During World War II, the Germans did not develop heavy machine guns comparable to the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun for their half-tracks, self-propelled (SP) guns, and tanks for several key reasons related to doctrine, existing armament, and strategic priorities.
The German military's approach to weaponry during the war emphasized versatility and the integration of lighter, more mobile weapons. Instead of focusing on heavy machine guns, the Germans prioritized developing effective anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, as well as smaller caliber machine guns like the MG34 and MG42, which were highly effective in providing infantry support and mounted on various vehicles. These machine guns were 7.92mm, which provided a balance of firepower, accuracy, and rate of fire, suitable for a variety of battlefield scenarios.
Furthermore, the German military doctrine emphasized the use of armored vehicles and tanks with superior main guns and armor rather than relying on heavy machine guns for anti-aircraft or anti-infantry purposes. German tanks like the Panzer IV, Panther, and Tiger were equipped with powerful 75mm or 88mm guns that were more effective for engaging both infantry and armored targets. The focus was on firepower and armor protection, with the expectation that infantry or lighter vehicles could take on anti-infantry roles with smaller caliber machine guns.
Additionally, Germany's industrial resources were stretched throughout the war. The production of heavier machine guns like the M2 Browning would have required significant resources, and the Germans may have felt that their existing weapons were sufficient for the roles of their vehicles. The lighter MG34 and MG42 served as effective armament for vehicles like half-tracks, armored cars, and SP guns, while larger caliber guns and anti-tank weapons were the priority.
In contrast, the M2 Browning, with its larger .50 caliber round, was developed by the United States specifically to combat aircraft, light vehicles, and to provide additional firepower against infantry. The Germans simply did not prioritize such heavy machine guns, focusing instead on other forms of armament.