The Japanese Type 2 Ke-To was a light tank developed during World War II as an improvement over the earlier Type 98 Ke-Ni, aimed at enhancing firepower and combat performance. Introduced in 1942, the Ke-To retained a compact, lightweight design suited for reconnaissance and infantry support roles, but featured a new turret armed with a more powerful 37mm Type 1 gun, offering better armor penetration than its predecessor. Armor protection ranged from 6mm to 30mm, adequate against small arms but vulnerable to most Allied anti-tank weapons. It was powered by a diesel engine, providing decent speed and mobility across rough terrain, which made it well-suited for jungle and island warfare. Despite these upgrades, production was limited—only around 34 units were built—due to Japan’s strained wartime industry and shifting priorities toward defensive operations. The Ke-To was primarily held back for the defense of the Japanese homeland and saw little or no combat before the war ended. While not a game-changer, it represented a modest step forward in Japan’s light tank development.
Multi part resin model.
Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.
