In a stunning revelation from the annals of military history, a new video explores the ten smallest tanks ever built, shedding light on their pivotal roles in warfare despite their diminutive size. These “tankets,” designed for scouting and supporting infantry rather than engaging in heavy combat, played crucial parts during the anti-war years and early World War II.

Kicking off the list is the American M22 Locust, a unique air𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧e light tank measuring just 3.9 meters and weighing 7.4 tons. Developed for British paratroopers, it boasted a 37 mm M6 gun but suffered from poor performance, leading to its swift retirement post-war. Following closely is Japan’s Type 92, a 3-meter-long tanket introduced in 1932, which saw action in Manchuria and northern China, albeit quickly outclassed by larger models.

The Type 97 Te, another Japanese design, emerged in 1937, bringing more firepower to the table with a 37 mm gun. However, it struggled against Allied tanks in World War II. The list continues with the Italian CV33, a mass-produced tanket that saw extensive combat across Europe and Africa, and the French Renault UE, primarily used for logistics, illustrating the diverse applications of these small vehicles.

Other notable entries include the Czechoslovakian Tanzik version 33 and the Soviet T-27, both of which demonstrated impressive mobility despite their limited firepower. The Polish TK3, developed in 1931, and the British Cardonoid Tankets, the pioneer of the tanket concept, round out the list, highlighting their significant, albeit often overlooked, contributions to armored warfare.

As we dive deeper into this fascinating exploration of military engineering, viewers are reminded that size does not always equate to impact on the battlefield. Stay tuned for more insights into the history of warfare and the machines that shaped it.