Japanese - Type 97 Te-Ke Tankette

The Japanese Type 97 Te-Ke was a compact tankette/light reconnaissance vehicle developed by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1937 as an improvement over earlier tankettes such as the Type 94. Designed for reconnaissance, infantry support, and liaison duties, the Te-Ke was lightly armoured and highly mobile, weighing around 4.7 tons. It was powered by a 65 hp air-cooled diesel engine, giving it good reliability and a top speed of approximately 40 km/h (25 mph). The vehicle was typically armed with a 37mm Type 94 or Type 97 gun, providing modest firepower against infantry and light vehicles, while armour protection ranged from 6–16mm, sufficient only against small-arms fire.

The Type 97 Te-Ke saw service in China, Southeast Asia, and across the Pacific islands, where its small size and light weight made it suitable for jungle warfare and rough terrain. However, by the early 1940s it was completely outclassed by Allied light tanks such as the M3 Stuart. As a result, many Te-Ke vehicles were relegated to reconnaissance roles, used as static defensive bunkers, or employed for training and security duties. Despite its limitations, the Te-Ke reflects Japan’s interwar emphasis on light, mobile armoured vehicles and remains one of the most recognisable Japanese reconnaissance vehicles of World War II.

Multi part resin model.

Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.