The design of the VK 16.02, known as the Leopard, was based on the Panzer II Ausf. J (VK 16.01) and Panzer II Ausf. M (VK 13.01) that had been developed earlier. A dummy vehicle was ready in May–June 1942, and the first prototype was built by September 1, 1942. According to "Panzerprogramm 41", that provided for the manufacturing of 339 vehicles (105 by December 1943 and 150 by the middle of 1944), mass production was to be launched in April 1943 but never started. Later, the Leopard turret was mounted on the Sd.Kfz.234/2 designated as Puma.