Modern War #40: Eternal War – Chechnya 1994–2009 is an operational and strategic-level two-player wargame simulating the brutal conflict between the Russian Federation and the Chechen independence movement that erupted in the 1990s and continued into the early 21st century. Centred on the First Chechen War (1994–1996), this game captures the intense military, political, and psychological struggles that defined Russia’s effort to hold the republic within its federation and the Chechens’ fierce determination to resist occupation through unconventional warfare.

In this simulation, the Russian player commands the armed forces of the Russian Federation under President Boris Yeltsin, striving to crush the rebellion, secure key cities such as Grozny, and re-establish central authority. However, Russia’s advantages in manpower, armour, and airpower are offset by low morale, political instability, and logistical strain. Every offensive risks public backlash and military exhaustion, while overextension leaves supply lines vulnerable to guerrilla ambushes and counterattacks.

The Chechen player leads the independence fighters — a smaller, irregular force relying on mobility, terrain knowledge, and hit-and-run tactics. Although outnumbered and outgunned, the Chechens can wage an effective insurgency campaign, inflicting disproportionate casualties and undermining Russian political will. Guerrilla operations, ambushes, and strategic retreats are key to survival and victory. The objective is not outright military dominance but the ability to prolong the conflict until Russian political fatigue forces withdrawal or concessions.

Each of the game’s nine turns represents several months of fighting, covering the full duration of the First Chechen War from December 1994 to December 1996. Players will manoeuvre forces across a detailed map of Chechnya and its surrounding regions, including Georgia, Dagestan, and Ingushetia. The game incorporates terrain effects, regional borders, urban warfare, and guerrilla movement, providing a realistic portrayal of combat in the Caucasus Mountains.

The system balances accessibility with historical depth, providing an engaging experience for both veteran and new wargamers. The design models not only tactical operations but also morale, command control, and political considerations, ensuring each decision carries weight on both the battlefield and the home front. The inclusion of bonus and errata counters for several other titles in the Modern War series makes this issue a valuable addition to any collector’s library.

Components:

• One 22” x 34” full-colour operational map of Chechnya and surrounding regions
• 144 die-cut counters representing Russian and Chechen formations
• Comprehensive rulebook detailing combat, morale, and guerrilla operations
• Bonus counters for Modern War #1, #17, #18, and #21
• Player aids and setup charts

Scale and Play Details:
Players: 2
Level: Operational / Strategic
Time Period: 1994–2009 (focus on First Chechen War 1994–1996)
Turns: 9 (each covering several months)
Counters: 144 pieces
Map Scale: Regional (Chechnya and the Caucasus)

Modern War #40: Eternal War – Chechnya 1994–2009 provides a powerful simulation of one of the most complex and devastating conflicts of the post-Soviet era. By blending traditional warfare with insurgency dynamics, it offers players a challenging and historically grounded experience that highlights the difficulties of modern counterinsurgency and the persistence of rebellion in the face of overwhelming force.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading supplier of modern and historical wargames. Includes price-match guarantee and fast domestic shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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