Russia has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of unmanned ground combat systems by publicly showcasing its “Shturm” robotic assault platform during a recent series of field trials.
Developed by Uralvagonzavod, the world’s largest manufacturer of main battle tanks, under the direction of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Shturm system has now appeared in full operational form. Shared via footage from Russian military analyst Andrei_bt, the video reveals both the combat vehicle and its command unit, both mounted on extensively modified T-72 or T-90 chassis, reflecting a practical strategy of leveraging legacy equipment while introducing advanced technologies.
Designed for remote operations in contested environments, particularly urban combat zones where risks to human soldiers are highest, the main Shturm assault vehicle features a shortened 125mm D-414 main gun tailored for maneuvering through confined urban spaces. A bulldozer blade is mounted on the front for clearing debris and obstacles, while the turret includes upgraded roof armor to offer extra protection against aerial threats.
While the platform is ultimately intended to function as a remotely piloted or autonomous system, at least one vehicle was observed during testing with a human crew on board, suggesting that full autonomy remains in the trial phase.
First revealed in concept form in 2018, Shturm is a modular system built to breach fortified positions and conduct high-risk operations without putting human personnel in direct harm’s way. One of its standout features is its mobile command-and-control vehicle, also tank-based, capable of coordinating a platoon of 20 to 50 robotic units within a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) operational radius. This vehicle is designed to withstand anti-tank munitions, including RPGs, underscoring its role as a frontline command node.
The system’s modularity allows for multiple combat configurations, each tailored to different mission profiles:
One version is a 50-ton tank equipped with a traditional 125mm gun, with discussions underway about upgrading to a 152mm gun for greater firepower. Another variant is geared for close-quarters urban assault, outfitted with RPO-2 “Shmel” thermobaric rocket launchers and a PKTM machine gun for suppressive fire.
A third model mixes twin 30mm 2A42 autocannons with additional PKTM and thermobaric rocket support, offering a versatile mix of infantry suppression and building-penetration capabilities. The most heavily armed version features 16 unguided 220mm thermobaric rockets, effectively creating a miniaturized version of the TOS-1A multiple launch system for devastating impact in fortified zones.
Each variant incorporates key design traits including enhanced armor, short-barrel guns for full 360-degree turret rotation, and bulldozer blades for barrier removal — all essential for urban battlefield survivability.
The recent appearance of both the combat and command vehicles in joint field exercises suggests that the Shturm program has moved beyond the prototype stage into a more advanced testing phase. Unlike earlier projects such as Uran-9, which encountered technical failures in combat environments like Syria and Ukraine, the Shturm system reportedly includes tactical and technical improvements for better reliability and adaptability.
Separately, Russia’s Karbyshev Military Engineering Academy has patented a foldable anti-drone screen, modeled after Ukraine’s improvised “hood” armor system. This addition is reportedly 1.5 times more effective at countering drones that drop explosives, though these claims remain unverified by independent sources.