The 33 Most Influential Weapons of World War II

World War II left lasting changes in the world, one of which was the advancement of technology on both sides brought on by the war efforts. During the conflict, Allied forces and Axis powers were searching for ever more powerful weapons to fight the war, including tanks, rocket launchers, rifles, and machine guns. Competition between America and the Soviet Union following the war led to more powerful and technologically advanced militaries than the world had yet seen. 24/7 Tempo took a look at some of the weapons used during WWII that helped shape history.

To compile a list of 33 of the most iconic weapons of World War II, 24/7 Tempo reviewed several sites about the history of the war and the rifles, bombers, fighter jets, and other weapons used by both sides. (Also check out 24 famous undercover missions of World War II.)

Here are the weapons that made history in World War II:

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The first U-boats or "Unterseeboots," were developed in the 1850s, with subsequent versions seeing action in World War I. Between 1935 and 1945, Germany produced 1,162 advanced U-boat models that became some of the most feared weapons of World War II. Known as "The Gray Wolves," these submarines operated in formations known as "wolfpacks," inflicting substantial damage on Allied fleets by sinking 2,779 ships. They played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Atlantic, the German campaign to disrupt British shipping, resulting in the loss of thousands of tons of vital cargo.

• Used by: Soviet Union

The Katyusha rocket, nicknamed "Stalin's Organ" due to its distinctive sound during flight, was a versatile multiple-rocket launcher. Capable of launching up to 16 rockets simultaneously, it was highly mobile and was widely used in battles like the siege of Berlin. With over 500,000 units produced during the war, its rapid-fire capability and destructive force made it a formidable weapon, despite its drawbacks of being relatively fragile, slow to reload, and less precise than traditional rocket launchers.

• Used by: Soviet Union

The Mosin-Nagant Model 1891 rifle, known as the "Three-Line Rifle" by the Soviets, served as the primary firearm for the Soviet Union during World War II. With production exceeding 37 million units were from 1891 to 1967, this rifle was prized by soldiers for its durability and precision at long distances. It played a substantial role in the Battle of Stalingrad, where its performance in close combat solidified its reputation as an exceptional weapon.

• Used by: Soviet Union

The PPSh-41 submachine gun was one of the most widely produced firearms in history, with over 6.5 million units manufactured. Called the "Burp Gun" because of its unique firing sound, it became a staple of the Soviet infantry, notably during the Battle of Stalingrad. Renowned for its rapid-fire capability and large magazine size, this compact and dependable weapon remained in service beyond WWII and continues to see use in global conflicts today.

• Used by: Soviet Union

The T-34, often referred to as the "Stalin tank," was a heavily armored Soviet tank that played a significant role in World War II. Its outstanding performance during the Battle of Kursk in 1943 solidified its reputation as a formidable force. With a balanced combination of mobility, firepower, and armor, it proved to be a formidable adversary against Nazi Germany and was instrumental in the Soviet Union's victory.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The Panzer VI Tiger, also known as the "King Tiger" or "Royal Tiger," was a powerful asset for German forces during World War II. With over 1,400 units produced and 500 deployed to the Eastern Front, it successfully engaged the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks. Celebrated for its power and performance, it became emblematic of German military expertise during the war.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The Panther IV and V tanks, known as "the Cat" and "the Panther," were standout models in the German tank fleet during World War II, with production numbering into the thousands. The Panther IV distinguished itself at the Battle of Kursk, while the Panther V had enhanced armor and firepower in its later versions. Both played crucial roles in supporting the Nazi war effort.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The Messerschmitt Bf 109, often called the "Me 109," holds the distinction of being the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with over 34,000 units manufactured. As one of the earliest modern fighters, it participated in every major theater of World War II, including the Battle of Britain. Known for its speed and agility, it stood as a key component, alongside the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, of Germany's formidable air force during the war.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The MG-42, dubbed "Hitler's Buzzsaw," was a groundbreaking machine gun known for its exceptional accuracy and incredible firing rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute. Introduced in 1942, over 400,000 were produced by the end of the war. It gained popularity among soldiers and saw action on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The Luger pistol, often called the "the people's pistol," was a widely used semi-automatic sidearm. With over two million units produced from 1900 to 1945, it became a staple firearm known for its reliability and precision. Its accuracy made it a preferred choice among German soldiers during the war.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The Nazis deployed the V-1 Flying Bomb, commonly known as "the Buzz Bomb" or "Doodlebug," to launch long-range attacks on London and other British targets in 1944. With over 30,000 produced, its effectiveness prompted the allies to focus on countering it, leading to the development of Operation Diver. This initiative improved the positioning of anti-aircraft guns and introduced technological advances to combat the threat more effectively.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The successor to the V-1, the V-2 was the first supersonic long-range ballistic missile equipped with a guidance system. Launched over 3,000 times starting in late 1944, these rockets primarily targeted London and later Antwerp. Their immense destructive capability led to significant casualties and damage, proving challenging for British defensive measures.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The Panzerfaust, a single-shot recoilless German anti-tank weapon, earned the nickname the "poor man's tank killer" because of its effectiveness. Lightweight and user-friendly, it was produced in vast numbers and played an important role in the Battle of the Bulge, neutralizing many Allied tanks. Its straightforward design and devastating power made it a favorite among German soldiers.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The MP40 submachine gun, known as the Schmeisser due to its designer's earlier work, was a preferred weapon among Nazi forces. Produced in vast numbers, exceeding a million units from 1938 to 1945, its lightweight design and dependable performance made it popular on the battlefield. It was also instrumental in allowing troops to maneuver quickly and engage enemies with precision.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The 88mm gun, formerly known as the 8.8 cm Flak, was initially designed in the 1930s as an anti-aircraft weapon. However, its effectiveness against tanks became evident, particularly with armor-piercing rounds. Its precision and firepower proved invaluable in numerous battles, from the Siege of Leningrad to the Battle of the Bulge.

• Used by: Nazi Germany

The M24, an updated version of the Stielhandgranate or "stick hand grenade" was nicknamed "the potato masher" by the British because of its distinctive shape. With over four million units produced, this grenade was a popular and potent combat weapon. Its reliability and destructive capabilities were proven in major battles such as the Battle of Stalingrad.

• Used by: United States

General George S. Patton called the M1 Garand, "the greatest battle implement ever devised." This semi-automatic rifle was prized for its firepower, accuracy and reliability, making it indispensable on the battlefield. With over five million units produced it became a standard weapon across all branches of the U.S. military and continued to serve in the Korean War after World War II.

• Used by: United States

Created by famous gunsmith John Browning during World War I, the M2 Browning .50-cal machine gun, known as the "Ma Deuce," played a major role in significant World War II battles like the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of Iwo Jima. Its successors have seen action worldwide, participating in nearly every major conflict since, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars and the war in Afghanistan.

• Used by: United States

The P51 Mustang, sometimes called the "Cadillac of the Skies," was a long-range fighter bomber popular with pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Used by Britain's Royal Air Force, the Air Forces of Canada and New Zealand, and the U.S. Army Air Force, this aircraft was known for its impressive speed, agility, and firepower.

• Used by: United States

The M4 Sherman, a medium tank widely used by both the U.S. and British forces, played a vital role in numerous battles across North Africa, Italy, Normandy, and beyond. With production exceeding 49,000 units, this versatile tank was valued for its durability, versatility, and superior armaments. Yet, its initial design made it susceptible to fires upon impact, leading to tongue-in-cheek nicknames "Zippo" and "Ronson" (after popular cigarette lighter brands), and "Tommycooker" by the Germans, referencing "Tommy" as being slang for a British soldier.

• Used by: United States

Introduced in 1918 and in service until 1969, the Mk 2 fragmentation grenade was a powerful and dependable anti-personnel weapon during World War II. Recognized by its distinctive grooved exterior, it earned the nickname "the pineapple." With production exceeding 20 million units, over six million were manufactured during the war years alone.

• Used by: United States

The bazooka, a portable recoilless anti-tank rocket launcher, played a significant role during World War II, targeting tanks, bunkers, and machine-gun nests. Although it was developed by the U.S., both German and Japanese forces developed their own versions after capturing some examples from the Americans. Initially referring to a specific weapon, the M1, the term "bazooka" later became a generic name for any shoulder-launched anti-tank weapon.

• Used by: United States

While the Tommy gun gained notoriety during the Prohibition era, earning it the nickname "the Chicago typewriter" after the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, it also became a staple for the U.S. forces in World War II. With over a million-and-a-half produced, the gun saw action in key battles like the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Okinawa.

• Used by: United States

The B-17 Flying Fortress, a forerunner to the B-29, was another iconic heavy bomber used by the U.S. in World War II. While it faced challenges at the Battle of Midway, it scored success in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Its impressive defensive weaponry and substantial payload capabilities led to its legacy as one of the most important aircraft to serve in the war.

• Used by: United States

The M101 howitzer is a portable American 105mm light field artillery piece, introduced in 1941 and used extensively by the United States during World War II. With a range of approximately seven miles, it was a crucial part of key battles such as the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Okinawa, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness on the battlefield. Production exceeded 15,000 units during the war, and its service extended into the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Today it remains in occasional use by the National Guard.

• Used by: United States

The atomic bombs detonated over Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II remain the only nuclear weapons ever used in warfare. Nicknamed "Little Boy" and "Fat Man," these bombs were developed at the Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico. On Aug. 6, 1945, a uranium fission bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, followed by a plutonium fission bomb three days later on Nagasaki. The immediate aftermath was catastrophic, with a combined death toll of over 200,000. The atomic bomb is recognized as one of the most devastating weapons ever used.

• Used by: Great Britain

The Lee-Enfield rifle, adopted by Great Britain and Commonwealth forces, served prominently in both World War I and World War II. Beginning its production in 1895, it spawned over a dozen variants. During World War II, the short-magazine Lee-Enfield (often called "Smelly" due to its initials – S.M.L.E.) was a notable version, along with several later models. Over 17 million were produced in all from 1895 to 1956. Its impressive accuracy and dependability made it a preferred choice for British troops, featuring prominently in key battles like the Battle of Dunkirk.

• Used by: Great Britain

The Sten submachine gun, available in various versions, was a popular British weapon used extensively during World War II. Dubbed "the Stench" or "Plumber's Nightmare" due to its rudimentary welded metal tubing construction, it was mass-produced in the millions. The Sten saw widespread use by British and Commonwealth forces in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific Theater.

• Used by: Great Britain

The Supermarine Spitfire, a revered single-seater fighter aircraft, was used by Great Britain and its allies during World War II. Affectionately called "The Spit," it was renowned for its agility and speed. It became an iconic symbol of the Allied victory, playing a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. With over 22,000 units manufactured, it stands as the most widely produced British fighter of the war.

• Used by: Great Britain

Another British single-seat fighter, the Hawker Hurricane, didn't gain the same level of fame as the Supermarine Spitfire but proved highly effective against the Luftwaffe. It flew in many major battles, including the Battle of Britain. One variation was modified for ground attack and became known as the "Hurribomber," while another one was dubbed "the flying can opener."

• Used by: Great Britain

The Avro Lancaster stood out as one of the premier bombers of its time, primarily recognized for its nighttime bombing missions over Nazi-controlled territories and for the famous Dambusters Raid (Operation Chastise) of 1943. This operation destroyed major dams in Germany, flooding the Ruhr and Eder valleys. The plane's impressive size, payload capacity, and range made it well-equipped for challenging missions.

• Used by: Japan

The Zero, known as the "Hamp" or "Hamp-Ki," was a renowned Japanese fighter aircraft in World War II. Produced in large numbers, these planes played significant roles in major battles like the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Additionally, it was one of the planes used by Japan's suicidal kamikaze pilots. With its powerful engines and sturdy design, the Zero proved to be an effective tool in Japanese hands and a formidable foe for Allied forces, frequently doing battle with its U.S.-made counterpart, the Lockheed P-38.