Black Sea, the tracked Sprut-SDM1 light tank completed navigation capability tests and demonstrated its ability to be transported via a large landing craft.
The tracked Sprut-SDM1 features a UTD-29 500-horsepower engine capable of propelling the vehicle at speeds up to 70km/h on land and 10km/h on water.
More from Land Warfare
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia]()
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
