The Japanese Type 3 Ho-Ni III was a late-war self-propelled gun developed to provide the Imperial Japanese Army with a more survivable and versatile mobile artillery platform. Introduced in 1944, it was based on the chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha and mounted a 75mm Type 3 tank gun—a modified version of the Type 90 field gun—inside a fully enclosed, armored superstructure, offering significantly better protection for the crew compared to earlier Ho-Ni models. The vehicle retained a 7.7mm Type 97 machine gun for close defense and had armor up to 50mm thick on the front. Designed for both anti-tank and fire support roles, the Ho-Ni III was intended to operate alongside infantry and tank units, engaging enemy armor, strongpoints, and defensive positions. However, due to Japan’s limited industrial capacity and late-war resource shortages, only a small number—likely fewer than 40 units—were produced. Most were held in reserve for the defense of the Japanese home islands, and it is unlikely that the Ho-Ni III saw any combat before the end of the war. Nonetheless, it represented the most advanced and well-protected of Japan’s wartime self-propelled guns.
 
Multi part resin model.
 
Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.