Roman Khromov, who serves as the Deputy Executive Director of State Defense and Military Technical Cooperation at Kurganmashzavod, a manufacturer within the Rostec reserve of High Precision Complexes, discussed a future industry development: the 2S25M self-propelled anti-tank gun could be transitioned to an unmanned platform. This update was reported by RIA Novosti, signaling a potential shift in how the vehicle might operate on the battlefield and how command networks could integrate it into broader defense strategies across allied markets in North America and beyond.
Khromov explained that, at present, the crew of the 125 mm SPTP is capable of functioning entirely with data supplied from Zavet, the system that provides target designation and situational awareness via a dedicated communications channel. This reliance on advanced data links illustrates a move toward greater automation and remote operation, with the possibility of reduced crew exposure during high-risk engagements while maintaining effective fire control and navigation capabilities.
The official added that the next anticipated milestone is to develop an unmanned variant should the primary customer request such a configuration. This forward-looking plan underscores whether military customers, including those in North America with evolving defense procurement needs, will favor autonomous or remotely operated gunnery solutions for rapid reaction peacekeeping or high-intensity conflict scenarios.
Separately, Sergey Abdulov, chief designer at JSC Special Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, commented on strategic considerations informed by combat experience in zones of special military operations. He indicated that, going forward, additional cumulative protection would be integrated across promising Kurganmashzavod systems. This protective approach aims to enhance survivability for wheeled and tracked platforms alike, addressing threats from both modern anti-tank missiles and evolving shaped-charge warfare while aligning with global standards for armor and affective battlefield resilience.
Since its inception, the 125-mm 2S25M self-propelled anti-tank gun has been positioned primarily to support airborne and rapid-deployment units. After completing state tests in the first half of 2022, the system demonstrated the ability to engage enemy armored vehicles at distances beyond five kilometers using a combination of conventional projectiles and guided munitions. The sustained emphasis on range, accuracy, and rapid target acquisition reflects a broader trend in modern artillery toward extended reach and improved battlefield visibility, ensuring paratroopers and other maneuver elements can hold key terrain until follow-on forces arrive.
On a related note, recent Russian developments include the creation of a new drone suppression system, reflecting ongoing efforts to counter unmanned aerial threats and to protect ground forces from precision strike capabilities. This broader ecosystem of defensive and offensive technologies highlights a strategic emphasis on integrated air defense, electronic warfare, and unmanned operations across multiple branches of the armed forces, with implications for international defense exchanges and allied interoperability in North America and Europe.