Soviet Armed Forces

The Soviet Armed Forces were the military of the Soviet Union, existing from the 1920s until its dissolution in 1991. Comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, they played a key role in World War II, helping to defeat Nazi Germany. The Soviets emphasized massive military buildup during the Cold War, competing with NATO for global influence. Known for their extensive troop numbers and stockpiles of nuclear weapons, the Soviet military also focused on developing advanced technology. Following the USSR's collapse, the armed forces were restructured into the military branches of the independent states that emerged, particularly Russia.