In 1938-1939 German took over Czechoslovakia and confiscated 150 units under production in Prague. German high command ordered that the LT 38s under production must be completed. these first series were designated as Panzer 38(t) SdKfz 140. It was the most important German tank during the early stages of the war and was sold to almost all of Germany's allies .
Total 1400 units were manufactured by Skoda in 8 variants ( ausf A,B,C,D,E,F,G) armed with 37mmKwK38(t) L/48 gun.
Like most of Germany's Tanks , its chassis was used as a base for several conversions. Some of the Panzer38(t)s were converted to Flammethrowrers or SwimmPanzer( Prototype)
Because of urgents needs on the fronts Hitler ordered an interim solution for a flakpanzer. A single 20mm anti aircraft gun was mounted on Panzer38(t)'s chassis and was designated as FlakPanzer38(t).
The most intresting conversion of Panzer38(t) was Aufklarungspanzer reconnaissance vehicle armed with 75mm KWK37L/24 gun and a single MG42. 50-70 units were manufactured from late 1943.
Perhaps the most successful conversion was the Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer which entered service in 1944.
Panzer38(t) was obsolete in 1941 and it was withdrawn from the frontlines and was send to the second line and was used by military police for anti partisan wars. Panzer38(t) was the best light tank of the second world war and was the most relaible light tank of the German army.
