The VK 16.02 Leopard was a planned German light reconnaissance vehicle designed from mid-1941 through to January 1943, with serial production scheduled for April 1943.

Two variants were initially being designed, a lighter one weighing 18 tons and a heavier one weighing 26 tons, but in June 1942 Hitler decided to continue development on only the heavier one, as he deemed protection from enemy anti-tank guns a priority.

In a meeting on 13 October 1942 Hitler was informed the lighter variant design was preferred by the troops, as it would better fit the reconnaissance role, while the heavier design had too similar characteristics to the Panther, with the only difference being the smaller gun.

In order to increase cross-country performance, the VK 1602 was fitted with 660 mm wide tracks, the same that were used on the Panther.

A turret similar to that of the Leopard, yet smaller with armor thinner and at lower angles, were later put on the Sd.Kfz.