Designed to provide German infantry fire support according to the tactical concepts of Blitzkrieg, the Sturmgeschütz III was developed into new and advanced versions with a different mission profile during the course of the war. On the Eastern Front, the encounter with the strongest and most innovative Soviet tanks led to an expansion of its role by switching from supporting infantry units to effective tank defense. By simple and cost-effective construction, it was one of the most commonly produced vehicles in German industry until the end of the war. With the advent of the "G" version, which specialises in the anti-tank roller, the version with a 105 mm howitzer (storm howitzer 42) was also introduced.