Comparing: M3 Stuart vs. Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. J vs. Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. C

Developed in 1938 through 1941 on the basis of the M2. Mass-produced from 1941. More than 13,000 vehicles in various versions were built, from the M3 to the M3A3, all of which were supplied to almost every allied nation under Lend-Lease. The M3 tanks were designated Stuart I by the British, while the M3A1 version received the designation Stuart III. The M3 first saw action in the battle at Sidi Rezegh.

Reconnaissance tank with reinforced armor. The vehicle was a further development of the Pz.Kpfw II. In October 1939, a preproduction batch was ordered, and the first prototype was built in July 1940. From 1943 through 1944, seven vehicles were used by the 12th Panzer Division on the Eastern Front. A total of 22 tanks 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.