Defensive contour

Don Tower - one of the elements of the second strategic contour of the defense of Konigsberg

Defensive contour - a fortified line located around the perimeter of a strategically valuable object or on the approaches to it, while particularly important objects were covered by several defensive contours , each of which was equipped as a defensive line ^{[1] [2]} .

Typically, defensive contours were erected on the approaches to large settlements, naval bases, fortified camps, etc. ^{[1] [2]} For example, in 1941-1942, four defensive contours between Don and Volga were erected on the approaches to Stalingrad ( external, medium, internal and urban) ^[2] . Although their combat readiness did not exceed 40-50%, they managed to play an important role in the defense of the city ^{[1] [2]} . In 1945, during the capture of Berlin, Soviet troops were forced to deal with three well-equipped ring contours of the Berlin defensive region ^[1] .