The Battle of Kursk, initiated on July 5, 1943, represented the last major German offensive on the Eastern Front during World War II. It was part of Operation Citadel, which aimed to eliminate the Soviet forces in the Kursk salient. Adolf Hitler's strategy relied on striking at the Soviet army from both the north and south in a bid to encircle and destroy the Red Army troops stationed there. Intelligence had suggested that a significant Soviet buildup was occurring in the region, prompting the Germans to preemptively strike.

Soviet commanders, having intercepted information about the impending German assault, prepared extensive defenses, including deep fortifications and minefields. The Soviet Union's ability to fortify their lines was remarkable, as they had learned from earlier engagements, particularly the battles of Stalingrad and Kharkov. The German offensive began with a massive artillery barrage, followed by attacks from a plethora of tanks, including the famed Tiger and Panther tanks. The Soviets responded by employing their own armored units, as well as effective anti-tank tactics.

The battle quickly escalated into one of the largest tank confrontations in history, with thousands of armored vehicles clashing across the vast steppes. Despite initial successes and the strong position of German forces, the Soviets held their ground. Eventually, the Red Army launched a series of counteroffensives that culminated in the decisive defeat of the German forces. The Battle of Kursk not only marked a turning point in the Eastern Front but also represented a shift in the momentum of World War II, as the Soviets began to take the offensive in the months that followed.