ITALIAN HEAVY TANKS

The P40, P43 and Celere Sahariano tanks represented the latest and most advanced attempts by Italian industry to equip its armoured forces with competitive vehicles in the final phase of the Second World War.

However, industrial problems, delays and the war situation prevented these projects from having a significant impact on operations. Yet, in this final context, ambitious projects were born.

The P40, classified as "heavy" despite its 26 tonnes (well below Allied standards), was the first real attempt to equip the Italian Army with a tank capable of competing with the Sherman and Panzer IV. With its 75/34 gun and armour inspired by German vehicles, the P40 could have changed the tide of battle—if only it had been produced in significant numbers before