As the war progressed it was German policy to adapt old tank hulls to carry artillery pieces. One of the most utilized chassis was that of the Panzerkampfwagen IV, adapted to mount a whole series of anti-tank and assault guns.

The Grille 10 was a heavily modified Pz.Kpfw.IV, with track work from the Sd.Kfz.9 artillery tractor. It was originally designed to carry an 8.8cm anti-tank gun. However the design was changed in 1942 and three prototype vehicles were built mounting the 8.8cm FlaK 37 anti-aircraft gun. These were designated Versuchsflakwagen (Vfw) für 8.8cm FlaK 37, and were ready for testing in late 1943.

The idea was to provide a highly mobile anti-aircraft gun to the Panzer Divisions, protecting the tanks from air attack. In 1944 these vehicles were fitted with the 8.8cm FlaK 41, though a single vehicle was refitted with a FlaK 37 and sent for battle testing in Italy. The two remaining Vfw fur 8.8cm FlaK 41 vehicles were successful in their trials, but the war ended before mass production could begin in 1945.