Germany was desperate for vehicles that could fill the ever-widening gaps in the Panzer armies by 1943. The StuG IV-a StuG III casemate and gun on top of a panzer chassis-fit the bill. With a 75mm gun, it was more than capable of knocking out opposing tanks. Plus, its casemate gun was much easier and cheaper to produce than a full turret. Over one thousand rolled off lines and were rushed into combat. Only three restored versions are currently known.