The Indian Defense Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) AVNL has announced a significant collaboration with Russia’s Rosoboronexport (ROE) and High Precision Systems (HPC). This partnership will focus on the design and development of an Indian Light Tank, with AVNL taking the lead role. The tank will be based on Sprut SD.
Consultancy Engagement
AVNL plans to engage a consultant for legal and financial consultancy services. Moreover, the consultant will assist in forming the joint venture (JV) and continue providing support for six months after the first board meeting.
The 2S25 Sprut-SD: A Potential Contender
The 2S25 Sprut-SD, developed by the Russian Defense Company Volgograd Tractor Plant Joint Stock Company, is a self-propelled anti-tank armored vehicle. Initially, the vehicle was developed to meet the requirements of the Russian airborne troops, with development starting in mid-2001 and spanning several years. Known for its amphibious capabilities and powerful armament, the 2S25 Sprut-SD defeats tanks, hard-skinned materiel, and enemy personnel. It operates through airborne and amphibious landing operations and special-designate units of ground forces.
Armament of Sprut SD
The 2S25 Sprut-SD features a two-man turret equipped with a 125mm anti-tank gun. The gun fires both conventional projectiles and guided missiles. Additionally, the turret includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and two banks of smoke-grenade dischargers. Furthermore, the gun’s automatic ammunition loader ensures a high rate of fire, between 6 to 8 rounds per minute.
Design and Protection of Sprut SD
The vehicle’s hull and turret consist of all-welded aluminum armor with a composite skin. The design includes a crew compartment at the front, a central turret and fighting compartment, and a rear power pack. Therefore, the armor protects against fire from calibers up to 75mm within a 40° frontal arc and up to 30mm from other angles.
Mobility of Sprut SD
The 2S25 Sprut-SD is equipped with a VV06-2S Diesel engine, providing 510 horsepower. Consequently, this allows for a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and a road range of 500 km. The vehicle is fully amphibious, using two water jets for propulsion, and achieves speeds of 8-10 km/h on water. In addition, the suspension system features seven single road wheels on each side, with an idler at the front and a drive sprocket at the rear.
Accessories and Capabilities of Sprut SD
The 2S25 Sprut-SD includes various accessories such as a computer firing system, WMD protection system, night vision, and an NBC protection system. It can be transported by all types of transport, para-dropped with the crew inside, and cross water obstacles in sea state up to 3 without preparation. Moreover, the vehicle also features a laser sight for guiding 125mm projectiles and a laser range finder that provides data for a ballistic calculator.
Indian Army’s Light Tank Acquisition
The Indian Army aims to acquire 300 light tanks. The DRDO-developed Zorawar, in collaboration with L&T, will provide 59 tanks. However, the remaining 250 tanks will be open to competition. Consequently, the joint venture between AVNL, ROE, and HPC aims to meet this requirement. Other competitors include Kalyani with Israeli partners, Tata, and Mahindra with their foreign OEM partners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between AVNL, Rosoboronexport, and HPC marks a significant step in India’s light tank acquisition project. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both Indian and Russian defense industries to develop a formidable light tank for the Indian Army. This project will, therefore, enhance operational capabilities and modernize India’s armored fleet.