ST-1 walker

The ST-1 is a first-generation combat walker designed and manufactured in the Socialist States. A radical design at its time, the ST-1 was unveiled in 2023 in the waning months of World War IV and was the first combat walker put into production, beginning the development of legged machines as a new type of battlefield vehicle class. The ST-1 is retired from the Red Army and is no longer produced, but is still in active use in the military forces of Jugslavenia, Kamistan, North Lendia, Zagwe and Zaporozhia.

Description
With the almost immediate obsolescence of the ST-1, numerous drawbacks and flaws with the weapons systems were never addressed and continue to the modern day.

Armament
The ST-1 was hastily put into production as an all-rounder type of vehicle, equipped with both short and medium to long-range weaponry. However, due to the instability of the early platform and highly experimental nature of its deployment, the ST-1's weaponry is considered relatively weak compared to its size and battlefield role.

The main weapon of the ST-1 is a 76.2 mm rifled gun, similar to weapons used on the medium tanks of the Second World War. This was the heaviest cannon capable of being mounted on the fragile walker and still allow a reasonable walking speed and climbing ability. Despite its outdated appearance and calibre, the weapon has been updated to modern standards and is able to fire a variety of rounds. Targeting is aided by laser-guided and gravitometric computer auto-aiming systems, ensuring stable and accurate firing while on the move or on unstable terrain. However, the firing of the gun while at high speeds is known to unbalance the entire walker, potentially leading to the failure of one or more of the legs.

For anti-infantry and anti-light vehicle purposes, the ST-1 is also armed with two remote-controlled 40mm grenade launchers on either side of the hull. These are also capable of firing towards the rear of the vehicle, providing the walker with theoretical all-round offensive capability. In addition, a computer-controlled 10-tube short-range rocket launcher may also be mounted on the top of the walker's hull for infantry fire-support and short-range artillery purposes, boosting the walker's anti-armour and anti-fortification capabilities.

For the commander's use, a 12.7mm KORD heavy machine gun is mounted on the cupola.

Service history
The ST-1 immediately saw combat in the Fourth World War, rushed to the front lines in the south of the USSU where its sudden appearance and mobility surprised the Allied forces.

Current operators

 * Jugslavenia: Operates 50 units.
 * Kamistan: Operates 47 units.
 * North Lendia: Operates 240 units.
 * Zagwe: Operates 4 units.
 * Zaporozhia: Operates 560 units.

Former operators

 * Jazeera: Received 45 units in 2028, retired from duty in favour of the local Khaled Walker.
 * Jirigistan: Received 20 units in 2025, all destroyed or left unrepaired in anti-insurgent activities.
 * USSU: Retired from duty.
 * Zhonghua: Received 120 units in 2025, retired from duty in favour of local designs.