Panzer 35(t)

The Panzer 35(t), officially designated Leichter Panzerkampfwagen 35, was a Czechoslovak-designed light tank used extensively by the German Wehrmacht during World War II. It was originally produced by Škoda Works under the designation LT vz. 35 for the Czechoslovak Army. Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, significant numbers of these tanks were seized and integrated into the German armored forces.

The "(t)" in its designation stands for tschechisch, the German word for "Czech," indicating its origin. The tank was well-regarded for its reliability and firepower compared to other light tanks of the period, especially in the early stages of the war.

Key features of the Panzer 35(t) included a riveted hull, a 3.7 cm Škoda A3 (German designation: 3.7 cm KwK 35(t)) gun, and two 7.92 mm machine guns. Its crew consisted of four members: a commander, gunner, loader/radio operator, and driver. The tank was powered by a Škoda T-11/0 engine, providing it with reasonable mobility for its role.

The Panzer 35(t) saw action in the Polish Campaign, the Battle of France, and the invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa). However, as the war progressed, its limitations became increasingly apparent. Its thin armor made it vulnerable to newer and more powerful anti-tank weapons, and its mechanical complexity proved challenging to maintain under the harsh conditions of the Eastern Front. By the later stages of the war, the Panzer 35(t) was largely relegated to second-line duties or converted for other purposes, such as tank destroyers or artillery tractors. Its chassis also served as the basis for the Marder III tank destroyer. While no longer a frontline combat vehicle, it remained in service in smaller numbers in various roles until the end of World War II.