Design Overview & Tactical Role
The Panzer IV was the true workhorse of the German Wehrmacht throughout World War II and the only German tank to remain in continuous production from 1939 to 1945. Originally designed as an infantry-support tank with a short 7.5 cm howitzer, it was upgraded to the long 7.5 cm KwK 40 L/48 and fitted with spaced Schürzen side skirts to withstand Soviet anti-tank rifles and Allied armor.
Combat History & Battle Records
Present in every major European and North African theater, the Panzer IV spearheaded Guderian's Blitzkrieg through France, Rommel's Afrika Korps desert drives, and brutal tank clashes in Russia. Syrian Panzer IVs even fought against Israeli Centurions on the Golan Heights in 1967.
Related Armored Vehicles (World War II)
Modern
2014
Modern
2001
Cold War
1965
World War II
1942