The Hetzer, also known as the Jagdpanzer 38(t), was the final and arguably most successful adaptation of the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis which had also served as the basis for the Marder III. It was prompted by a requirement from General Guderian for a light tank destroyer using a proven and reliable chassis that could be built in large numbers at a time when the German Army was fully on the defensive. The result was a successful design with a widened hull and highly sloped armor that gave it adequate protection. In contrast to its open-topped predecessors, the Hetzer had a fully enclosed superstructure which benefited from a low profile as well. However, the overall small size of the vehicle was a limitation as it resulted in cramped crew compartments. Firepower was provided by the 7.5cm PaK 39 gun (which was prominently off-center of the hull), an adequate late-war gun although some were used as assault howitzers (with 15cm guns) and as flame-throwers. Hetzers served successfuly during the late war years and was extensively used on all fronts due to its larger production run than most other German tank destroyers or assault guns (only the StuG III was built in greater numbers). It was considered highly reliable as well. Production continued after the war in Czechoslovakia where a number were exported to Switzerland.

A request from General Guderian for a light tank destroyer was issued in March 1943 and the first trials of the Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer were concluded at the end of that same year. There were no variants of the basic tank destroyer type but numerous other vehicles were built including the Flammpanzer 38(t) flamethrower (designed for use in the Ardennes Offensive), Bergepanzer 38(t) armored recovery vehicle, and 15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33/2 (Sf) self-propelled heavy infantry gun. Numerous other prototypes were developed but never entered service. Post-war Czech versions were known as the ST-I while those exported to Switzerland were known as the G-13 and fitted with a StuK 40 gun.