U.S. deems the latest Russian "Sturm" obsolete
Russia's New Robotic Assault Complex "Storm" Combines Old and New
The Russian defense company Uralvagonzavod has announced the creation of a new heavy strike robotics complex called "Storm," designed for combat in urban conditions. According to reports from RIA Novosti and Military Watch Magazine, the complex is still in the prototype stage and is based on the T-72 tank chassis.
The "Storm" robotic complex is not truly autonomous, as stated by Peter Suciu in an article published in The National Interest. Instead, it is remote-controlled with advanced command and control features, allowing a command vehicle to direct multiple robotic tanks within a 3 km radius.
The use of the T-72 tank chassis reflects a reliance on older Soviet-era technology, but the system integrates modern adaptations and modular systems tailored for urban combat. For example, the complex features a shortened 125mm gun, a bulldozer blade, and multi-layered protection against handheld anti-tank weapons.
While the core chassis and basic vehicle platforms remain rooted in older designs, the system demonstrates tactical innovation for unmanned urban warfare. Protection and weapon configurations reveal adaptation to modern combat scenarios, although the base chassis is still based on the T-72.
Comparisons to the T-72B3M upgrades indicate that the base tank has undergone improvements in fire control and armor in recent decades, but the robotic system builds on these incremental evolutions rather than completely new technology.
According to Suciu, the manufacturer Uralvagonzavod overstates the claimed characteristics of the combat vehicle "Storm." However, the complex is a new development in Russia's military technology and a sign of innovation in its robotic control systems and urban combat customization.
In summary, the "Storm" robotic complex demonstrates innovation mainly in its robotic control systems and urban combat customization but is heavily reliant on older tank chassis technology like the T-72, limiting its classification as a breakthrough platform and reflecting a hybrid approach of modernization and reuse of legacy hardware.
What kind of technology is the "Storm" robotic complex demonstrating innovation in? - Artificial-intelligence in its robotic control systems
Is the "Storm" robotic complex based on completely new technology or a hybrid of old and new? - The "Storm" robotic complex is a hybrid of old technology (like the T-72 tank chassis) and new developments, such as its advanced robotic control systems.
