World War III: Soviet Landing Page

World War III: Soviet Landing Page
The Book
World War III: Soviet  Soviet Forces in World War III

World War III: Soviet 
Soviet Forces in World War III

World War III: Soviet is our third updated book for World War III: Team Yankee. It features all the great options and units that were in Red Thunder, but with the addition of lots more Formations and Units. World War III: Soviet expands and enhances the forces available in Red Thunder for the Soviet Army.

World War III: Soviet  Soviet Forces in World War III...


Product Spotlights

Warsaw Pact Starter Force: T-72 Battalion (Plastic) (TWPAB01)

Warsaw Pact Starter Force: T-72 Battalion (Plastic) (TWPAB01)

This Starter Force Contains:

  • Seven T-72B, T-72M or T-72 Tanks
  • Five T-55AM-2 Tanks
  • Two BRDM-2, SA-9 Gaskin or Spandrel Vehicles
  • Two Mi-24 Hind Helicopters
  • Two SU-17/SU-22 Fitter Fighter-bombers
  • Eight Rare-earth Magnets
  • One Complete A5 Rulebook,
  • One Soviet "Start Here Booklet"
  • Ten Unit cards

Warsaw Pact Starter Force: T-72 Battalion (Plastic) (TWPAB01)...

Warsaw Pact Starter Force – BMP Motor Rifle Battalion  (Plastic) (TWPAB02)

This Starter Force Contains:

  • Nine BMP-1 or BMP-2 Armoured Fighting Vehicles
  • Nine Assault Rifle Teams
  • Six RPG-7 Anti-tank Teams
  • Five T-55AM-2 Tanks
  • Two SU-25 Frogfoot Aircraft
  • Two Flight Stands
  • Eight Rare-earth Magnets
  • One Complete A5 Rulebook,
  • One Soviet "Start Here Booklet"
  • Thirty-six Unit cards

Warsaw Pact Starter Force – BMP Motor Rifle Battalion (TWPAB02) ...

Warsaw Pact Starter Force – BMP Motor Rifle Battalion (TWPAB02)

Soviet Starter Force – T-80 Shock Tank Company (TSUAB04)

Soviet Starter Force (Plastic) (TSUAB04)

This Starter Force Contains:

  • Five T-80 Tanks
  • Two BMP-3 Scouts
  • Three Spandrel Anti-tank Vehicles
  • Two Gaskin AA Vehicles
  • Two Mi-24 Hind Helicopters
  • Two SU-25 Frogfoot Aircraft
  • Eight Rare-earth Magnets
  • Five Decal Sheets
  • One Complete A5 Rulebook,
  • One Soviet "Start Here Booklet"
  • Ten Unit cards

Soviet Starter Force – T-80 Shock Tank Company (TSUAB04)...

T-72 Tank Company (TSBX29)
Following the classic Soviet doctrine, the T-72 was easy to manufacture, simple to use, robust, and reliable. It mounted a powerful 125mm gun with an autoloader to replace the loader, producing a compact and relatively light tank with a significantly greater level of armour protection, powered by a reliable, tried and tested engine. The T-72B adds Explosive Reaction Armour blocks offering additional protection.

T-72 Tank Company (TSBX29)...

T-72 Tank Company (TSBX29)

SU-17 Fitter Fighter-bomber Flight (TSBX28)

SU-17 Fitter Fighter-bomber Flight (TSBX28)
The Su-17 Fitter is a design improvement over the Su-7 Fitter replacing the Su-7's fixed wing configuration with a variable-sweep wing. This modification improved its range and performance. The Su-17 Fitter is mainly used for ground attack where it can be armed with missiles, rockets, and guns.

SU-17 Fitter Fighter-bomber Flight (TSBX28)...

T-80 Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX21)
The T-80 series of tanks was the culmination of a 30 year project to design and field a Soviet turbine-powered tank. The updated T-80U had a more powerful 1250hp turbine engine, wider tracks and mounted Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour. It is faster, more maneuverable and better armoured than any other Soviet tank in service. 

T-80 Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX21)...

T-80 Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX21)

T-64 Tankovy Company (Plastic) (TSBX13)

T-64 Tankovy Company (Plastic) (TSBX13)
The T-64 tank was a second generation tank design that first entered service in 1967 to replace the older first generation tanks. It features many innovative design features.

T-64 Tankovy Company (Plastic) (TSBX13)...

T-72 Tank Company (TSBX01)
Following the classic Soviet doctrine, the T-72 was easy to manufacture, simple to use, robust, and reliable. It mounted a powerful 125mm gun with an autoloader to replace the loader, producing a compact and relatively light tank with a significantly greater level of armour protection, powered by a reliable, tried and tested engine.

T-72 Tankovy Company (TSBX01)...

T-72 Tankovy Company (TSBX01)

T-62M Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX19)

T-62M Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX19)
The T-62 tank underwent a number of upgrades in its long service life. It's modernisation program started in 1972 with the mounting of a 12.7mm DShK machine-gun on the loader’s hatch for anti-helicopter fire. It was fitted with a laser rangefinder in 1975.

T-62M Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX19)...

T-55AM Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX22)
The T-55AM tank has received a vast array of modernisations, including additional semi-reactive armour plating on the turret and hull front, an improved engine, new fire control, new laser rangefinders, stabilisers, and the ability to fire the AT-10 Stabber (9M117 Bastion) tank fired missile through the main gun.

T-55AM Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX22)...

T-55AM Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX22)

BMP-3 Company (Plastic) (TSBX23)

BMP-3 Company (Plastic) (TSBX23)
Soviet motor rifle companies equipped with the BMP-3, Boevaya Mashina Pehoty 3 or 'Infantry Combat Vehicle 3', share the same role as their comrades equipped with the BMP-1 and BMP-2. Designed to keep pace with the leading armoured formations, the BMP-3 company will charge forward and dismount as near to the objective as possible.

BMP-3 Company (Plastic) (TSBX23)...

BMP-1 or BMP-2 Company (TSBX02)
The BMP-1 is a Soviet amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle. BMP stands for Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty 1, meaning "infantry fighting vehicle".The BMP-1 was the first mass-produced infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) of USSR. Based on lessons learned from early experiences in the Soviet War in Afghanistan, a version with improved fighting qualities was developed, called the BMP-2.

BMP-1 or BMP-2 Company (TSBX02)... 

BMP 1/2 Company (TSBX02)

BTR-60 Transport Platoon (TSBX14)

BTR-60 Transport Platoon (TSBX14)
The BTR-60 was developed in the 1950's a replacement for older wheeled armoured personnel carriers and was first reveled in 1961.  BTR stands for Bronetransporter (БТР, Бронетранспортер, literally "armoured transporter")

BTR-60 Transport Platoon (TSBX14)...

BRDM-2 Recon Platoon (Plastic) (TSBX24)
The BRDM-2 (Boyevaya Razvedyvatelnaya Dozornaya Mashina 2, or Combat Reconnaissance Patrol Vehicle 2) is a fourwheeled amphibious reconnaissance vehicle. The BRDM-2 has been designed to cope with a range of terrain and is the basis for a number of different weapon systems.

BRDM-2 Recon Platoon (Plastic) (TSBX24)...

BRDM-2 Recon Platoon (Plastic) (TSBX24)

Motor Rifle Company (Plastic) (TSBX18)

Motor Rifle Company (Plastic) (TSBX18)
A motor rifle company is an impressive and highly capable unit. It is mobile, amphibious, and carries its infantry force under armour onto the battlefield.

The company’s riflemen are armed with the AK-74 assault rifle (some mounting 40mm GP-25 grenade launchers), while each squad is also equipped with an RPK-74 squad automatic weapon, disposable RPG-18 anti-tank rockets, and the renowned RPG-7 anti-tank rocket launcher. 

Motor Rifle Company (Plastic) (TSBX18)...

Motor Rifle Platoon (Plastic) (TSU703)
Soviet riflemen are armed with an impressive array of weaponry, including the classic AK-74 assault rifle, disposable RPG-18 anti-tank rockets, and the renowned RPG-7 anti-tank rocket launcher. Small squads of troops can ride into battle in the Mi-24 Hind helicopter, giving Soviet commanders great flexibility.

Motor Rifle Platoon (Plastic) (TSU703)...

Motor Rifle Platoon (Plastic) (TSU703)

Motor Rifle Heavy Weapons (Plastic) (TSU706)

Motor Rifle Heavy Weapons (Plastic) (TSU706)
BTR-60 Motor Rifle Companies need a little extra punch compared with their comrades supported by BMPs so each company is allocated some extra firepower in the form of an AGS-17 grenade launcher team and a pair of AT-4 Spigot teams.

Motor Rifle Heavy Weapons (Plastic) (TSU706)...

Afgantsy Heavy Weapons (TSU726)
The desantniki are tough afgantsy veterans. They’ve learned their trade fighting the mujahideen rebels in the mountains of the Hindu Kush. Now back in Europe and equipped with the powerful AT-4 Spigot antitank missile that they call the Fagot ('Bassoon'), they have little to fear from tanks or aircraft. In assaults, their AGS-17 Plamya ('Flame') automatic grenade-launchers give them an unbeatable edge in firepower.

Afgantsy Heavy Weapons (TSU726)...

Afgantsy Heavy Weapons (TSU726)

Motor Rifle Company (TSBX03)

Soviet Special Order Support Weapons
With the release of the World War III Soviet customers have been asking for the option to purchase individual weapons teams to add to their forces. Check out the link below to order them in our online store.

Special order Support Weapons...

Mi-24 Hind Helicopter Company
(TSBX04)
The Mi-24 Hind is a large helicopter gunship, attack helicopter and low-capacity troop transport with room for eight passengers. 

Mi-24 Hind Helicopter Company (TSBX04)...

Mi-24 Hind Helicopter Company (TSBX04)

Su-25 Frogfoot Aviation Company (TSBX20)

Su-25 Frogfoot Aviation Company (Plastic) (TSBX20)
The Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, known to its crew as the Grach ('Rook'), is the modern-day equivalent of the legendary WWII Il-2 Shturmovik. It’s tough and sturdy, able to sustain multiple hits and still bring its pilot home. Flying low and slow, it can safely attack enemy troops in close proximity to its own.

Su-25 Frogfoot Aviation Company (TSBX20)...

TOS-1 Thermobaric Rocket Launcher Battery (TSBX25)
Built on a T-72 chassis, the TOS-1 or “Buratino” has exceptional mobility and protection, combined with twenty-four 220mm thermobaric rockets. A single TOS-1 can effect the complete destruction of a 600m by 400m area, and is capable of destroying an entire NATO company in defensive positions.

TOS-1 Thermobaric Rocket Launcher Battery (TSBX25)...

TOS-1 Thermobaric Rocket Launcher Battery (TSBX25)

2S6 Tunguska AA Platoon (TSBX27)

2S6 Tunguska AA Platoon (TSBX27)
The 2S6 is capable of engaging attack aircraft and helicopters with deadly precision at ranges of up to 8000m. The 2S6's armoured chassis protects the crew of four; driver, commander, gunner and radar operator, from small arms fire and artillery shell fragments

2S6 Tunguska AA Platoon (TSBX27)...

ZSU-23-4 Shilka AA Platoon (TSBX05)
The ZSU-23-4 Shilka (named after a Russian river) is an effective, combat-proven, air defence artillery system mounting four liquid-cooled 23mm 2A7 cannon. The Shilka can engage targets with a fully-integrated, radar-guided, automatic target acquisition, tracking and ranging system with backup visual sights.

ZSU 23-4 Shilka AA Tank (TSBX05)...

ZSU 23-4 Shilka AA Tank (TSBX05)

SA-13 Gopher (TSBX06) SA-13 Gopher SAM Platoon (TSBX06)
The SA-13 Gopher, called Strela-10 (Arrow‑10) by its Russian crews, is a tracked, amphibious Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system. It replaced the wheeled SA-9 Gaskin which could not keep up with tanks in rough terrain. The missiles have both optical and infra-red guidance, with a radar system to check that the target is in range.

SA-13 Gopher SAM Platoon (TSBX06)...

SA-8 Gecko SAM Battery (TSBX16)
The SA-8 Gecko is a highly effective mobile air-defence missile system that incorporates both its engagement radars and missile launchers in one vehicle. This allows it to detect, track, and engage aircraft independently. Its SA-8 surface-to-air missiles are further enhanced by a radar guidance system that can guide two missiles simultaneously. It also has a back-up electro-optical guidance system that can be used if the radar is jammed by ECM (Electronic Counter  Measures).

SA-8 Gecko SAM Battery (TSBX16)...

SA-8 Gecko SAM Battery (TSBX16)

BM-27 Hurricane Battery (TSBX26)

BM-27 Hurricane Battery (TSBX26)
The BM-27 Hurricane (Uragan) began its service with the Soviet Army in the late 1970s, and was its first modern spin and fin stabilized heavy multiple rocket launcher. It launches 220mm rockets from 16 launch tubes mounted on the rear of a ZIL-135 8x8 truck.

BM-27 Hurricane Battery (TSBX26)...

2S1 Carnation Battery (TSBX07)
The 2S1 Carnation is a Soviet 122-mm self-propelled 2A18 howitzer. The 2S1 is fully amphibious with very little preparation, and once afloat is propelled by its tracks. A variety of wider tracks are also available to allow the 2S1 to operate in snow or swamp conditions.

2S1 Carnation Battery (TSBX07)...

2S1 Carnation Battery (TSBX07)

Acacia Heavy SP Howitzer Battery (TSBX17)

Acacia Heavy SP Howitzer Battery (TSBX17)
The arrival of the US M109 self-propelled howitzer in the NATO arsenal prompted the Soviet Union to develop a similar self-propelled howitzer of their own. The result was the 2S3 Acacia, which first entered service in 1973.

Acacia Heavy SP Howitzer Battery (TSBX17)...

BM-21 Hail Battery (TSBX08)
The BM-21 Grad (Hail) is a direct descendant for the famous Katyusha rocket launcher of the Second World War. The box launcher, housing four rows of ten tubes, is mounted on a Ural 6x6 truck. The BM-21 can fire fin-stabilised 122mm rockets, which can be fitted with fragmentation, chemical, or incendiary warheads, up to 16km (10 miles).

BM-21 Hail Battery (TSBX08)...

BM-21 Hail Rocket Launcher (TSBX08)

Storm Anti-tank Platoon (TSBX15)

Storm Anti-tank Platoon (TSBX15)
The Storm mounts the powerful long-range AT-6 Spiral anti-tank missile on the MT-LB armoured gun tractor. This combination makes for a low profile anti-tank vehicle that is hard to detect in well-concealed ambush positions. The Storm supplements the AT-5 Spandrel antitank vehicles used by anti-tank units. However, as a superior anti-tank weapon, Storm equipped units are intended to stop enemy armoured breakthroughs.

Storm Anti-tank Platoon (TSBX15)...

World War III: Soviet Gaming Aids 
Even though they are toy soldiers, your troops react to heavy fire like real soldiers. Sometimes they get pinned down or bail out of their tanks. They can dig foxholes for protection or go to ground, hiding from the enemy. Tokens help you keep track of the state of your troops

World War III: Soviet Gaming Aids...

Team Yankee Soviet Dice Set (TSU900)
Soviet Decal Set (TSU950)

Soviet Decal Set (TSU950)
Each Soviet decal pack contains four decal sheets with markings for armoured vehicles and helicopters.

Soviet Decal Set (TSU950)...


Battlefront Paint Sets
Each Paint set together with the Utility Paint Set, provides the specialist colours needed to paint your WWII or WWIII force in the appropriate colours all in an easy to grab box. Get everything painted! From the camo paint all the way to the tow cables.

Battlefront Paint Sets...

Click on each Paint set to order them in the Online store


World War III: Soviet Articles
Building a T-55AM Formation

Building a T-55AM Formation
A nice surprise for this release is the T-55AM formation.  Now finally the Soviets have access to the T-55 at last.  You do not have to rely on allied formations to run the T-55 horde!  Not only that, but the Soviet T-55AM is better than the Warsaw Pact T-55AM2.  As a Soviet player, I can now run all the different tank options from T-55AM up to the T-80!

Building a T-55AM Formation...

Artillery In World War III: Soviet
WW3: Soviet release brings in a couple of cool new units to add to your force that can complement your artillery options you may already have.  The TOS-1 Thermobaric Rocket Launcher Battery and BM-27 Hurricane Rocket Launcher Battery not only look cool but add some real value to your force.  In this article we look at new and existing equipment, their stats, cost and compare them.

Artillery In World War III: Soviet...

Artillery In World War III: Soviet

Army Building With the New Soviet Army Deal

Army Building With the New Soviet Army Deal
With the launch of the WW3 Soviet, I thought I would take a look at how could a new player or someone on a budget, could get a force on the table that would be competitive or at least hold its own with such iconic equipment as the T-80, BMP-3, Hind helicopter and Frogfoots.  For the new player, it opens the door to playing WW3 without needing to buy, assemble or paint too much and get into playing the game quicker.

So, if we look at what we get in the excellent value starter set, that might help decide what formation to run.  The starter set contains the following:

Army Building With the New Soviet Army Deal...


World War III: Soviet Live Launch Starts  November 13th

World War III: Soviet Live Launch
Thanks for tuning in to our WWIII: Team Yankee Soviet Live Launch! If you missed out on any of today's content don't worry we still have it up on our live launch page.

Click here to go to the World War III Live Launch...


Firestorm: Red Thunder
Firestorm: Red Thunder is the first installment in an on-going campaign for Team Yankee that sees NATO and Warsaw Pact players fighting out the opening days of the Battle for Germany in August 1985.

Find out more about Firestorm: Red Thunder here...

Firestorm Red Thunder
The Road To World War III The Road To World War III
World War III did not start with one particular act, but rather a steady series that lead to the greatest conflict since World War II. Over the coming weeks will will explore the headlines that brought the world back to the Battlefield.

Firestorm Red Thunder is coming...

Red Thunder Live Launch
On July 7th 2017 Battlefront ran a 12 hour live event covering all the activites that took place in the New Zealand office celebrating the release of the Red Thunder book for Team Yankee.

If you missed all the fun then we have created this landing page with all of the best bits featured.

Red Thunder Live Launch Landing Page...

Red Thunder Live Launch

Yuri's Wolves Chris' T-64 Tank Battalion
Phase One: The Requisition

When Team Yankee initially came out I knew I wanted to build my own Team Yankee rather than a Soviet force. Over the past year we have released British, West Germans and East Germans and my painting backlog has grown as I've started two new armies. Now with the release of Red Thunder I've completely failed my Last Stand check and decided to go headlong into another new army with a T-64 Battalion...

Chris' T-64 Tank Battalion...

Ride of the Valkyries
Casey's Completed Hind Helicopters

Those of you have been following the launch weekend will have seen the slow progress that I’ve been making on my Hinds. I keep getting distracted by other projects.

Ride of the Valkyries...

Casey's Hinds

Soviet Artillery

Soviet Artillery
The use of artillery was key to the Soviet army, and this is no different in Team Yankee. Artillery along with reconnaissance units enable Soviet units to get right where they want to be, up close and personal in a knife fight with the enemy, forcing opponents to move, abandoning prepared positions and cover, causing confusion and panic. Artillery then it switches fire and hammers reinforcements and enables success to be exploited.

This is the way of the Soviet Army.

Soviet Artillery...

Fighting Bear - Fighting Tactics For the Soviets In Team Yankee
Following his experiences in the Firestorm, Jokull has written an article all about coming to grips with and using Soviet Forces. The second part is now live. Read both articles in the links below.

Part 1 Fighting Tactics For the Soviets In Team Yankee...
Part 2 Fighting Tactics For the Soviets In Team Yankee...

Fighting Bear - Part 1 Fighting Tactics For the Soviets In Team Yankee
Red Tide Rising

Red Tide Rising:
A Team Yankee (very) Mini Campaign
Tournaments and organised play are a staple of wargaming. Mark has written about his wargaming groups experience in creating and running their own version of Red Thunder.

Rather than play out lots of games over a few weeks they decided to play out a quicker version over the course of one day. Read about the escalation styled games and ultimately the results of this fast and furious campaign.

Red Tide Rising: A Team Yankee (very) Mini Campaign...


  Videos
Highlights Package
James put together a highlights package of all the days activities if you want to see the best parts without having to watch it all.
Arms Race
As part of the launch we held a speed-assembly contest to see who could build a plastic Team Yankee tank the fastest.