Russian special forces and airborne troops have begun using the newest “Sarmat-3” light-armored vehicles in combat zones across Ukraine, according to reports from Russian Telegram channel “Ugolok Sith.”
Photographs shared on the channel show the vehicle in action near the front lines, marking one of the first confirmed sightings of this new armored platform.
The “Sarmat-3” is a compact, all-terrain vehicle with a 4×4 configuration. Weighing in at 3,500 kg, it is designed to carry 900 kg of cargo and features a diesel-powered, four-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower. The vehicle’s fuel range is estimated at 500 km, making it ideal for operations in challenging terrain.
This armored vehicle is equipped to handle a range of combat roles. It can be mounted with various types of weaponry, including 7.62 mm PKM machine guns, 12.7 mm “Kord” heavy machine guns, 30 mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers, or the “Kornet” anti-tank missile system.
With space for a crew of four, the “Sarmat-3” offers flexibility in combat scenarios, providing both mobility and firepower to Russian troops.
The “Sarmat-3” also has a specialized variant, the “Sarmat-3ME,” designed for medical evacuations. Unlike the base model, which features an open cargo area, this variant includes a fully enclosed compartment capable of transporting two wounded soldiers on stretchers.