Comparing: Type 97 Te-Ke vs. Cruiser Mk. III

The Te-Ke was developed by Tokyo Gasu Denki to replace the outdated Type 94 light tank. Manufactured from 1937 through 1942. The vehicle was used for reconnaissance, communication, patrol duty, and infantry support. Served as an armored tractor. A total of about 600 vehicles were manufactured.

The vehicle was developed on the basis of the M1931 Christie tanks, purchased by the British Army in 1936. The vehicle was intended to be a fast, lightly-armored breakthrough tank. The modified design was deemed successful and became the basis for other cruiser tanks. A total of 65 vehicles were built. They saw combat in France and North Africa in 1940–1941.