The Japanese Type 2 Ho-I was a medium support tank developed during World War II to provide indirect fire and close infantry support for Japanese armored units. Based on the chassis of the Type 1 Chi-He, the Ho-I replaced the standard anti-tank gun with a 75mm Type 99 short-barreled gun, derived from a field artillery piece, making it effective against fortifications and soft targets rather than enemy armor. Introduced in 1942–1943, the Ho-I featured improved armor over earlier designs, with frontal protection up to 50mm, and retained a 7.7mm Type 97 machine gun for secondary defense. Though designed to operate alongside other medium tanks in combined arms formations, its production was extremely limited—fewer than 35 units were completed—due to Japan’s industrial shortages and shifting war priorities. The Ho-I was primarily reserved for the defense of the Japanese homeland and is not believed to have seen combat. While it had potential as a support vehicle, its late development and limited deployment meant it had little impact on the broader course of the war.
Multi part resin model.
Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.
