Since 2018, tests of the 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank system, known as Sprut-SD, have been conducted in a variety of deployment scenarios. The vehicle has been demonstrated in landing operations by mounting the gun on the chassis of the BMD-4M and on the basis of the BMP-3. The design work is led by TsNIItochmash JSC, a part of the Rostec family of enterprises.
State tests of the modernized 2S25 self-propelled gun have concluded, with substantial deliveries to troops expected soon, according to Rostec vice president Vladimir Artyakov. The enterprise emphasizes that Sprut-SD is an armored tracked floating platform equipped with a robust artillery and missile complex. The system is designed to cross water obstacles while staying ready to engage targets in motion, and is claimed to be capable of operating in diverse environments such as highlands, swamps, tropical zones, and arctic conditions.
Military experts note that the primary requirement from the Ministry of Defense for new self-propelled guns involves raising combat effectiveness through updated fire control and aiming devices. There is particular emphasis on ensuring the chassis integrates smoothly with other armored assets used by airborne forces.
Among the listed advantages of the Sprut-SD artillery system, the 125 mm caliber mirrors that of contemporary tanks like the T-72 and T-90. The system supports a range of ammunition types, including high-explosive fragmentation, armor-piercing, and cumulative rounds. Armor-piercing performance reaches up to 770 mm of protection under dynamic armor. The ammunition load includes guided anti-tank missiles for extended reach.
Performance figures show road speeds around 70 km/h on clear or unpaved surfaces, with a secondary amphibious speed near 7 km/h. In the combat compartment, modernization featured a new fire control system with integrated sights that combine television and thermal imaging channels. An automatic loader feeds the chosen type of separate loading ammunition into the chamber, with a standard onboard supply of 40 rounds ready to be deployed as soon as the crew takes stations.
Observations from military observers highlight that large-caliber, mobile fire support remains a priority in airborne operations. The enhanced ability to deliver tanks and heavy artillery by air, without compromising mobility, is seen as a meaningful advancement. The ongoing discussion also points to the continuing need for airborne forces to deploy heavy weapons that can support landing operations, repel attacks, and enable offensive actions from the air drop zones.
As analysts summarize the evolution of airborne firepower, the Sprut-SD is recognized as a significant milestone for paratroopers. It marks a shift from relying primarily on light support weapons to incorporating heavy, mobile artillery capable of direct fire and high-angle delivery. The historical development line includes the early 1980s introduction of the 2S9 Nona-S, a breakthrough that broadened the Air Forces’ combat capabilities by enabling both direct fire and hinged-trajectory fire. The Sprut-SD is viewed as a modern complement to that legacy, meeting the enduring need for potent, airborne-enabled fire support during rapid deployment operations.