Armored Brigade plunges you into the heart of a real-time tactical Cold War crisis, where the Iron Curtain fractures into open conflict and NATO faces off against the Warsaw Pact in a Europe gripped by war. With this expansion, the battlefield broadens with the inclusion of two distinct new playable nations: Czechoslovakia and the Netherlands, enriching the strategic depth of Armored Brigade’s already diverse military roster.

Introducing these new factions brings fresh tactical dynamics and operational complexities to the frontlines, reflecting their unique doctrines, industrial capabilities, and Cold War roles:

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Before the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion, the Czechoslovak People's Army was considered one of the most capable and self-reliant among the Eastern Bloc nations. It stood apart as the only Warsaw Pact country without permanent Soviet military presence, and prided itself on a doctrine centered on offensive operations as the decisive path to victory.

The political upheaval following the Prague Spring led to sweeping purges within the armed forces. Many officers sympathetic to the reform movement either resigned or were removed, weakening institutional continuity. By the late 1980s, Western military analysts remained divided on whether Czechoslovakia’s military had regained its former strength. Some doubted its resilience in prolonged combat or its commitment to offensive operations beyond its borders, particularly under adverse conditions. Others maintained that the army remained well-equipped, disciplined, and capable—especially in a defensive role protecting its homeland.

Although its organizational framework largely mirrored Soviet standards, Czechoslovakia implemented notable local adaptations. Its robust pre-communist industrial base enabled domestic production of most military equipment—from small arms and support weapons to armored vehicles—many of which deviated slightly from Soviet designs, necessitating minor tactical-level adjustments in unit structure and logistics.

NETHERLANDS

The Royal Netherlands Army (Koninklijke Landmacht) played a crucial yet often underrated role within NATO’s Cold War strategy. Tasked with two primary missions—defending the Netherlands and reinforcing West Germany as part of NATO’s “forward defense” policy—the Dutch contributed a full corps to the defense of Western Europe under NORTHAG, anchoring the alliance’s left flank alongside the British I (BR) Corps.

Despite stereotypes about their long-haired, conscript-based forces, the Dutch military combined professional regular cadres with an efficient reserve system. Their equipment mix was both eclectic and modern: from upgraded Centurion tanks to the advanced Leopard 2A4 main battle tank, supported by the YPR-765 infantry fighting vehicle, the agile YP-408 wheeled APC, and a capable air and artillery support network.

While reliance on reservists raised logistical and readiness concerns among allied planners, the Dutch Army’s leadership, training, and logistical systems were highly professional. When fully mobilized, it formed a modern, agile, and well-organized force, ready to fulfill its critical NATO commitments in the high-stakes environment of Central European warfare.

FEATURES

• Two new playable factions: Czechoslovakia and the Netherlands
  
• Over 200 new units and aircraft, reflecting each nation’s unique equipment and doctrine
  
• A new detailed map set in the Plzeň Region of Czechoslovakia
  
• A compelling linear campaign inspired by the historical tensions and events of the Prague Spring