Type 11 37 mm infantry gun

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	Weapon: Type 11 37 mm infantry gun Type: Infantry Support Gun Country of Origin: Japan Year Adopted: 1922 Caliber: 37mm Action: Breech-Loading Cannon Overall Length (mm): 1760.0 Overall Length (in): 69.29 Weight (kg): 93.00 Weight (pounds): 205.03 Effective Range (m): 2400 m Effective Range (yards): 2624.67

The Type 11 37 mm Infantry Gun was Japan's first dedicated infantry support cannon, introduced in 1922. Designed to provide light infantry units with a portable, direct-fire support weapon, it featured a simple, single-shot breech-loading mechanism and a lightweight construction that allowed it to be easily transported by a small crew. Its 37 mm caliber allowed for effective engagement of enemy positions, light fortifications, and even early armored vehicles, though its armor penetration capabilities were limited.

Production of the Type 11 was relatively limited, as it was soon replaced by more advanced designs, such as the Type 94 and Type 97 anti-tank guns. It saw service primarily in the early conflicts of the 1930s, including the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and engagements in China. However, as warfare evolved and enemy forces fielded more heavily armored vehicles, the Type 11 quickly became obsolete, leading to its gradual retirement from frontline service.

Despite its brief operational lifespan, the Type 11 played an important role in Japan's early infantry tactics, bridging the gap between rifle squads and heavier artillery support. Its historical significance lies in its status as Japan's first attempt at an infantry gun, influencing later designs with improved firepower and mobility. Today, surviving examples are rare, with some preserved in museums as a testament to early 20th-century infantry support weapons.