During the Cold War, the Soviet military was centered around a collection of seven critical armored vehicles and weapons systems known as the "Soviet Big 7". The Soviet Union's approach to mechanized warfare and their emphasis on both offensive and defensive capabilities were demonstrated by these machines, which combined armament, mobility, and protection. Throughout the Cold War and beyond, these systems were extensively employed in conflicts and were essential for the preservation of Soviet military strength.
Let’s explore each of the Soviet Big 7
ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" – Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun
The ZSU-23-4 was a self-propelled anti-aircraft system that was introduced in the early 1960s and was exceedingly effective. The "Shilka" was intended to safeguard armored and infantry units from low-flying aircraft and helicopters, and it was equipped with four 23mm autocannons. Its radar system enabled it to engage targets with a high degree of precision, and its mobility enabled it to follow rapidly moving armored formations. The ZSU-23-4 was a weapon of great concern to NATO air forces and was involved in numerous conflicts, such as the Arab-Israeli wars.
Crew: 4
Effective Range: 2,500 meters (air targets)
Role: Air defense for mechanized units
Mi-24 "Hind" – Helicopter Gunship
The Mi-24, a multi-role assault helicopter with heavy armament, is one of the most iconic Soviet aircraft. The Mi-24, also known as the "flying tank," offered a combination of devastating firepower, including anti-tank missiles, rockets, and a 12.7mm rotary cannon, in addition to personnel transport functions. This helicopter served as a force multiplier on the battlefield, offering both rapid personnel deployment and close air support. It was extensively employed in Afghanistan and is currently in service with a variety of militaries worldwide.
Crew: 2 (pilot, co-pilot/gunner) + 8 troops
Armament: Anti-tank guided missiles, rockets, cannon
Role: Close air support and transport
BMP Series – Armored Personnel Carrier
When the BMP (Boyevaya Mashina Pehoty) was introduced in the 1960s, it was a revolutionary infantry combat vehicle. It combined the capacity to fight alongside tanks with the ability to convey troops, providing infantry with the protection of armor while enabling them to engage enemy units with its 73mm smoothbore gun, machine guns, and anti-tank missiles. The BMP was a critical element of Soviet mechanized infantry divisions, providing mobility, protection, and firepower.
Crew: 3 + 8 infantry
Armament: 73mm gun (later 30mm autocannon), anti-tank guided missiles, machine guns
Role: Mechanized infantry transport and fire support
T-72 – Main Battle Tank
Following its introduction in the early 1970s, the T-72 emerged as the primary weapon of Soviet armored units. The T-72 was intended to be both extensively armored and highly mobile, and it is equipped with a powerful 125mm smoothbore gun. Its rugged construction enabled it to operate in harsh conditions with minimal maintenance, and its autoloader enabled a reduced personnel size. The T-72 was one of the most exported tanks in history and was utilized extensively in conflicts across the globe.
Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Armament: 125mm smoothbore gun, machine guns
Role: Main battle tank for armored units
2S1 "Gvozdika" – Self-Propelled 122mm Howitzer
The 2S1 Gvozdika is a self-propelled howitzer that was introduced in the 1970s to provide Soviet ground forces with extremely mobile artillery support. It was equipped with a tracked chassis and a 122mm howitzer, which enabled it to maintain a constant pace with armored and mechanized formations while simultaneously delivering indirect fire over extended distances. The 2S1 was also amphibious, which enabled it to operate in a variety of terrains. It was a fundamental component of Soviet artillery divisions and was deployed in a multitude of conflicts.
Crew: 4
Range: Up to 15.3 km
Role: Mobile artillery for mechanized formations
9K33 "Osa" – Vehicle-Mounted Surface-to-Air Missile Launcher
The 9K33 "Osa" was a short-range, mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that was intended to protect Soviet forces from low-altitude aircraft. The Osa was the first SAM system to be mounted on a single vehicle, enabling rapid deployment and high mobility, with all components (radar, missiles, and launchers) included. It was an essential component of Soviet air defense systems, safeguarding ground forces from aviation threats, due to its radar-guided missiles' capacity to engage fast-moving targets.
Crew: 5
Range: 1.5 to 10 km (for missile)
Role: Short-range air defense
2S3 "Akatsiya" – Self-Propelled 152mm Howitzer
Another potent self-propelled artillery piece that was introduced in the 1970s was the 2S3 "Akatsiya". The 2S3 was capable of discharging a diverse array of munitions, such as high-explosive shells, anti-tank rounds, and nuclear projectiles, due to its larger 152mm howitzer than the 2S1. Its heavy armament rendered it a significant asset in both offensive and defensive operations, and its mobility enabled it to provide fire support to fast-moving Soviet armored units.
Crew: 4
Range: 17.4 km (standard rounds), 24 km (rocket-assisted)
Role: Long-range artillery support
Legacy of the Soviet Big 7
The Soviet Big 7 served as the foundation of Soviet air and ground power during the Cold War. The principles of mobility, mass production, and battlefield versatility were taken into account when designing these vehicles and armament systems. They were extensively exported to Soviet allies and were extremely effective in a diverse array of environments, rendering them a common sight in conflicts worldwide.
These vehicles are a prime example of Soviet military doctrine, which emphasizes the integration of armor, infantry, artillery, and air defense to defeat adversaries through combined arms warfare. The durability and efficacy of these systems in the field are underscored by their continued service in modern militaries, including the T-72 and Mi-24.
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