T-34

The T-34 was a revolutionary Soviet medium tank that played a pivotal role in World War II and changed the face of armored warfare. Introduced in 1940, it combined speed, armor, and firepower in a balanced design that outclassed many of its contemporaries. Its sloped armor design dramatically improved protection against anti-tank rounds, influencing tank development for decades.

Armed with a powerful 76.2 mm (and later 85 mm) gun, the T-34 was capable of taking on German panzers head-on. It was also mechanically simpler than many Western tanks, allowing for mass production and easier field repairs. Its ruggedness and mobility made it a formidable force across varied terrain, especially on the Eastern Front.