Russia Field-Tests 'Shturm' Robot Tank Based on Old T-72 Chassis, Showcasing Next-Gen Urban Combat Tech

Russia is testing a new robotic tank called the ‘Shturm’, built using the chassis of the Soviet-era T-72 or T-90 tanks, giving old military machines a fresh role on the modern battlefield. This unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is designed specifically for high-risk urban combat and can be remotely controlled, though recent videos suggest it still operates with crew onboard during trials.

Developed by Uralvagonzavod for the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Shturm system includes two main components: a combat vehicle and a mobile command unit, both heavily modified from traditional tank hulls. The combat version features a shortened 125mm D-414 main gun, frontal dynamic armor, a bulldozer blade, and a slightly modified turret, all tailored for maneuverability in tight, urban environments.

The command vehicle, which is also tracked and armored, can reportedly control multiple robotic tanks within a 3-kilometer range. It’s protected against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other anti-tank weapons, making it suitable for forward command in combat zones.

First introduced in 2018, the Shturm has been quietly progressing through development. New footage shared by Russian military analyst Andrei_bt indicates that the vehicle is undergoing field testing, possibly signaling a move toward operational deployment. However, observers noticed that at least one prototype had a crew onboard, raising questions about whether true remote control is fully functional yet.

What makes the Shturm particularly interesting is its modular firepower. There are four main variants under development:

1. A main assault version with a 125mm gun, with reports suggesting a 152mm upgrade is being considered.

2. A variant equipped with RPO-2 “Shmel” thermobaric rocket launchers and a PKTM machine gun.

3. A third version armed with twin 30mm 2A42 automatic cannons, also supported by the same secondary weapons.

4. A heavy rocket platform variant, capable of launching 16 unguided 220mm thermobaric rockets.

The Shturm appears to be Russia’s attempt to repurpose old Soviet platforms for modern warfare, especially for missions that are too risky for human crews, like breaching fortified enemy positions or clearing dense urban areas.

While the system is more advanced than previous Russian UGVs like the Uran-9, it's still unclear how autonomous or effective it will be in real combat. For now, the Shturm represents another step in Moscow’s effort to blend legacy hardware with modern robotics, potentially setting the stage for a new era of semi-autonomous armored warfare.