King Tiger vs IS-2

Book excerpt: This book examines the technology and strategy that defined the outcome of the battles between the King Tiger and the IS-2. The Soviets had been quick to develop tanks that could fight the Tiger on an equal footing, but these were developed as part of a completely different strategy than that employed by the Germans. The King Tiger was a modern marvel, and remained unmatched in one-on-one combat. Technologically superior, with greater firepower and better armour than the Soviet IS-2, the King Tiger was a formidable opponent. However, the IS-2 was lighter, more manoeuvrable and most importantly, far more numerous. As well as analysing how different designs and technology helped and hindered each tank, this book also discusses how these weapons affected and shaped the overall strategy of the German and Soviet forces. Ultimately, with overwhelming numerical superiority, the Soviets were able to simply overwhelm their opponents, negating the technical superiority of the King Tiger.