A newly deployed Russian Sarmat-3 armored vehicle was reportedly destroyed in the Kursk region near the Ukrainian border, just days after its debut on the battlefield.
Russian media circulated images of the first confirmed loss of this rare vehicle, identified as the LSTS-1944 “Sarmat-3.” Initially mistaken by a Russian correspondent for a Ukrainian reconnaissance vehicle, the Sarmat-3 was later confirmed as a recent addition to Russia’s light-armored fleet.
The incident reportedly occurred in the Glushkovo area of Kursk. According to sources, the vehicle was ambushed, triggering a mine explosion that left one occupant dead and severely injured another, who is now hospitalized. The loss highlights the ongoing vulnerability of newer armored vehicles to battlefield tactics involving mines and improvised explosive devices, as Russian forces engage in cross-border operations near contested territories.
Originally developed for airborne units, the Sarmat family is part of a new generation of light armored vehicles designed to provide rapid mobility and protection for Russian forces. The Sarmat-2, a light version, was first showcased during the “Zapad-2021” military exercises, where it served as a mobile transport vehicle capable of deployment from Mi-8 helicopters.
The Sarmat-3 variant, designed with additional armor for enhanced battlefield resilience, was spotted in the region for the first time only recently, underscoring the rapid timeline between its deployment and its loss.