page_title: Light tank
section_title: World War II
hierarchical_section_title: Light tank / History / 20th century / World War II
caption_attribution_description: English: Panzer I Ausf. A in combat during the German invasion of Norway.
context_page_description: A light tank is a tank variant initially designed for rapid movement to quickly move in and out of combat, and outmaneuver heavy main battle tanks. They are primarily employed in the screening and reconnaissance role or in a fire support role of expeditionary forces where big main battle tanks cannot be made available or can't operate safely. Early light tanks were generally better armed and armored than armored cars, but used tracks in order to provide better cross-country mobility.
  The fast light tank was a major feature of the pre-World War II buildup, where it was expected they would be used to exploit breakthroughs in enemy lines created by slower, heavier tanks. Numerous small tank designs and "tankettes" were developed during this period and known under a variety of names, including the "combat car".
  The light tank has been one of the few tank variants to survive the development of the main battle tank, and has seen use in a variety of roles including the support of light airborne or amphibious forces and reconnaissance.
caption: German Panzer I in combat during the German invasion of Norway
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