The Panzer III, (Panzerkampfwagen III) in the German Army was Sd.Kfz. 141, was together with the later Panzer IV the best-known medium tank of the Panzer Divisions during World War II. It was designed expressly as an anti-tank vehicle to counter opposing armored vehicles, a role it successfully filled at least until 1942. The Panzer III, was continuously improved over time with enhancements to its main armament and armor. The J version, equipped with a 50-mm long 60-caliber gun (L/60), was able to counter even more powerful vehicles. However, beginning in 1943 the Panzer III was gradually overtaken by the introduction of more heavily armored and heavily armed enemy vehicles.