Unmanned tanks to spearhead combat of future, Russia takes lead with India close behind

Russia has fielded an unmanned tank called Shturm, which means assault, which was revealed at Center-2026, one of the large exercises the Kremlin holds periodically alongside Vostok, Zapad and Kavkaz. The Shturm heavy assault robotic system is based on the T-72, which the Indian Army also operates in large numbers. It is meant to breach fortified defensive lines and fight in urban areas. Testing was first reported only in July 2025, and the vehicle has been in development for roughly 15 years. Russia has now brought it at least to an initial level of readiness for operational use.The system pairs remotely operated combat vehicles with a separate crewed command vehicle, built on a T-72 or T-90 chassis and described as a mothership tank. Operating either the unmanned tank or the BMPT requires three operators, who remain inside the command vehicle.