Steel Division 2 News

Good day, commanders!

We return with another riveting Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass preview. And in today’s post, a long-gestating division that will finally see the light in Steel Division 2: the Allied Slovak National Uprising battlegroup.

Onwards!

[h2]The Allied Slovak National Uprising’s History[/h2]
Veterans of Steel Division 2 and the community-voted Nemesis DLCs, might recall the Slovak National Uprising being part of the second Nemesis vote, all the way back in 2020. This battlegroup option didn’t make it in the end, but its opposing Axis division - Panzerdivision Tatra - did as part of the free Reinforcement Pack #13 - Lucky 13.

The Slovak National Uprising is a special battlegroup with a unique set of different Allied units, from local, once-Axis-now-rebelling Slovak Army, to partisans, airlifted reinforcements including Soviet-aligned Czechoslovakian paratroopers and Western Allies air forces. Note that the Slovak National Uprising variant in Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass will differ in units and force allocation from the SNP as depicted in the Nemesis #2 vote.

Let’s regale you with some additional historical context. The Slovenské Národné Povstanie or the SNP (and in English known as the Slovak National Uprising) is a catch-all name for the regular and partisan troops who fought on the Allied side during the uprising in late 1944 in Slovakia.



When Nazi-Germany fully occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, a fascist Slovakian puppet state was created soon after. By 1943, discontent in the country had grown strong, including in the army. In 1944, with the Soviets on their doorsteps, as the Germans were crumbling on all fronts, a general uprising, with the full support of the military, was rushed into motion. However, the Germans had anticipated this move. Additional forces had been in position to quell the Slovak insurgency.



As a result, the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) faltered, even though the partisans still managed to gain control of about a third of the country in a week’s time. To reach this pocket was the goal of the attacking Red Army, which tried to break through the Axis defensive lines and join forces with the SNP by way of the Dukla Pass (leading us to the battles to be depicted in Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass).



The Allies actively supported the uprising from afar. A multinational mix of Slovak regular soldiers and rebels fought side-by-side with Soviet, American and British special forces, and French partisans, either dropped as saboteurs or escaped from POW camps, Czechoslovakian paratroopers from the Red Army, American OSS guerrilla instructors, and more.

(Lt. James H. Green, head of the OSS Mission during the Slovak National Uprising)

Despite tenacious efforts, the SNP’s headquarters were captured by the Germans after two months of heavy fighting, signaling the end of the Slovak National Uprising in October 1944. The rebelling Slovak Army was pounded into submission by the Germans, surrounded, and disarmed. However, many partisans continued to resist in the mountains and forests, severely hampering German forces in the region until the end of the war.

[h2]The Slovak National Uprising Detailed[/h2]
Although Slovak in essence, this Steel Division 2 battlegroup will be grouped as Czechoslovakian, the same as the CIABG and 1. Československý Armádní Sbor.



In-game, the three phases will represent a stage of the uprising:

• In Combat Phase A, the Slovak Army is depicted as it was immediately at the start of the rebellion. The armed forces feature their pre-existing equipment and organization, as well as a few pieces of captured weapons.
  
• In B, the increase of partisan warfare is shown.
  
• In C, the arrival in the encircled pocket by airlifted reinforcements from the 1. Československý Armádní Sbor (also part of Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass and Western Allies' air forces.

To reflect the above nature, we won’t describe the Slovak National Uprising category by category, but rather phase by phase.

[h2]The Slovak National Uprising in Steel Division 2[/h2]
How will the Slovak National Uprising look like in Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass? New units are both italic and bolded, but might be subject to change.

PHASE A

As mentioned before, the bulk of the SNP in the first stage of the battle will be made up of the rebelling Slovak Army. The Slovak Army of 1944 can be regarded as a smaller version of the Czechoslovakian Army from 1939, transported in time, except for a few more modern pieces of equipment delivered by, or captured from, their German allies prior to the uprising. Since pre-war Czechoslovakia (like its Cold War counterpart in WARNO) was a major arm designer and producer, most of its equipment is domestically made, including tanks. Infantry weapons, unless stated otherwise, are Vz. 34 rifles, LK Vz.26 or ZB-30 LMGs, and ZK-383 SMGs. All the Slovak Army models are new.



RECON

• This category will feature the ODSTŘELOVAČ sniper teams, 2-man PRŮZKUMNÝ TÝM with SMGs and the 4-man PRŮZKUMNÝ with rifles and one LMG. These units are transported depending on their size in either BMW 750, KUBELWAGEN, or RV trucks.
  
• The only armored recon vehicle is the PA Vz.30, which is an interwar Tatra armored car equipped with two ZB-26 LMGs (one in the hull, one in a turret).

INF

• The core infantry available to the SNP in the beginning are STŘELCI squads with one MP-40, rifles and one LMG, plus anti-tank grenades. They represent about two-thirds of the rifle squads, although there are also a few STŘELCI (LK) variants with two rifles being replaced by one each of LMG and PTRS anti-tank rifles, as well as STŘELCI (PzSchreck) equipped with the German anti-tank weapon. STŘELCI VELITEL command squads are 3-strong with one SMG, rifles, and smoke grenades.
  
• Additionally, you get the play with the CYKLISTICKÍ which are 13-strong with rifles and one LMG, as well as anti-tank grenades; SAPÉŘI combat engineers, coming 10 to a squad with rifles, one LMG, one GrB. 39 and explosives; plus the 12-strong SAPÉŘI VELITEL command squads with one SMG, rifles, one LMG, and smoke grenades.
  
• Finally, the PADÁKOVÝ STRELCI represent the lone Slovak paratrooper company trained by the Germans, but which joined in the uprising. These Slovak Fallschirmjäger come in a single A-only card, with free vet, 10-strong with 2x MP-40, rifles, 2x LMG, PTRD anti-tank rifle, and the Raider trait.
  
• All these units come in softskin transports, KUBELWAGEN or RV trucks.

TANK

• The Slovak National Uprising had plenty of older pre-war or early war armored vehicles at its disposal, at least those that the Germans didn’t pilfer when dismembering Czechoslovakia in 1939. The main tanks are the LT Vz.34 and LT Vz.35, the latter being the original designation for the one best-known light tanks in German service, the PANZER 35(t). The former was an earlier variant with less frontal armor. These can be deployed in numbers, although only in Phases A and B, with five cards available altogether, including the VELITEĽSKÝ LT vz. 35 command tank.
  
• Less numerous variants (so Phase A only) include the LT Vz.38, or the PANZER 38(t) in German service, and the LT Vz.40 which is basically a Vz.34's hull with the better performing Vz.38's tank gun.
  
• The Slovak Army could rely on a few heavier German tanks delivered prior to the rebellion, which - not surprisingly - were leftover Wehrmacht vehicles. These include VELITEĽSKÝ PANZER II C command tanks, PANZER III N, and STUG III G. All of these are Phase A-only, with the StuG being vetted and available in limited numbers.

SUPP

• In this category, a mix of Czech, German and even Soviet equipment (passed on by the Germans) can be found, from RM-38 50mm mortar, ZB-53 and MG-42 heavy machine guns to plenty of IG-18 infantry guns.
  
• As well as the ZÁSOBOVACÍ FORD V3000 S supply truck, and the new ŠTÁBNY DÔSTOJNÍK infantry and ŠTÁBNY LT vz.38 tank commanders.

AT

• Anti-tank forces in the early phase of a battle will consist of SOLOTHURN 20mm anti-tank rifles and plenty of domestic KPÚV vz.37 37mm (same as in Bulgarian service) light anti-tank gun, as well as a few of the more effective German PAK 36 37mm.
  
• Other German units, either deliveries or captured, include several PAK 38 50mm, numerous PAK 40 75mm, and a handful of (vetted) MARDER III.

AA

• In AA, the VKPL vz.36 20mm, a Swiss-made Oerlikon, can be used, as well as two full cards of FLAK 37 88mm dual-purpose guns.

ART

• Plenty of domestically made artillery pieces will be part of SNP’s early battle arsenal. Czechoslovakia was renowned before the war for its armaments industry, with many of the guns it produced seeing service in a great variety of World War II armies. Some are already featured in the game, but for the very first time, most of them will actually be part of the same division under their “true” flag!
  
• These include the HORSKÝ KANÓN vz.15 75mm (in-game Yugoslav HAUB. BRDSKA M.28 75mm), the POĽNÝ KANÓN vz.5/8 80mm (in-game Hungarian Fk M05 76,5mm), POĽNÝ KANÓN vz.30 80mm (in-game German FK 30(t) 76,5mm), the POĽNÁ HÚFNICA vz.14/19 100mm (in-game German Le.FH 14/19(t) 100mm), HRUBÝ KANÓN vz.35 105mm (which is the in-game German K35(t) 105mm) and the HRUBÁ HÚFNICA vz.25 150mm. On top of that, some POĽNÁ HÚFNICA vz.18 105mm (German le.FH 18 105mm) can also deploy.
  
• Mortars are of the MIN. VZ.36 81mm make (French Brandt Mle 1927/31, in-game as the German GrW. 278(f) 81mm).
  
• The DĚLO. VELITEL artillery leader and DĚLO. POZOROVATEL observers are also available.
  
• Plus the new E-39G biplane and Kl.35D artillery spotter planes.

AIR

• The Slovak Air Force at the start of the uprising was a hodgepodge of different models, many being obsolete and in such small numbers that many could only be counted on one hand.
  
• These include the (new) He-72D unarmed biplane and Fw. 189 A-1 fighter recon planes.
  
• The B-534 biplane fighter, as well as a handful each of Me-109 E-4 and Me-109 G-6 fighters.
  
• The new LETOV S-28 bomber.

PHASE B

In Combat Phase B, we depict how partisan warfare slowly takes over from more regular army operations as the SNP units are unable to withstand the increasing German pressure.

There are two types: communists and OSS-backed ones. The communist partisans were part of the 1. Československá partizánska brigáda M. R. Štefánika (1st Partisan Brigade "General Milan Ratislav Štefánik") equipped by Moscow. These forces amounted to three battalions: one Czechoslovakian, one Soviet, and one… French. The unusual latter unit was formed from 1940s French soldiers and young men from the STO (compulsory work service), which had been deported to Slovak camps. From here, some of the French escaped and joined the local partisans. Their "Bataillon Foch" was a glorified designation for a mere reinforced company increased by French-speaking Czechoslovakians and a few Belgians. All French and Belgian soldiers, plus a few extra partisan Czechoslovakian models, are new.



INF

• Most of the Phase B additions will be found in the INF category, starting with the communists from the above-mentioned 1st Partisans Brigade: Czechoslovakian PARTIZÁNI which mix Danuvia SMGs, captured MP-44, rifles and Kar. 98 ZF scoped ones; the Soviet PARTIZAN 'SUVOROVCY' (name of their battalion) which were composed of actual partisans and special forces paratroopers dropped in support, the squads fielding all-SMGs (MP-40s and PPS-43) plus Molotov and Radio; and the French PARTIZÁNI 'FOCH' fielding 3x MP-40, rifles, one LMG and one ATR.
  
• Meanwhile, the Western Allies were also sending help in the form of American O.S.S. LDR. command squads to train and organize their own insurgent force. These are the PARTIZÁNI (OSS) with 2x UD M42 SMGs, Karabiner 98K rifles, one l.MG-34 and bazookas, which the Americans airlifted en masse.
  
• All of the above partisan squads will feature the Raider trait.
  
• The regular Slovak Army units also get one belated LOVCI TANKOV tank hunters squad, which is 7-strong with one MP-40, rifles, one PTRD ATR, as well as one bazooka.

SUPP

• One addition to this category in B, being the British JEDBURGH commander.

AIR

• And in the AIR category, you’ll get to play with La-5FN in fighters and fighter-bomber roles from the Soviet-aligned 1. Československý Armádní Sbor, pulled out from the Dukla offensive to support their insurgent brothers-in-arms.
  
• Western Allies provide the American P-51B-10-NA fighters, escorting the planes supplying the pocket, and Canadian MOSQUITO FB. VI bombers with napalm loadouts.
  
• Finally, an additional Slovak Air Force heavy bomber, the Italian-designed SM-84 can be called in.

PHASE C

In the last phase of the battle, the Soviets divert more forces from their main offensive at the Dukla Pass, which by this time is already stalling. They airlifted Czechoslovakian paratroopers from the Soviet allied 1. Československý Armádní Sbor into the pocket, where the uprising is slowly but surely being snuffed out.



RECON

• In this category, two new units make their appearance. The 2-woman PARA. ODSTŘELOVAČ sniper team and 9-strong PARA. PRŮZKUMNÝ heavy scout squad, with PPS-43, one DT LMG, and smoke grenades.

INF

• The infantry sees the PARAŠUTISTÉ, PARAŠUTISTÉ (DT), PARA. VELITEL, PARA. SAPÉŘI, and PARA. LOVCI TANKOV get ready for deployment. All these units can also be found in the 1. Československý Armádní Sbor.

SUPP

• In this category, the PARA. MAXIM, PARA. DUŠKA and PARA. OB-25 76,2mm, all featured in the 1. Československý Armádní Sbor muster for battle.

AT

• In the anti-tank category, the PARA. M-42 45mm, already featured in the 1. Československý Armádní Sbor will become available.

ART

• The PARA. PM-38 120mm mortar likewise from the 1. Československý Armádní Sbor can deploy as artillery.

AIR

• And lastly, in the AIR category, the Soviet Air Forces come out in force in the later stages of a battle in the form of the B-25J-30 MITCHELL and Li-2N in various bomber loadouts. The latter new aircraft is a Soviet copy of the DC-3 Dakota transport, but used in a bomber role.

The Slovak National Uprising battlegroup is very strong in its infantry and artillery, with good supporting arms, but lacks a bit in anti-air defenses and recon units. On the battlefield, this division plays best defensively. Deploying the obsolete tanks in numbers, and with a strong air force, the SNP can do some serious damage even at the latter stages of a battle.

[h2]Battle of Dukla Pass Expansion[/h2]
What can you expect from the Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass?

• The expansion features 1 massive Army General campaign centered on the Battle of Dukla Pass.
  
• Plus 6 new Divisions, playable in both single-player and multiplayer. These include the Allied 1. Československý Armádní Sbor, the Soviet 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya, and Slovak National Uprising, while the Axis deploy the 208. Infanterie-Division, the Hungarian 13. Gyaloghadosztály, and the 18. SS-Fr.-Panzergrenadier "Horst Wessel".

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
We’ll be back next week with the final divisional preview of Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass!

Make sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield.

Hello, hello!

We are back with another Steel Division 2: Battle for Dukla Pass division preview. Today we’ll look at the Axis Hungarian 13. Gyaloghadosztály or the 13th Infantry Division.

Go, go, go!

[h2]The Axis Hungarian 13. Gyaloghadosztály’s History[/h2]
The 13. Gyaloghadosztály saw first light in the Hungarian Army in 1939, as the 13th Infantry Brigade, a cadre unit with only peacetime garrison duties. It was redesignated the 13th Light Division and officially activated as a combat formation in March 1942, and immediately shipped off to the Eastern Front to fight as part of the Hungarian Second Army. Under this command, it took part in the costly Battle of Voronezh in June-July 1942, in which the Hungarians suffered heavy casualties.



Weakened and with low morale, the Hungarian Second Army played a crucial part in the subsequent German disaster at Stalingrad, occupying the weak left flank of the German Sixth Army assaulting the city in the fall of 1942. One of the blackest days of Hungarian military history came in the winter, when the Soviets launched the massive surprise attacks smashing through the weakened Axis flanks. By January 1943, the Second Army had been decimated, losing about 128.000 men.



Dukla Pass
Considered annihilated, the 13th Light Division was struck from the records in February 1943, to be recreated in Hungary by a small core of survivors as the 13. Gyaloghadosztály or 13th Infantry Division. It remained in its homeland on garrison duty until July 1944, seeing a return to active service that month as part of the Hungarian First Army.

This army was located on the heights northeast of Uzhorod, near the (current) triple frontier between Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Positioned east of the Dukla Pass, it wasn’t far from the axis of advance of the Soviet 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya. The 13. Gyaloghadosztály’s neighbor on the front, the German 101. Jäger-Division, was drawn west to assist in the defense of the pass. This meant that the Hungarians had to stretch the frontline to cover the other formation’s redeployment.



Unlike the disaster at Stalingrad, the Hungarian formation was reinforced to make sure it held the line. Two Hungarian mountain infantry brigades took over the German mountain division’s sector, who had left behind a few of their armor as a parting gift. The Hungarian 1st Assault Gun battalion was later also brought forward to assist.

While the Germans managed to hold on to the Dukla Pass, the Soviets attacked south, forcing Axis troops to retreat in the end. Facing an invasion from multiple axes, the Hungarian leader, Miklos Horthy, tried to open negotiations with the Soviets on October 15th, but was arrested by the Germans. This sowed confusion in the Hungarian army ranks. While the 13th Infantry Division kept fighting and retreating west, alongside the 1st Mountain Brigade, a large part of the 2nd Mountain Infantry Brigade gave up and went over to the Soviets.



The 13. Gyaloghadosztály kept on fighting for another two months, beating back repeated Soviet attacks before it was disbanded, its remains absorbed by the 24th Infantry Division.

[h2]The 13. Gyaloghadosztály in Steel Division 2[/h2]
How will the 13. Gyaloghadosztály look like in Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass? New units are both italic and bolded, but might be subject to change.



RECON

• Average with a few slots, but nothing too expensive. Only standard Hungarian recon units will be available.
  
• These include FELDERÍTŐ JÁRŐR and LOVAS FELDERÍTŐK infantry scouts.
  
• Backed by BMW 750 MG and SOLOTHURN side cars. Heavier
  39M CASBA armored cars can also be deployed.

INF

• A good infantry, as expected, with the core units of the 13. Gyaloghadosztály similar to a regular Hungarian infantry division.
  
  • LÖVÉSZTISZT and LÖVÉSZ, as well as the new LÖVÉSZ (36M) squads which trade an SMG for a Solothurn anti-tank rifle.
    
  • TÁRTALEK LÖVÉSZ reservists.
    
  • ÁRKÁSZTISZT, ROHAMÁRKÁSZOK and ÁRKÁSZOK squads, plus the ÁRKÁSZOK (31M) trading a rifle for a 31M light machine gun, the divisional battalion being well equipped with these MGs.
    
  • KERÉKPÁROSOK bicycle infantry.
• Added to these ranks are Hungarian mountain troops, all featuring the Raider trait.
  
  • HEGYIVADÁSZTISZT and HEGYIVADÁSZ, already featured with 25. Gyaloghadosztály and Sperrverband Kessel, representing different elements from the same Hungarian 1st Mountain Brigade.
    
  • The new HEGYIVADÁSZ (MG-42) depict troops from the 2nd Mountain Brigade, better equipped with the German-made machine guns.
    
  • HEGYI. ÁRKÁSZOK are mountain combat engineers with 3x Danuvia 39M, 9x FEG 43M, as well as explosives.

TANK

• Average with a few slots. These are relatively cheap. Commanders get to play with one card each of the following armored vehicles.
  
• The German STUG IIIG FÜH. and STUG III G from the 101. Jäger-Division's StuG-Abt. 1101.
  
• Plus Hungarian ZRINYI II, but only available from Phase B onward.

SUPP

• A good category with plentiful supporting arms. These range from standard MGs, 50mm mortar, supply units and Commanders, as well as CSENDOR military police.

AT

• A good category with some classical Hungarian options.
  
• Such as the Solothurn anti-tank rifle, 40M 40mm anti-tank gun, in standard and new mountain flavors, plus the 40M 75mm, likewise in regular and mountain versions.
  
• The division could also count on some more modern German equipment. These include the PÜPPCHEN (new in Hungarian service) and the powerful PAK 43/41 88mm (likewise new for the Hungarians).

AA

• The 13. Gyaloghadosztály’s anti-air defenses are rather average.
  
• You’ll get to play with the Hungarian 36M 40mm (which is a Bofors), both in regular and mountain variants.
  
• And the new HEGYI. 29/38M 80mm (which exists as a regular unit, but hasn’t appeared as a mountain variant before).

ART

• Artillery allocation for this division follows standard Hungarian infantry division organisation, with several noticeable differences.
  
• The SKODA 14M 100mm howitzer, a Hungarian version of the le.FH 14/19(t) which is new in Hungarian service.
  
• The new SKODA 14/39M 150mm howitzer, a modernized Hungarian variant of the s.FH 14.
  
• The NbW 42 300mm, from the German s.Werfer-Rgt. 15.

AIR

• A pretty good category, but still under Eugen consideration. It will likely include a mix of Hungarian Fw 190 F-8 in fighter and fighter-bomber roles, Bf 109 G-6, in both fighter and recon, Me 210, the Ju-88 A-4, as well as a handful of German Hs. 129 B-2/R2.

The Axis Hungarian 13. Gyaloghadosztály is a well-rounded, infantry-centric division, without any apparent flaws, but neither with obvious strengths. A strong core of soldiers, including mountain troops and a potent anti-tank screen, makes it better suited for defensive operations in rugged terrain.

[h2]Battle of Dukla Pass Expansion[/h2]
What can you expect from the Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass?

• The expansion features 1 massive Army General campaign centered on the Battle of Dukla Pass.
  
• Plus 6 new Divisions, playable in both single-player and multiplayer. These include the Allied 1. Československý Armádní Sbor, the Soviet 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya, and Slovak National Uprising, while the Axis deploy the 208. Infanterie-Division, the Hungarian 13. Gyaloghadosztály, and the 18. SS-Fr.-Panzergrenadier "Horst Wessel".

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
Next week, we’ll return with another Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass preview!

Make sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield.

Comrade commanders!

Another DevBlog, another Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass preview awaits! In today’s post, we’ll march to victory with the new Soviet 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya or the 242nd Mountain Rifles Division.

Davai!

[h2]The Soviet 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya’s History[/h2]
In comparison to some of the other formations found in Steel Division 2, the 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya or 242nd Mountain Rifles Division has a richly documented World War II combat history. Originally formed as the lowest-number division of the Red Army after Operation Barbarossa, the 242nd Rifles Division was thrown into action without much preparation in the desperate summer months of 1941. It fought tooth and nail during the defense of Smolensk and Moscow, being subsequently overwhelmed, shattered, managing to break out and return to friendly lines, only to be utterly destroyed by the end of 1941. The division only existed for six months before being disbanded, the survivors too few and weak.



Like a phoenix from the ashes, the 242nd Rifles Division rose again in early 1942, this time in the North Caucasus. Still a rifle division, it participated in the early battles around Kharkiv, before being driven back and once again surrounded during the strategic German summer offensive, Case Blue. This time, the division’s fortunes were better, with a sufficient number of soldiers escaping to keep the formation on Stavka’s rolls.

Remnants of the division were sent to the North Caucasus Front to reorganize in August 1942. It reformed as a mountain rifle division (Gornostrelkovaya) and, as such, took part in successful Soviet defensive operations in the region, including battles around Europe’s highest mountain, Elbrus.



The War Continues
Further combat see the 242nd Mountain Rifles Division embroiled in action on the Taman Peninsula and the Crimea, where some elements took part in the liberation of Sevastopol.



Afterwards, the division was transferred to the 4th Ukrainian Front and the Carpathians. The mountain division did not fight on the main axis of advance during the Battle of Dukla Pass; instead, it deployed further east, where it attacked Uzhorod, which was captured on October 27th, 1944. This particular city had been Czechoslovak up to 1938, then Hungarian (which concerns our timeline) before ending up being Ukrainian from 1945 onwards.

The division would finish the war, officially, as the 242nd Mountain Rifle, Taman, Order of the Red Banner Division and a heap of combat accolades and honors in Czechoslovakia, with the division disbanded relatively soon after in 1946.

[h2]The 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya Detailed[/h2]
Specialized mountain divisions were rare in the Red Army, with only six such divisions ever formed, three of which eventually reverted to standard rifle formations. This was not the case with the 242nd Mountain Rifles Division, which will fight out the war in this unique capacity.



Soviet mountain divisions had four rifle regiments instead of three, but these weren’t subdivided into battalions. Instead, the regiments commanded directly over six companies. This unusual arrangement meant that Soviet mountain divisions were smaller than regular rifle divisions. An advantage was that they were better suited for semi-independent operations. With fewer men, they had a greater ratio of support weapons per soldier; this meant lots of mortars, machine guns, light infantry, and mountain guns.



Mountain divisions operated in difficult terrain and did not have any allocation of armor. This could be “problematic” for any action on a Steel Division 2 battlefield. Fortunately, the 242nd Mountain Rifles Division’s parent formation, the 18th Army, created on September 9th a unique "Separate Army Tank Battalion of Trophy Tanks" equipped entirely with… captured Hungarian armored vehicles. This unit will be attached to the 242nd Mountain Rifles Division to bolster its firepower. There is more: we’ve also attached the depleted 1-y OGTTP, a seperate Guards heavy tank regiment, with some IS-1. Both armored formations amount together to barely a single tank battalion.

[h2]The 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya in Steel Division 2[/h2]
How will the 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya in Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass look like?

All GORNO (mountain troops) will feature the Raider trait. Some units are shared with Gornostrelki elements from 126-ya L. Gornostrelkovy Korpus as found in Steel Division 2: The Fate of Finland while some others are new. New units are both italic and bolded, but might be subject to change.

RECON

• An average category with a decent amount of slots. You’ll get to play with the WLA DT sidecar, as well as a single Phase A-only card of MOT. RAZVEDKA, representing 1-y OGTTP’s motorized recon platoon.
  
• The GORNO. SNAYPERI and GORNO. RAZVEDKA (already featured in the 126-ya L. Gornostrelkovy Korpus).
  
• The new GORNO. RAZV. SAPERI, which are 6-man scouts with 2x PPS-43, 3x Mosin-Nagant, 1x scoped Mosin-Nagant, plus TNT charges.
  
• The division can also count on a few captured TOLDI I in a recon role.

INF

• As can be expected, a very good category for the 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya with lots of cheap, open slots. All units are of the ”Gorono” mountain infantry type.
  
• These include GORNO. SAPERI, GORNOSTRELKI, GORNO. AVTO. and GORNO. KOMROTI squads all featured with the previous 126-ya L. Gornostrelkovy Korpus.
  
• New units include:
  
  • GORNOSTRELKI (DT) are 11-man riflemen squads with 2x PPS-43, 7x Mosin-Nagant, and 2x DT light machine guns.
    
  • GORNO. SAPERI (ROKS) are 11-man engineers with 5x PPSh-41, 3x SVT-40, 2x DT LMGs, plus a 1x ROKS-3 flamethrower.
    
  • GORNO. AVTO. SAPERI are 11-man engineer squads with 6x PPS-43, 5x PPSh-41, plus TNT and smoke grenades.

TANK

• Average. The division had two independent armor battalions attached, both with quite a variety of choices. However, both formations are small, which limits the number and availability of the units to one card each.
  
• From the 1-y OGTTP, you get the IS-1 in a combat role but only in Phase A and B, plus a single IS-2 KOMROTI.
  
• From the “trophy” captured materiel battalion, you’ll get the TOLDI II KOMROTI, TURAN I, TURAN II, and ZRINYI II. All of these units are only available in Combat Phase A, with the exception of the TURAN II, which can also deploy in B.

SUPP

• Another good category, with a decent amount of units available. These range from GORNO. RM-38 50mm, GORNO. DUSHKA, GORNO. OB-25 76,2mm field gun and the GORNO. KOMBAT (as featured in the 126-ya L. Gornostrelkovy Korpus), as well as the new GORNO. MAXIM.
  
• Other units include STUDEBAKKER SNAB. supply vehicles, and the WLA KOMBAT and M2 KOMBAT commander units.
  
• And, a single A-only card, an ISU-152. It was historically found attached to the 1-y OGGTP.

AT

• Average in slots, mostly light in options. These include the GORNO. PTRS-41 (from the 126-ya L. Gornostrelkovy Korpus).
  
• This category also includes a handful of PTRS-41., plus a a few ZIS-2 and a fair amount of [b[]ZIS-3

- the latter anti-tank gun straight from corps reserve.

AA

• Pretty unbalanced, with the division only relying on some 61-K 37mm guns for organic AA defense.
  
• However, the “trophy” battalion attached brings two to three NIMROD SPAAGs, which will be added here.
  
• And we’ve also added some elements from the Red Army’s 32-ya Zen. Art., in the form of a card of 85mm OBR. 39 and a few captured FLAKVIERLING 20mm.

ART

• A good category for the 242nd Mountain Rifles Division but with light options.
  
• Plenty of mortars are available, be they 82mm, 107mm or 120mm.
  
• It also had a good number of light 52-P-356 76,2mm mountain howitzers.
  
• Corps support will be provided by a forward observer DZHIP KAO (152mm).
  
• Lastly, the mountain troops fielded their own version of “pocket artillery” in the form of a makeshift MRLS: the new BM-8-8 82mm. It was no less than a jeep with rails for eight 82mm rockets.

AIR

Hello commanders,

We are back again with a new Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass preview! In today’s DevBlog, we’ll focus on the Axis German 208. Infanterie-Division.

Onwards!

[h2]The Axis 208. Infanterie-Division’s History[/h2]
The 208. Infanterie-Division was formed in 1939, seeing first action during the invasion of Poland as a reserve formation. In much the same vein, it would participate in the invasion of the Low Countries, finding itself on occupation duties in northern Belgium afterward. From 1942, the infantry formation was sent east and fought exclusively on the Eastern Front.



As part of the 1. Panzerarmee from early 1944, the division was trapped in the Kamenets-Podolsk pocket during the Soviet Dnieper–Carpathian strategic offensive in March 1944. The Germans managed to break out, evacuating all their wounded with them but losing a substantial amount of heavy equipment in the process. To this day, this particular battle is considered to be an excellent lesson in a successful breakout from a military encirclement.



During the fateful summer of 1944, the 208. Infanterie-Division was allowed to catch its breath momentarily. It was transferred to the newly created XI. SS-Armeekorps (which included no SS troops, only the staff) from the 17. Armee. Once again, it was at the forefront of the fighting when the Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front reached the Beskid mountains.

[h2]The 208. Infanterie-Division during the Dukla Pass[/h2]
Down to 60% combat strength in early September 1944, the division was positioned in and around the city of Krosno, the gateway to the Dukla Pass. On its left flank, the weak and green 545. Grenadier-Division, and itself was the right flank of both the XI. SS-Armeekorps and 17. Armee. On the right was the 68. Infanterie-Division, with the battlefield space filled up in between by the Sicherungsbattalion 1004, a weak security unit.



Holding Krosno was vital for German defensive plans. The Soviets had to be prevented from advancing through the mountain pass - and to link up with the Slovak Uprising insurgents. However, even taking into account the critical strategic importance, what occupied the junction of two corps - two armies even - was a solid but weakened division flanked on both sides by inexperienced and unreliable formations.

And, as can be expected, that’s exactly where the Soviets decided to strike. While detachments fixed the left flank in place, two main groups struck straight at Krosno, and at the Sich.Bat. 1004. With the security troops utterly wiped out, the 208. Infanterie-Division’s right flank also took heavy casualties. Still, the battlegroup managed to regroup and hold to Krosno as long as possible.

Two days later, Jägerregiment 228 (from 101. Jägerdivision) and Sturmregiment Panzer-AOK 1 arrived to bolster its strength, followed by additional reinforcements from the 8. Panzerdivision. Although the Soviets had managed to take Krosno by then and were already driving south through the Dukla Pass, the whole Allied offensive was in jeopardy from that day onwards. The Germans managed to maintain pressure on the pass, and with it a chief bottleneck.



[h2]The 208. Infanterie-Division Detailed[/h2]
The 208. Infanterie-Division in Steel Division 2 will be a melting pot of different units cobbled together under the battlegroup’s tactical command.



Reflecting the division’s experience during the course of the Battle of Dukla Pass:

• The 208. Infanterie-Division’s own forces, reduced to 60% combat strength, can be deployed during all Combat Phases.
  
• With the addition of several new formations attached, represented as being available from Phase B onwards:
  
  • Jägerregiment 228.
    
  • Sturmregiment Panzer-AOK 1, a regiment under 1. Panzerarmee's direct command, acting as its ultimate reserve unit.
    
  • Kampfgruppe 8. Panzerdivision, not a detachment, but technically what still remained in the field after the division was mauled during the failed counter-offensive against the Sandomierz bridgehead.

[h2]The 208. Infanterie-Division Detailed in Steel Division 2[/h2]
How will the 208. Infanterie-Division look like in Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass? While the battlegroup doesn’t have many new units, it does combine existing Axis German forces in original new ways. As always, new units are both italic and bolded. All of the following is subject to change.

RECON

• A decent but not spectacular category. The 208. Infanterie-Division’s own recon elements only amounted to the BMW R.75 and FUSILIER.
  
• From Combat Phase B onwards, the battlegroup has access to more options.
  
• These include the Jägerregiment 228’s JÄGER SPAHTRUPP.
  
• Plus Sturmregiment Panzer-AOK 1 AUFKLÄRER recon squads in SDKFZ. 222.
  
• And Kampfgruppe 8. Panzerdivision SPAHTRUPP, SDKFZ. 231, and AUFK.PANZER IV.

INF

• Very good, as can be expected from an infantry division. The 208. Infanterie-Division’s GRENADIER squads are available in command, MG-42, and Panzerfaust variants. You’ll further get to deploy PIONIER in command, regular and assault versions, plus ERSATZTRUPPEN.
  
• From Combat Phase B onwards, you’ll get more options, including Jägerregiment 228’s JÄGER in regular and command variants, as well as the new JAGER (MP-44) and JÄGER (MG-42), both organized along a “trial” TO&E which accompanied the delivery of the new MP-44.
  
• new GRENADIER (GrB) representing Sturmregiment Panzer-AOK 1.
  
• Furthermore, there are KG 8. Panzer's PZ.GRENADIER in command and Panzerfaust variants, though they deploy without half-tracks.

TANK

• Mediocre with the division's organic tank firepower being provided by a handful of STUG III G.
  
• From B onwards, a few cards of KG 8. Panzer's PANZER IV H in command and regular variants can deploy.

SUPP

• Balanced with the usual complement of FELDGENDARMERIE, s.MG-34 and MG-42 machine gun teams, IG 18 and IG 33 infantry guns, KOMMANDANT, and BEF.BMW R.75.
  
• From B, some additional GEB. IG 18, JÄGER MG-42 and BEF.PANZER IV H become available.

AT

• A pretty good category for the 208. Infanterie-Division. The battlegroup can count on a motley assortment of anti-tank guns, be it of German manufacture or captured pieces.
  
• These include PANZERSCHRECK, PAK 184(r) 45mm, FK 288(r) 76,2mm, PAK 40 75mm, and MARDER III M.
  
• A few cards of MARDER II, PAK 43/41 88mm and (Jäger) PANZERJÄGER can deploy after Phase B.

AA

• Not very impressive. Though the 208. Infanterie-Division was no mountain division, its own AA guns were GEB.FLAK 38 20mm units. This is all what the battlegroup had either saved or received in terms of anti-air defenses.
  
• Luckily, the Jägerregiment 228 and Kampfgruppe 8. Panzerdivision bring some heavier pieces. These are additional (regular) FLAK 38 20mm, FLAK 43 37mm, and SDKFZ. 7/1.

ART

• The division has access to a sizable amount of artillery, such as the GrW. 34 80mm mortars, le.FH 18M 105mm and s.FH 414(f) 155m, as well as BEOBACHTER and BATTERIE FÜHRER squads.
  
• From Combat Phase B, its firepower increases significantly with the addition of s.FH 18 150mm, SK 18 100mm, WESPE 105mm, JÄGER GrW. 34 81mm, and GrW. 120mm mortars.

AIR

• The air cover for 208. Infanterie-Division is pretty decent. At the start of the battle, in Phase A, you get Bf. 109 G-6/U3 recon planes, Ju-87 D-5 bombers in HE and cluster loadouts, Bf 109 G-6 fighters, and the Fw-190 F-8 in new Panzer-Büchsenrohr configuration with its 8x Panzerschreck strapped under its wings.
  
• In B, the Ju-87 G-1 Panzervögel and Ju-88 A-4 with various HE loadouts can deploy for action.
  
• In Combat Phase C, the Bf 109 G-14 fighter becomes available.

The 208. Infanterie-Division is a solid infantry division, with a great variety of choice, including some limited mechanized support. This allows the battlegroup to build up strength and counter-attack from Combat Phase B onwards.

[h2]Battle of Dukla Pass Expansion[/h2]
What can you expect from the Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass?

• The expansion features 1 massive Army General campaign centered on the Battle of Dukla Pass.
  
• Plus 6 new Divisions, playable in both single-player and multiplayer. These include the Allied 1. Československý Armádní Sbor, Slovak National Uprising, and Soviet 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya, while the Axis deploy the 208. Infanterie-Division, Hungarian 13. Gyaloghadosztály, and 18. SS-Fr.-Panzergrenadier "Horst Wessel".

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
We’ll be back next week with another Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass preview!

Make sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander.

Hello commanders,

Hot on the heels of last week’s Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass Recap, we are back with the very first division preview of our next expansion. Nice!

In today’s DevBlog, we’ll put the spotlight on the Allied 1. Československý Armádní Sbor or 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps.

Let’s go!

[h2]1. Československý Armádní Sbor’s History[/h2]

The 1. Československý Armádní Sbor was a Soviet-controlled fighting force of the Czechoslovakian Army in exile. It was also known as the Svoboda's Army after its wartime commander, Ludvík Svoboda. The Corps started as a mere battalion, the 1st Czechoslovak Independent Field Battalion, which had the honors of being the premier foreign unit to fight alongside the Red Army. Formed by Czechoslovakian refugees living in the Soviet Union, Slovak POWs and defectors, and Soviet citizens of Czech origins, the formation saw first light in 1942.



There was a political push-and-pull between this unit - and its officers - and the Czechoslovakian government in exile based in London. The communists wanted combat straight away, while the Western Allied leaders wished for the battalion to be retained during the liberation of Czechoslovakia. Ultimately, the formation went to war pretty quick, seeing first blood during the Battle for Kharkiv in 1943. An infantry-heavy unit, it was mauled by German armored formations and consequently pulled off the line and refitted as the 1st Czechoslovak Independent Brigade.

As more and more Soviet territory was liberated, the ranks of the brigade grew tremendously. By 1944, the number of new recruits allowed a (small) army corps to be created. As such, it entered the fight to liberate its home territories in the Battle for Dukla Pass. While combat was hard and ultimately proved unsuccessful in freeing all of Czechoslovakia, the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps did see the end of World War II liberating Prague. Disbanded quickly after the war, the corps’ forces became the foundation for the post-war communist-ruled 1st Czechoslovak Army.



[h2]1. Československý Armádní Sbor’s Detailed[/h2]

Featuring three brigades (not divisions as comparable in other corps), the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps was small compared to other Red Army formations. The Corps did have some unique features:

• The 1st Brigade was composed of battle-hardened veterans.
  
• Out of the three infantry brigades, one - the 2nd Brigade - was actually a paratrooper unit.
  
• Unique for a Soviet infantry corps, but the Czechoslovakians had access to their own fighter regiment.
  
• And its infantry was lavishly equipped with PPS 43 instead of the older PPSh 41.

Moreso than other Soviet rifle corps, the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps had its own roster of specialized units permanently attached to the formation.

• the 1st Czechoslovakian Independent Tank Brigade, the size of a small regiment in our timeframe.
  
• Each brigade featured its own artillery battalions, giving it light but ample fire support.
  
• And lastly, it had its own Czechoslovakian penal company.

It should be noted that all of the paratroopers and associated units will only be available in Combat Phases A and B. These were, historically, withdrawn from combat during the battles for Dukla Pass and instead airlifted into the insurrectionist pocket, where they will appear again fighting for the Slovak National Uprising division (also featured in our expansion).

[h2]1. Československý Armádní Sbor’s in Steel Division 2[/h2]

How will the 1. Československý Armádní Sbor look like in Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass? New units are both italic and bolded. The following is still work-in-progress and subject to change!



RECON

• An average category for the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps with no organic recon units, and scouts being detached from regular infantry battalions.
  
• The 1st and 3rd Brigade's scouts are represented by:
  
  • CARRIER DUŠKA, their main tracked light recon unit.
    
  • The new PRŮZKUMNÍCI, being 2-man recon teams.
    
  • And the new MOT. PRŮZKUMNÍCI larger 6-man recon team with PPS 43, Bazooka and smoke grenades, coming in softskin trucks or CARRIER.
• The 2nd (Paratrooper) Brigade had a dedicated recon company at brigade level, which included:
  
  • Recon T-38M2 light amphibious tanks.
    
  • The new PARA. ODSTŘELOVAČ which are 2-man sniper team with PPS 43 and SVT-40 PU.
    
  • The PARA. PRŮZKUMNÍCI being heavy 9-man recon team with PPS 43 and DT machine gunes, plus smoke grenades.

INF

• A very good category for this battlegroup. The regular 1st and 3rd Brigade infantry include all new units:
  
  • The STŘELCI rifles squads come in regular, SVT, PTR, and command variants.
    
  • SAPÉŘI combat engineers can deploy in regular and command versions.
    
  • SAMOPALNÍCI are similar to the Soviet Avtomatchiki squads, in regular and command variants, armed with a mix of PPSh41 and PPS 43. A few Soviet MOT. AVTOMATCHIKI (fielding one DP-28) are also present from Combat Phase B, as the attached 12-ya Gv. Tank. Brigada's infantry. The former Czechoslovakian units come in softskin trucks, and the later Soviet ones are in half-tracks.
    
  • TANKOVI STŘELCI are similar to the Soviet Tankodesantniki, featured in both regular and command variants, with access to half-tracks as transports.
• The paratroopers from the 2nd Brigade are locked in Phases A and B, and all come with the Raider trait. These will be represented as:
  
  • PARAŠUTISTÉ coming in regular, DT, engineer, and command variants.
  
  The 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps’s penal company provides the 20-strong TRESTNÍ STŘELCI squads.

TANK

• The Corps’ own tank “brigade” was quite limited at the start of the Dukla Pass offensive. The formation later received reinforcements from the Soviet 12-ya Gv. Tank. Brigada.
  
  • Czechoslovakian armor includes the following, often in only limited numbers:
    
    • T-38M2 amphibious command light tanks from the paratrooper brigade.
      
    • T-70 light tanks.
      
    • T-34/76 obr.43 in regular and command versions.
      
    • A handful of T-34/85 obr.44.
  • Soviet tanks, available from Combat Phase B:
    
    • T-34/76 obr.42 in regular and command variants.
      
    • T-34/85 obr.43.
    • And a few (new in this role) IS-1 (as a regular tank, not command) plus IS-2 obr.44 heavy tanks.

SUPP

• A pretty good category for the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps.
  
• Fire support units include the following:
  
  • SG-43, PARA. MAXIM and PARA. DUŠKA machine guns.
    
  • PARA. OB-25 76,2mm infantry guns and RM-35 50mm light mortars.
• Commander units are:
  
  • Czechoslovakian DESANT. KOMBAT paratroopers.
    
  • Czechoslovakian WLA KOMBAT.
    
  • Soviet T-34/76 KOMBAT from Phase B.
• Supply is being provided by the ever-reliable lend-lease STUDEBAKER.

AT

• The anti-tank tab is pretty good but chiefly features lighter options:
  
• Infantry anti-tank squads include:
  
  • The new AMPULOMET unit. The original Czechoslovakian infantry in Red Army service was initially given older weapons. These were never fully replaced in the brigades when they expanded to a Corps size, meaning they can still be found with their rank and file. This particular weapon is basically a tube launching a green sphere filled with phosphorus (an intriguing concept, clearly obsolete when it was designed in 1941 and especially so against armor by 1944). However, it remains an effective long-range flamethrower-type weapon useful against infantry and light vehicles.
    
  • The ubiquitous PTRS-41 anti-tank rifle.
    
  • The new PARA. LOVCI TANKŮ which are 7-man tank hunter squads with PPS 43, three PTRD, plus smoke and AT grenades.
• Towed anti-tank guns include the M-42 45mm (both in infantry and paratrooper flavors), ZIS-2 57mm, and the ZIS-3 76,2mm.
  
• Lastly, the Czechoslovakian tank brigade could also count on a handful of SU-85 tank destroyers.

AA

• Prettty dismal, with the battlegroup having no organic AA battalion. It can only count on a few smaller anti-air defense units attached to the brigades.
  
• The sole self-propelled anti-air weapon is the good ’ol GAZ-AAA MAKSIM M4.
  
• Some of the heavier AA guns available are 61-K 37mm guns, historically often crewed by female gunners and with a gunshield.
  
• Being under Soviet command, the Corps benefited from their AA defenses. This means we have attached one card of ZEN. ART. obr.39 85mm.

ART

• Artillery is well represented with the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps, though it might lack some of the heavier calibers.
  
• The usual BM-37 82mm and PM-38 120mm mortars.
  
• The mainstay of the Czechoslovakian artillery, numerous and organic to each brigade, was the M-30 122mm howitzer. Gunners also get access to a few heavier ML-20 152mm pieces.
  
• An early war gun that found its way into the Czechoslovakian arsenal of 1944 was the M-60 107mm field gun. Although light, it had a much longer range than the M-30. It could also be used as a (very good) anti-tank gun, with much better performance than the ZiS-3.

AIR

• Average, with the Corps’ own air regiment flying the La-5FN in fighter and fighter-bomber roles. However, this formation was removed before the Battle of Dukla Pass and sent to help the Slovak National Uprising alongside the paratroopers.
  
• The Soviet Air Forces will help out to provide the rest of the air cover. These come in the form of Pe-3R recon planes, IL-2M with HE rockets, and the IL-2M3, B-25J-30 MITCHELL, and Pe-2-83 bombers in various bomb and cluster loadouts.

The 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps is a well-rounded battlegroup with a good infantry and tank synergy, but with its most glaring disadvantage being the lack of anti-air defenses.

[h2]Battle of Dukla Pass Expansion[/h2]
What can you expect from the Steel Division 2: Battle of Dukla Pass?

• The expansion features 1 massive Army General campaign centered on the Battle of Dukla Pass.
  
• Plus 6 new Divisions, playable in both single-player and multiplayer. These include the Allied 1. Československý Armádní Sbor, Slovak National Uprising, and Soviet 242-ya Gornostrelkovaya, while the Axis deploy the 208. Infanterie-Division, Hungarian 13. Gyaloghadosztály, and 18. SS-Fr.-Panzergrenadier "Horst Wessel".

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s all. We’ll be back soon with more Battle of Dukla Pass previews.

Make sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander!