Russia's 'Terminator' combat vehicle renamed after Putin's grandfather 'Spiridon'

Russian defense contractor Uralvagonzavod has renamed its famous Terminator tank support vehicle. The new name is Spiridon — the same name borne by Vladimir Putin's grandfather. The name change appears to be a clear gesture toward Russia's president.

Russia's largest military equipment manufacturer, Uralvagonzavod, has decided to rename its Terminator tank support vehicle. The new official name is Spiridon — the name of Vladimir Putin's grandfather.

The Terminator, or BMPT, is an armored vehicle designed to support tanks in combat by neutralizing infantry and other hard-to-hit targets. Over the years, the vehicle has attracted international attention for its distinctive appearance and firepower.

The rename appears to carry symbolic significance: by naming one of Russia's most famous combat vehicles after the president's grandfather, the manufacturer has made a clear political gesture toward the Kremlin. Spiridon Putin was the Russian president's paternal grandfather, a figure mentioned only briefly in the pages of history.

Uralvagonzavod is a factory enterprise in the Urals and one of Russia's key defense sector companies. In addition to the Terminator, it manufactures T-72 and T-90 tanks. The company operates under Western sanctions related to Russia's military operations in Ukraine.