Battle of Prokhorovka: The largest tank battle in history began on July 12, 1943

On July 12, 1943, near the Prokhorovka railway station, the largest tank battle in world history began.

The Nazis planned Operation Citadel, aiming to encircle a Soviet army group. The enemy committed about one million soldiers to the operation.

Up to 1,200 tanks and self-propelled artillery units from both sides engaged simultaneously. From 2 p.m., Soviet troops began pushing back German forces, driving them back 10–12 kilometers by evening and leaving Prokhorovka behind their lines.

By the end of the day, the battle concluded with a victory for the Red Army, marking a turning point in the entire Battle of Kursk. After their defeat at Prokhorovka, German forces ceased active operations and switched to defense, while Soviet troops went on the offensive.