Strategy & Tactics #345: Tanks of August – Russian-Georgian War 2008 is a two-player operational-level wargame simulating the intense five-day conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008. The game covers the fighting across South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Georgia proper, as Russian forces intervened to support separatist republics and assert dominance over the Caucasus region in one of the earliest examples of modern hybrid warfare.

• Historical Background: The Russo-Georgian War marked the first major armed conflict of the 21st century involving Russia’s modernized forces and foreshadowed future campaigns in Ukraine. On August 8, 2008, after rising tensions and skirmishes in South Ossetia, Russian troops crossed the border under the pretext of defending local populations. Within days, Russian mechanized forces advanced deep into Georgian territory, destroying key infrastructure and pushing the Georgian Army back toward Tbilisi. The conflict ended with a fragile ceasefire, leaving Georgia divided and the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia under Russian control — a geopolitical “frozen conflict” that still resonates today.
• Gameplay & Objectives: Players take command of either the Russian Federation or the Republic of Georgia.
  • The Russian player seeks to destabilize Georgia, seize control of key cities and routes, and solidify control over the separatist territories.
  • The Georgian player must defend national sovereignty, delay the Russian advance, and maintain the political integrity of Georgia in the face of overwhelming pressure.
  Victory depends on achieving territorial control, military objectives, and political outcomes — balancing aggression with international consequences.
• Game System & Scale: Each game turn represents one day of real time, providing a detailed look at the shifting front lines of this fast-moving campaign. The map scale is 10 km (6.2 miles) per hex, capturing the mountainous terrain, key highways, and urban zones that shaped operations. Units represent battalions with command headquarters providing coordination and support. Air power, artillery, and cyber operations are modeled through strike markers and event mechanics, reflecting the hybrid nature of 21st-century warfare.
• Strategic Features:
  • Replicate Russia’s coordinated use of armor, air power, and information warfare.
  • Manage logistics and mobility through rugged Caucasus terrain.
  • Conduct airstrikes and precision attacks to disrupt command and infrastructure.
  • Balance military success with political repercussions — escalation can affect long-term victory conditions.
  • Experience asymmetric warfare where smaller forces must fight smart to survive.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map depicting Georgia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia
• 176 die-cut ⅝-inch counters representing battalions, command units, and strike markers
• Comprehensive rulebook with event system and optional rules for escalation
• Player aids and combat reference charts for quick access during play

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Operational
Turn: 1 Day
Map Scale: 10 km (6.2 miles) per hex
Units: Battalions & Headquarters Support

Gameplay Focus: Tanks of August – Russian-Georgian War 2008 delivers a compelling mix of modern mechanized warfare, political maneuvering, and asymmetric conflict. It offers a fast-paced yet strategically rich experience where timing, coordination, and the fog of war determine victory.

Strategy & Tactics #345: Tanks of August – Russian-Georgian War 2008 is ideal for fans of modern military simulations, hybrid warfare strategy, and post–Cold War conflict analysis.

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

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