Primary armament of the2S25 is its 125mm 2A75 series smoothbore main gun, fully stabilized along both axis. The weapon system is capable of countering modern main battle tank armor as well as lesser foes as needed. The fire control system is fully modern and digital, allowing the gunnery crew to simply identify targets and manage the ammunition and firing function accordingly. A 7.62mm coaxial defensive machine gun is fitted alongside the main gun while smoke grenade dischargers allow the vehicle to screen its movements against prying eyes. 40 x 125mm projectiles are carried aboard with 22 of these projectiles "ready-to-fire" in the autoloading system. There are 2,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for the machine gun as well. The autoloading system can supply a steady 7 rounds-per-minute of sustained fire. Like other Soviet/Russian tank guns, the 2A75 main gun of the 2S25 vehicle can also fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) as needed (the 9M119 "Svir" ATGM being cited).
The capabilities of the 2S25 fall in-line with accepted Russian tank doctrine of the day. Though the type is relatively lightly armored (protection is against 23mm caliber cannon rounds, general small arms and artillery splinters) the vehicle is well-armed, fast and mobile and amphibious - in the latter case it also retains its full ability to fire the main gun on-the-move. The portable nature of the 2S25 series also ensures that it can be utilized in all manner of ways concerning deployment to awaiting frontline units. The main gun provides a strong counter to modern battlefield threats and overall quality gives excellent value for airborne elements prior to the arrival of a main army ground force. External upgrade armor kits are optional if the threat of anti-tank enemies is to be expected. As in the BMD series before it, the 2S25 can be fully air-dropped with the entire crew aboard - they requiring just minutes to get the vehicle into full action status soon after landing. This alone presents a tremendous tactical advantage on the mobile-minded battlefield particularly where airborne battalions are concerned.
The 2S25 is produced out of the Volgograd Tractor Factory (formerly the Stalingrad Tractor Factory) which made a name for itself during World War 2 as a producer of the famous T-34 Medium Tank series. Of particular note is that the Volgograd plant has also been responsible for the design and production of all previous BMD family marks so its expertise in light combat systems is noted. To date (2012), it is believed that some 24 x 2S25 tracked vehicles have now entered frontline service with VDV forces. It is estimated that as many as 75 systems will ultimately be delivered.
Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.