Type 2 Ke-To

The Type 2 Ke-To was an Imperial Japanese Army light tank developed during World War II as an improvement over the Type 98 Ke-Ni. It aimed to give Japanese light-tank units a more capable weapon and improved layout while retaining the mobility expected of a reconnaissance and infantry-support vehicle. Production remained limited as Japan's wartime industry faced higher priorities and severe constraints.

Technically, the Type 2 Ke-To was a light tank, not a main battle tank. It carried a 37 mm gun in an enlarged turret and had armour sufficient mainly against small arms and fragments. Its strengths were size and mobility; its weaknesses were limited protection, small crew, and poor combat power against later Allied tanks and anti-tank weapons.

Operationally, the Ke-To would have been used for scouting, liaison, security, and infantry-support tasks where heavy opposition was not expected. Its limited production and late arrival reduced its battlefield importance. It is most valuable historically as evidence of Japan's attempt to modernize light armour during a period of worsening industrial pressure.