2S25 Sprut

The 2S25 Sprut-SD is a rare and specialized combat vehicle developed for Russia’s airborne troops (VDV), designed to combine MBT-level firepower with full amphibious and air-droppable capability. Built on a modified BMD-3 chassis, the Sprut mounts the 125 mm 2A75 smoothbore gun — a variant of the standard Russian MBT armament — capable of firing APFSDS, HE-Frag, and guided anti-tank missiles.

Weighing just 18 tons, the Sprut is one of the lightest vehicles in the world to field such a gun, thanks to its aluminium hull and advanced recoil management. Its hydropneumatic suspension allows adjustable ground clearance, enabling high-speed road travel, cross-country maneuvering, and water crossings via twin waterjets. Critically, it can be deployed by parachute from an Il-76 aircraft using a specialized landing platform, making it unique among tank destroyers.

Despite these innovations, the 2S25 has seen only limited adoption. Between 24 and 36 units were produced between 2005 and 2010, all fielded by Russian VDV formations. A modernized variant — Sprut-SDM1 — featuring updated fire control, improved protection, and a new engine, has been built in small numbers but is not yet in serial production.

The Sprut has never been used in combat, and operational preference has shifted toward more versatile BMD-4M platforms.

While the 2S25 Sprut-SD is currently operated exclusively by Russia, India has shown significant interest in the 2S25 Sprut-SD, particularly in its modernized variant, the Sprut-SDM1. In response to operational requirements for high-altitude warfare, India's state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) has partnered with Russian defense firms to propose a customized version of the Sprut-SDM1. This collaboration aims to tailor the vehicle to India's specific needs, including enhanced protection and performance in mountainous terrains.

While other countries such as South Korea, Argentina, Serbia, and Kazakhstan have expressed interest in the Sprut-SD during various defense exhibitions, no formal procurement contracts have been finalized. These nations have evaluated the platform's capabilities, but as of now, the Sprut-SD remains a niche asset within Russia's military inventory.