The IS (Iosif Stalin) heavy tank is often referred to as the “tank of victory” in Soviet sources. The development of the IS series of tanks started in late 1942 as a response to the performance of the German Tiger tanks, and then the arrival of the Panther in 1943 imparted further urgency. The IS-2 heavy tank was designed to replace the aging KV tanks as the Guards’ heavy breakthrough units. The KV series were criticized by their crews for their low mobility, and lack of any heavier armament than that of the T-34 medium tank. Contains: x5 Pieces