The Russian tank that can be parachuted into battle with its crew inside

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The 2S25 Sprut-SD is a rare hybrid: a light, amphibious tank destroyer designed to be dropped from aircraft like the Il-76. By combining the firepower of a main battle tank with the agility of airborne infantry vehicles, it provides paratroopers with heavy-hitting support in terrain where traditional armor cannot tread.

Developed by the Volgograd Tractor Plant, the 2S25 Sprut-SD was engineered to meet the specific requirements of the Russian airborne forces. Its primary weapon is the 125 mm 2A75 smoothbore gun, a derivative of the 2A46 found on Russian main battle tanks. This armament allows the 18-tonne vehicle to engage hard-skinned targets, fortifications, and enemy tanks. To manage the recoil of such a powerful gun on a lightweight chassis, designers developed a specialized recoil system, thermal insulation, and a new ejector, while omitting a traditional muzzle brake.

The vehicle's mobility is defined by its ability to operate in diverse environments. It features a hydropneumatic suspension system that adjusts ground clearance between 190 and 590 mm, helping to reduce its silhouette. For water obstacles, the Sprut-SD is fully amphibious, utilizing two water jets to reach speeds of 8–10 km/h. Its power-to-weight ratio of 28.3 hp/tonne enables it to navigate high-altitude regions up to 4000 m, while specialized tracks allow for movement across swamps and snow. The hull, constructed from welded aluminium armor with a composite skin, provides protection against 23 mm weapons across its frontal arc.

The operational history of the 2S25 has been marked by shifting procurement goals. After initial batches were delivered to the Russian airborne troops, further procurement was reportedly cancelled in 2010 following a fuel-related fire. However, development continued, leading to the updated Sprut-SDM1 version. By 2023, the system was declared ready for series production. Recent reports suggest that the platform remains a point of international interest, with plans for the supply and technical transfer of Sprut-SDM1 units to China, including the establishment of local maintenance and repair capabilities for the People's Liberation Army.

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