How did the Pz. III's armament and armour change after 1941?

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panzers — panzer Panzers (German tanks) of World War II.

Following the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, the Pz. III underwent significant upgrades to address the need for greater firepower and protection against increasingly capable enemy tanks, such as the Soviet T-34.

To enhance its combat effectiveness, the Pz. III was refitted with a high-velocity 50-mm gun. Its defensive capabilities were also substantially increased, with its armour thickness upgraded to a range of 50–70 mm. These improvements were made possible by the tank's original design, which featured a 12-cylinder, 300-horsepower engine and a turret large enough to accommodate the modifications. Despite these upgrades, the Pz. III eventually proved unable to cope with the T-34 and was subsequently removed from service on the Eastern Front, though it continued to see action in the Mediterranean theatre until 1943.1