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| Russia Deploys Sprut-SDM1 Amphibious Armed With 40 Missiles And Dubbed The Tank Killer |
Moscow - Russia is ready to deploy the 2С25М Sprut-SDM1 amphibious tank to face the onslaught of allied main battle tanks, such as the Leopard 2 and Challenger 2. Even though it is included in the light tank category, the Sprut-SDM1 has firepower equivalent to the T-72 and T-90 tanks and is equipped with 40 laser-guided anti-tank missile.
Quoted from the Bulgarian Military, Russia since late last year has started production of the 2С25М Sprut-SDM1 amphibious tank at the Kurganmashzavod factory. Russia, which has lost a large number of ground armored vehicles, is producing the 2С25М Sprut-SDM1 amphibious tank to counter the Leopard 2 and Challenger 2 tanks.
The 2С25М Sprut-SDM1 amphibious tank, nicknamed the tank killer, is the choice because it is equipped with 40 laser-guided anti-tank missiles. An upgraded version of the Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank gun, equipped with an artillery missile system with a 125 mm 2A75 gun and an automatic loader.
The fire control system and sights were also updated using the PPND B03S03 "Sodema" multi-channel sight. These updates make the effectiveness of the firing range better as far as 5 km and the new optical system increases the efficiency of using the Sprut-SDM1 24 hours a day.
The 2C25M Sprut-SDM1 tank can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary projectiles. This feature is common to all modern Russian tanks. The laser-guided anti-tank missile derived from the 9M119M1 (Invar-M) missile has a range of up to 5 km. Including being able to target low-flying helicopters.
As many as 40 missiles are the main weapon, divided into 22 units on standby in the firing system and 18 units stored in the hull. The ammunition load consists of 20 HE-FRAG rounds, 14 APFSDS anti-tank rounds, and 6 anti-tank guided missiles. The tank has a rate of fire of 7 rounds per minute and the ex-missile case is automatically ejected behind the turret. There is an automatic ammunition loading system, so the crew is only 3 people, no need for loaders (personnel transporting missiles).
The 2C25M Sprut-SDM1 tank is equipped with an additional remote controlled weapons station, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. Only weakness of this tank is limited armor protection, only able to withstand 7.62 mm machine gun and cannon splinters.
The 2С25М Sprut-SDM1 tank has a light weight of around 18 tonnes, making it agile in maneuvering in various fields and speeds up to 70 km/hour. In fact, the 2С25М Sprut-SDM1 tank can cross water barriers and swim in rivers at speeds of up to 7 km/h.
With unique specifications, the 2C25M Sprut-SDM1 tank is officially referred to by Russia as a self-propelled anti-tank weapon or tank destroyer. Though the Sprut-SDM1 is a light tank specifically designed to support the Russian airborne troops.