The Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 11/21) were the first major variants of the A6M Zero.

The first A6M2s were of the Model 11 (A6M2a) version, which saw action against the Republic of China in 1940. The Model 21 (A6M2b) was the first major variant, being deployed to Japanese carrier groups through 1941 and 1942. These included their use during Pearl Harbor, Darwin, the Indian Ocean raids, Coral Sea, Midway, Eastern Solomons and Santa Cruz.

Sub-Variant list

• A6M2a Zero (Navy Type 0 Model 11) - Original combat variant
• A6M2b Zero (Navy Type 0 Model 21) - First major combat variant