Is Russia's "Shturm" Tank Truly Autonomous?

Understanding the "Shturm" Tank

The Russian military has introduced a new “autonomous ground combat system” known as the “Shturm.” This system is currently undergoing field trials and was developed under the direction of the Ministry of Defense at the Uralvagonzavod tank plant. The Shturm is designed to operate with limited remote control, particularly in urban environments.

A video showcasing the platform was initially shared by a Russian military blogger and open-source analyst named Andrei_bt on the Telegram messaging app. However, the blogger expressed skepticism about the Shturm’s capabilities, stating that it is not a new concept and that the idea has been explored for over a decade. He also suggested that the project might be more of a money-making scheme than a genuine innovation.

Features of the "Shturm" Tank

The “new” AI-powered platform is built on a heavily modified T-72 or T-90 main battle tank (MBT) chassis. It is equipped with a 125mm D-414 main gun that has been shortened and modified for urban operations. Additionally, the front of the vehicle features a bulldozer blade, which helps it move obstacles rather than simply rolling over them.

The Shturm has been in development for several years, first announced in 2018 as a modular platform intended for urban warfare. Despite this, progress has been slow. Unlike the next-generation T-14 Armata MBT, which was meant to be a significant departure from older Soviet-era platforms, the Shturm is rooted in the past. Cost considerations may have played a role in this decision.

Using older T-72A hulls suggests that the system was developed with cost efficiency and legacy equipment in mind. The Kremlin has depleted its stockpiles of Cold War-era tanks and other equipment to replenish losses in its ongoing war in Ukraine. However, there may still be enough T-72s available to produce a batch of Shturm robotic tanks.

Variants of the Shturm

Several variants were planned for the Shturm. These included a 50-ton assault vehicle armed with a 125mm or even a 152mm main gun. Another version was to be equipped with a RPO-2 “Shemel” thermobaric rocket launcher and PKTM machine gun for close-quarters assaults. A third variant was expected to feature the RPO-2 and twin 30mm 2A42 automatic cannons along with a PKTM machine gun, offering infantry suppression capabilities.

A fourth version, designed for wide-area assaults, was reported to be equipped with 16 unguided 220mm thermobaric rockets, similar to those used on Russia’s TOS-1A multiple rocket launch platform. For now, the focus remains on the basic model with an adapted 125mm D-414 main gun, allowing for 360-degree turret rotation even in narrow urban environments.

The Shturm's Autonomy

One of the key aspects of the Shturm is its potential for remote operation from a command-and-control car, as well as some autonomous capabilities. However, recent videos showed a crew on board during tests, indicating that neither the remote controls nor the autonomous functions are fully developed yet. This raises questions about the Shturm’s intended purpose.

The modular platform was designed to conduct operations against fortified positions and to launch attacks in urban settings. This could suggest that Russia has plans for targeting cities. Urban areas have been a significant part of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, highlighting the strategic importance of cities despite the high casualty rates associated with such engagements.