War in Ukraine Volume 4

The two largest heirs to the massive Soviet tank force that faced NATO during the Cold War – Russia and Ukraine – have been fighting one another since 2014 in what has now become the largest war in Europe since 1945. 

Volume 4 of the War in Ukraine series examines the common legacy of Soviet main battle tanks (MBTs) inherited by both sides in this conflict and the evolution of three models in a relatively short space of time with nominally similar characteristics: the T-64, T-72, and T-80. Drawing upon Russian and Ukrainian source material not often examined in the West, this book looks into the design history of these models and their relative strengths and weaknesses, and challenges a number of common myths circulating about these MBTs from the days of the Cold War up to the present. This book then goes on to examine the evolution of these models in Russian service in the post-Soviet era, including the T-90, and Russian attempts to upgrade their MBT technologies. 

This volume, extensively illustrated with full colour images, is essential reading for the reader interested in late Soviet, and post-Soviet Russian MBT design, and the forces employed in the current war in Ukraine. The full history of the Russo– Ukrainian War remains to be written, but this book aims to at least give a background and a glimpse into one particular aspect of the war, as well as the role the MBT has played in the largest war of the twenty-first century so far. 

Volume 5 will continue the story of Post-Soviet Ukrainian MBT development and the use of MBTs by both sides in the current war.

“The War in Ukraine series continues to be an excellent source of information on events from 2014 leading up to the current conflict between Russia and the Ukraine.” AMPS

“This book not only covers the general development of Soviet tanks since the end of WWII, but also goes into considerable detail on all the different variants that have seen combat in the last couple of years.” ModelingMadness.com

".....The title perfectly sums up this detailed review of the ex-Soviet or Russian tanks of the belligerents. Wen Jian Chung immerses us in this very technical volume on the mysteries of these armored vehicles." VaeVictus Magazine, No 173, Mar/Apr 24 (translated from French)

"...While the technological details of this book are worth the price alone, the photographs really are amazingly detailed and supported by both captions and the text. Despite advantages and disadvantages of each tank system, in the end, it really comes down to crew training and cohesion. This book deserves a place on any Soviet armor modeler’s bookshelf as it will be used often. With the continuing War in Ukraine, it will be interesting to see how the Western tanks in Ukrainian use will fare against these Soviet and Russian tanks." IPMS USA

"...A package of on-campaign and parade photos, diagrams, artwork tank profiles, demonstrate the merits and flaws of Soviet and Russian MBTs seen in the Ukraine War." Model Military International Issue 231

“…for a treadhead appreciation of Russian main battle tanks, here's your guide. Enjoyed it.” The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 

“… provides a better understanding of what is transpiring on the battlefield in Ukraine.” The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation