SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move to bolster India’s armored capabilities, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), an Indian public sector defence company, has announced its collaboration with Russian firms Rosoboronexport (ROE) and High Precision Systems (HPC) to design, develop, and manufacture a customized variant of the 2S25 Sprut-SD light tank.
This initiative, revealed in August 2024, targets the Indian Army’s ongoing Light Tank Competition, which seeks to acquire 295 light tanks under the Make-I category of indigenous procurement. The partnership, led by AVNL and its Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai, aims to deliver a tailored solution for India’s high-altitude and rugged terrains, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, while competing against indigenous platforms like the DRDO-L&T Zorawar Light Tank.
The 2S25 Sprut-SD, originally developed by Russia’s Volgograd Tractor Plant for the Russian airborne troops (VDV), is a self-propelled anti-tank gun with a 125mm 2A75 smoothbore gun, offering firepower comparable to main battle tanks like the T-90 while maintaining a light 18-ton frame. Its amphibious capabilities, air-droppable design, and ability to fire while afloat make it a versatile platform for rapid deployment in diverse terrains. However, the Indian Army’s requirements for high-altitude operations, enhanced protection, and modern electronics have necessitated a customized variant. AVNL, in collaboration with ROE and HPC, plans to adapt the Sprut-SD to meet these demands, incorporating indigenous systems and addressing the Army’s specific operational needs.
The customized Sprut variant will leverage Russia’s expertise in light tank technology, particularly its gun stabilization and amphibious features, while integrating Indian components to achieve a higher degree of indigenization. The joint venture, where AVNL and India Optel Limited (IOL) hold a majority stake, ensures significant Indian control over the project, aligning with the #AatmanirbharBharat initiative. The tank is expected to retain its 125mm gun, capable of firing APFSDS, HE-Frag, HEAT, and ATGM ammunition like the 9M119 Svir, but may see upgrades in electronics, fire control systems, and protection to counter modern threats like drones and advanced anti-tank weapons.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development and procurement of light tanks, with HVF/AVNL among the recipients, subject to meeting technical and commercial eligibility criteria. To respond to this RFP, HVF has floated limited commercial offers for critical subsystems, including the Engine Management Unit (EMU), Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), loitering munitions/drones, and suspension units. These subsystems are vital for enhancing the tank’s performance in high-altitude environments, where power-to-weight ratio, mobility, and situational awareness are paramount.
The inclusion of loitering munitions and drones reflects the Indian Army’s focus on integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, as seen in the Zorawar Light Tank’s design, which features surveillance drones and active protection systems (APS). The Sprut variant may similarly incorporate such features, though its base armor—rated to withstand only 12.7mm rounds—raises concerns about survivability against modern threats. Upgrades to the suspension system are also critical, as the original Sprut-SD’s design, based on the BMD-3 chassis, has been criticized for instability with its 125mm turret, particularly in rugged terrains.
The Indian Army’s Light Tank Competition stems from the urgent need for a high-altitude-capable platform following the 2020 Galwan standoff with China, where the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) deployed Type 15 light tanks along the LAC. The Army initially considered direct procurement of the Sprut-SDM1 under emergency provisions but shifted focus to indigenous development under the Make-I category. The DRDO-L&T Zorawar, unveiled in July 2024, has already secured an initial order for 59 units, with trials underway in desert and high-altitude conditions. However, the remaining 295 tanks are open for competition, pitting AVNL’s Sprut variant against the Zorawar and other contenders like Kalyani Group, Tata, and Mahindra, each partnered with foreign OEMs.
The Zorawar, weighing 25 tons and armed with a 105mm gun from John Cockerill, emphasizes modularity, AI, and indigenous systems, offering a power-to-weight ratio of 30 hp/ton with its 760 hp Cummins engine. In contrast, the Sprut-SD’s 510 hp engine provides a 27 hp/ton ratio, but its lighter 18-ton frame and amphibious capabilities give it an edge in mobility and rapid deployment. Critics, however, argue that the Sprut’s thin armor and outdated design make it less competitive against the Zorawar, which incorporates modern features like APS and drone integration from the outset.
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