IS-3 tanks revealed during a Victory Parade in September 1945. It was so good that the Allies panic and crash-launch their own heavy tank programs. But is that true? Was the IS-3 actually a. 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. 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. 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 (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. 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 development of the IS-3 heavy tank, designated Object 703, originated in the Soviet Union's efforts to enhance armored breakthrough capabilities amid the intensifying Eastern Front offensives of 1944, building directly on the KV and IS-series lineage that emphasized heavy armor and large-caliber guns for penetrating fortified German position. The IS-3 was undeniably a very modern and forward-thinking design that set the direction of armoured vehicle development for decades to come. Nonetheless, it suffered from a number of shortcomings. These included the small ammunition load and the low rate of fire. Production continued in the postwar period. The IS-3 is not believed to have not been ready for employment before hostilities ceased in the European theater of operations.