
Russia-based Kalashnikov announced plans to super-size its 7-ton combat vehicle.

The gunmaker is developing an unmanned 20-ton ‘robot’ tank capable of carrying both machine guns and anti-tank missiles.

The vehicle's predecessor, BAS-01G Soratnik, is designed to support a 30mm gun or eight anti-tank missiles – all while traveling at top speeds of 25 miles per hour.

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Kalashnikov announced plans to super-size its 7-ton combat vehicle. The firm is developing an unmanned 20-ton ‘robot’ tank capable of carrying both machine guns and anti-tank missiles. The vehicle's predecessor, BAS-01G Soratnik (pictured), is designed to support a 30mm gun or eight anti-tank missiles – all while traveling at top speeds of 25 miles per hour

SORATNIK TANK Russian debuted its first battle robot, the BAS-01G Soratnik, last year. The 7-ton tank was built to assist human soldier in combat. Soldiers can operate the machine within six miles remotely, but it can also operate on its own with varying degrees of autonomy. Soratnik is fitted with a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKTM machine gun that can be swapped out for a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, grenade launchers and up to eight Kornet guided missiles with a range of three miles. Kalashnikov next robot tank is a super-sized version of Soratnik that will boast similar features and functions but on a larger scale. Advertisement

Kalashnikov, which is named after the inventor of the AK-47 rifle, has made a name for itself in assault rifles.

It has also expanded into vodka, souvenirs, fashion and video games– but its main focus is military weapons.

At Russia’s Army 2016 Expo, which took place in September, the firm unveiled its first battle bot - the BAS-01G Soratnik, which means ‘Comrade-in-arms’.

The 7-ton tank is a result of the Russian Ministry of Defense’s need for a vehicle that could assist human soldier in combat.

Soldiers can operate the machine remotely within six miles, but it can also operate on its own with varying degrees of autonomy, reports Popular Mechanics.

And it is able to support the necessary weapons to support its fellow soldiers.

Soratnik is fitted with a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKTM machine gun that can be swapped out for a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, grenade launchers and up to eight Kornet guided missiles with a range of three miles.

Kalashnikov has yet to share details about its 20-ton robotic tank, but the it is said to be about three times the weight of Soratnik or on par with a U.S. Army M1126 Stryker ICV.

The firm’s CEO first revealed plans for the massive machine in an interview with TACC, a Russian news site.

After being asked if the firm had plans for other combat automated systems besides Soratnik.

At Russia’s Army 2016 Expo, which took place in September, the firm unveiled its first battle bot - the BAS-01G Soratnik (middle), which means ‘Comrade-in-arms’

‘Yes, these works are underway,’ said Kalashnikov Concern CEO Alexei Krivoruchko.

‘It will be a reconnaissance-strike complex weighing about 20 tons.’

The Ak-47 is one of the most popular assault rifles and it is believed that some 100 million Kalashnikov rifles have been manufactured worldwide.

In 2015, a firearms company based out of Pennsylvania started selling the first American-made Kalashnikov AK-47s after sanctions against Russia had stopped the flow of the guns into the US.

Kalashnikov has yet to share details about its 20-ton robotic tank, but the it is said to be about three times the weight of Soratnik (pictured) or on par with a U.S. Army M1126 Stryker ICV. Soratnik was recently taken for a spin around in the snow to show off its tricks and features

Soratnik (pictured) is fitted with a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKTM machine gun that can be swapped out for a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, grenade launchers and up to eight Kornet guided missiles with a range of three miles. Soldiers can operate the machine remotely within six miles, but it can also operate on its own with varying degrees of autonomy

The company said it would start manufacturing AK-47s in January after President Barack Obama's trade sanctions because of President Vladmir Putin's war in Ukraine were put in place.

The USA-made models have new features like nitrocarburized case hardening on their barrels and chambers as well as an enhanced bolt and bolt carrier to provide smoother action.

'The new US models are built on the classic AK 47 rifle and shotgun platforms with a focus on designing firearms for the American shooter using the latest manufacturing technologies,' according to the company.