Russian Tanks

In 1939 Soviet armoured forces were mainly equipped light tanks such as the T-26, BT-5 and BT-7 mediums and heavier T-28s. The more modern designs like the T-60 light tank, T-34 medium and KV heavy tanks came along in 1941. After the Tiger tank had made its mark, the Russian army had decided to upgrade their T-34s with the more potent 85mm gun, and by early 1944 the new T-34/85 were beginning to arrive at the front. The need for a modern heavy was apparent and this resulted in the new IS-1 and later the IS-2 being developed late in the war.