Ambush at Longa River - Africa at War

Military officials see this theater as a prime opportunity to field test their upgraded T-64 MBTs, equipped with reactive armor and capable of firing the AT-11 Sniper anti-tank missile.

Soviet planners have mapped out an ambush south of the Longa River. Cuban units have been called to support the effort (as their personnel have the most experience in country), and by September 24, the lead elements of the 20th Motorized Brigade have just pushed south of the water body, throwing up a protective screen as engineers scramble to establish their bridges. Unknown to the Cubans, however, the SADF's 83rd Mechanized Brigade, bolstered by two squadrons of Olifants, is racing to the scene. Pretoria is aware its only hope of discouraging further Soviet involvement is to inflict a quick, bloody defeat on the Communist forces.