The Battle of Prokhorovka, part of the larger Battle of Kursk, occurred in July 1943 and is recognized as one of the largest tank battles in history. It was a decisive moment during World War II when German forces sought to exploit weaknesses along the Eastern Front, aiming to encircle and destroy several Soviet armies. General Hermann Hoth commanded the German armored units, which consisted of experienced Panzer divisions. On the other side, the Soviet defense was commanded by leaders such as General Sergey Zhukov, who had prepared extensively for this confrontation through careful planning and the strategic use of terrain.

The battle centered around the small village of Prokhorovka, located in the Kursk salient, where both sides engaged in intense and close-quarter combat. The Soviets had amassed a formidable defense with over 800 tanks positioned for a counteroffensive. The Germans were not only fighting against the Soviets but also the challenges posed by the Russian summer terrain, which hindered their mobility and tactics. The ensuing clash on July 12 resulted in monumental losses for both sides, with estimates suggesting that thousands of armored vehicles were destroyed or incapacitated.

The engagement also showcased the increasing sophistication of tank warfare, with both sides utilizing coordinated infantry support and airpower. However, the high casualty rates and the subsequent check on the German advance marked a significant turn in the Eastern Front conflict. Following the battle, the German forces, now on the defensive, were unable to launch further significant offensives, paving the way for a sustained Soviet push westward.