Battle for Grozny Volume 1

After a declaration of independence and the seizure of military assets located in the self-proclaimed Republic of Ichkeria, Chechen influence in the Northern Caucuses region was rapidly growing. By 1994 the Russian leadership became very concerned about the situation when, in addition to the other issues, Dzhokhar Dudaev took control of the oil and gas pipelines. After a series of unsuccessful attempts by Yeltsin and his government to reshuffle the situation it was decided to launch a limited armed action targeted upon the overthrow Dudaev at the hands of Russian-sponsored opposition. The opposition eventually failed and a large military operation by Russian forces was launched on 9 December 1994.

From the first days, Russian troops, totally unprepared for the tough resistance encountered found themselves in a bloody fight against Dudaev’s well-trained and heavily-armed militants. Grozny was the major objective as the Russian command considered that taking over the city would break Chechen resistance at once. To pave the way to the city the Russians had to secure Khankala airfield as it was the major aerial hub of the area. The fight for Khankala became the first major engagement between Russian and Chechen forces.

On 30 December 1994, Russian forces received orders to enter Grozny and take control of key objectives, eliminating the opposition. In the second half of 31 December, Russian armoured convoys started to enter the city from four directions, what was to come next became the most horrible night in modern Russian military history.

Battle for Grozny Volume 1 is based on the numerous little known publications and veteran accounts from both sides, extensive pictorial and video footage, and focuses upon the reconstruction of events that happened prior to and during the New Year of 1994–1995.

"Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more on the attempts of Russia to overthrow the Chechen leadership." AMPS

As we now expect from this series, there are a lot of archive photos illustrating the story, along with maps and a 14-page section of excellent artwork, illustrating both aircraft and ground equipment. Plenty in here to interest the modeller, and I am sure I am not the only one to learn much more about what went on in Chechnya during this time, having memories of stories on the news, but knowing very little else about the details of the conflict. I am looking forward to finding out more in volume 2." Robin Buckland, Military Model Scene

".....This book – and all the books of the Europe at War series – are without a doubt an asset to any modeler’s library. I highly recommend it!" IPMS USA

"The author draws on a myriad of sources throughout the book, including helicopter flight logs, page 54, first person accounts and interviews, some historical facts, and analysis of the situation based on experience." Armorama“

"Although it is laden with tactical-level detail, the monograph, more importantly, provides a picture of a military totally unprepared to go to war. With the current Ukrainian war in mind, one should read it as a lesson tragically not learned.” The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation