Fulda Gap

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The Fulda Gap is a section of territory between the former East German border and Frankfurt, (West) Germany.

Named after the unfortunately-placed town of Fulda, strategically the Fulda Gap was of immense importance during the Cold War. It was one of two obvious routes for any invader attacking West Germany. (The other was the North German Plain.)

Frankfurt, relatively close to the Gap, was at the heart of West German industrial and financial power, and its loss would have been a serious blow for West Germany and NATO. It was also an important civil and military air hub that was important to the defense of West Germany.

Perhaps more importantly, the terrain between the Gap and the river Rhine was less rugged than adjacent districts, offering the best pathway for an invading force from Warsaw Pact territory to reach and cross the formidable Rhine before NATO was in a position to prevent it.

Strategic planners on both sides of the Iron Curtain understood its importance and forces were allocated accordingly. Defence of the Fulda Gap was tasked primarily to the US V Corps. More specifically, the actual East/West border in the Fulda Gap was protected by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment from 1972-1994. Its principal adversary was the Soviet 8th Guards Army. Both formations were lavishly equipped and generally received a high priority on new equipment.

The Soviet 8th Guards Army was to be followed by a number of additional armies and has been positively identified as the key Soviet axis of advance in any (hypothetical) major military confrontation in Cold War Europe.de:Fulda Gap