Comparing: Pz.Kpfw. II vs. Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D vs. Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. C

The last modification of the light Pz. II tank. The vehicle featured enhanced armor, the 2 cm KwK 38 gun and improved observation devices. A total of 524 vehicles were built from March 1941 through December 1942.

A high-speed modification of the Pz. II intended for light divisions formed from the cavalry. The Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf. D tank had a completely new hull and suspension. The turret and guns were taken from the Ausf. C. version. The suspension had eight large-diameter paired wheels with individual torsion bars and no support rollers. The tanks with enhanced suspension elements, including new drive and idler wheels, were designated Ausf. E. According to various sources, about 200–250 vehicles of the D and E modifications were manufactured.

The initial order for this tank was placed in 1939. It was originally conceived as a high-speed reconaissance tank for airborne units. Mass production started at the beginning of 1942. In early 1943 two vehicles were deployed with the 1st Tank Division. Another 38 vehicles were deployed with the 58th Reserve Tank Corps in the summer of 1944.