During World War II, Soviet Union engineers and factories gained extensive experience from the significant armor battles against German and Axis forces in Eastern Europe. This knowledge was later applied and refined in numerous post-war developments aimed at preparing for another potential large-scale conflict, particularly against Western powers, throughout the Cold War era. Among these innovations, Soviet engineers were pioneers in introducing the concept of the "Infantry Fighting Vehicle" (IFV) to the world. This revolutionary vehicle combined the speed and firepower of a light tank with the armor protection of an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), leading to the development of the BMP-1 in 1966.