The final Soviet heavy tank of the war was the IS-3, with the same 122 mm gun, but completely redesigned hull and turret armor. The IS-3 is an early Cold War era heavy tank of Soviet origin. It was developed at the later stages of World War 2, but was too late to be used in combat. It was first seen during Soviet victory parades in Berlin. The IS-3 is what is called a breakthrough tank in Soviet doctrine. The IS-3 known as Object 703 is a Soviet heavy tank developed in late 1944, and began production in May 1945. Its semi-hemispherical cast turret (resembling an upturned soup bowl), became the hallmark of post-war Soviet tanks. Explore the history of the mighty Soviet IS-3 tank - one of the most feared heavy tanks of its time. Find if this war machine was unstoppable or a paper tiger. The IS-3 is a Soviet heavy tank developed in late 1944. Its semi-hemispherical cast turret became the hallmark of post-war Soviet tanks. Its pike nose design would also be mirrored by other tanks of the IS tank family such as the IS-7 and T-10. The IS-3 was only superficially a major departure from previous heavy tanks, with a lineage including the KV-1 (1939), KV-1S, KV-85, IS-1 and the IS-2. The IS-3 had a new front hull and a new turret shape which became the trademark of all postwar Soviet tanks to date. IS-3 video review covering the main vehicle characteristics and its combat behavior. The IS-3 was a Cold War tank, of the same generation as the British Centurion and American Pershing. All three were conceived to fight the latest German tanks, but ended on opposite fronts and had a long Cold War career. The IS-3 is the third variant of the IS heavy tank family. The IS-3 featured a revolutionary front hull and turret design that would become the trademark of all postwar Soviet tanks until this day. The IS-3 (also known as Object 703) is a Soviet heavy tank developed in late 1944. Its semi-hemispherical cast turret (resembling that of an upturned soup bowl) became the hallmark of post-war Soviet tanks.