Korvausvaste

Korvausvaste is a Finnish term that translates to "replacement tank" or "reserve tank" in English. It refers to a tactical doctrine employed by the Finnish military, particularly during the Continuation War (1941-1944) against the Soviet Union.

The concept of korvausvaste was developed in response to the Finnish Army's limited resources and the threat posed by the numerically superior Soviet forces. The doctrine involved maintaining a series of reserve tanks that were strategically located along the front lines. These tanks were not actively engaged in combat but were held in reserve, ready to be committed to battle at a moment's notice.

The korvausvaste tanks were deployed in a supporting role, with the objective of augmenting Finnish infantry units in key sectors. These tanks were typically equipped with standard Finnish Army artillery, such as the T-26 light tank, which had been captured from Soviet forces. Korvausvaste units played a significant role in repelling Soviet attacks and frequently achieving significant tank-versus-tank victories.

The korvausvaste doctrine had several key implications for Finnish strategy. It allowed Finnish commanders to conserve their limited tank assets, while maintaining a strong defense against Soviet armored thrusts. Additionally, the reserve tank system enabled Finnish forces to compensate for numerical disadvantages and exploit weak points in the Soviet lines. Overall, the concept of korvausvaste demonstrates the Finnish military's innovative responses to the challenges posed by World War II, and its enduring strategic significance.