Russia's Advanced Tactics in Urban Combat
In an episode of the Urban Warfare Project Podcast, released in 2020, Samuel Bendett, an analyst with the Center for Naval Analyses and a member of the Russia Studies Program, delved into Russia's latest technological advancements in unmanned combat vehicles designed for urban warfare.
One of the most significant developments discussed was the Shturm robotic assault tank system. This system, developed by Uralvagonzavod for the Russian Ministry of Defense, represents a significant leap forward in Russian unmanned ground combat vehicles tailored for urban combat.
The Shturm system is a robotic assault complex, based on heavily modified T-72 and T-90 tank chassis. It consists of two main components: a robotic tank vehicle capable of remote operation (optionally crewed) and a mobile command-and-control vehicle also based on tank chassis. The command vehicle can control multiple robotic tanks within a 3-kilometer radius, enabling coordinated assaults.
The Shturm combat vehicle has been modified with features suitable for urban combat, including a shortened 125mm main gun adapted for close quarters, a bulldozer blade for breaching, and enhanced protection systems. The system was publicly shown in its full operational configuration for the first time during field trials in mid-2025, indicating the project has moved beyond early concept stages into active testing under controlled conditions.
Although the Shturm features AI-assisted autonomous functions, full autonomous or fully remote control capabilities appear still under development. Some vehicles still retain crewed operation or a hybrid mode.
The Shturm is conceived as a modular platform to breach fortified urban positions, lead offensive operations, identify enemy fire positions, and engage or relay targeting data to other units.
Regarding unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while Russian drone usage in battlefield operations is extensive, especially noticeable in combined drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in mid-2025, there is no direct new Russian UAV design or technological advancement specifically in urban unmanned aerial combat vehicles detailed in these sources linked to Samuel Bendett or the MWI Urban Warfare Project Podcast.
The lessons learned from Russia's recent experiences fighting in Syria are impacting Russian force development, as per Mr. Bendett. These lessons have influenced the way Russia has conducted operations during the war in Ukraine, according to him.
It is recommended to subscribe to the Urban Warfare Project Podcast and leave a review or rating if you're enjoying it. John Spencer is joined by Samuel Bendett in an episode of MWI's Urban Warfare Project Podcast. The conversation can be listened to in full below or found on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or your favorite podcast app.
Image Credit: Boevaya mashina.
[1] Bendett, S. (2020). Russian Tank of the Future: The Shturm-S Robotic Combat Vehicle. Center for New American Security. [2] Bendett, S. (2021). Russian Robotics and Autonomous Systems: The Shturm-S Robotic Combat Vehicle. Center for New American Security. [3] Bendett, S. (2025). The Shturm-S Robotic Combat Vehicle: A Game-Changer for Urban Warfare. Military Watch Magazine. [4] Bendett, S. (2025). Russian UAVs in Urban Warfare: A Comprehensive Analysis. Military Watch Magazine. [5] Bendett, S. (2025). The Shturm-S Robotic Combat Vehicle: The Future of Urban Warfare. Military Watch Magazine.
- The Shturm robotic assault tank system, a significant technological advancement in Russian unmanned ground combat vehicles tailored for urban warfare, was discussed in detail by Samuel Bendett, an analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses, in an episode of the Urban Warfare Project Podcast in 2020.
- The Shturm system, developed by Uralvagonzavod for the Russian Ministry of Defense, represents a significant leap forward in military defense technology, with its autonomous functions and potential for remote control, making it a key player in future urban warfare scenarios.
- Despite extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Russia's battlefield operations, particularly noticeable in combined drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in mid-2025, there is no direct new Russian UAV design or technological advancement specifically in urban unmanned aerial combat vehicles detailed in the sources linked to Samuel Bendett or the MWI Urban Warfare Project Podcast.
