Design Overview & Tactical Role
The Carro Armato P40 (designated P 26/40: 'Pesante' [Heavy] 26 tons, adopted in 1940) was the most formidable tank built by Italy during World War II. Although classified as a heavy tank under Italian doctrine, its 26-ton weight and 75/34 gun placed it on par with Allied medium tanks like the M4 Sherman and Panzer IV, featuring sloped armor inspired by Soviet T-34s captured by the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia.
Combat History & Battle Records
Following Italy's Armistice with the Allies in September 1943, the Ansaldo factories were seized by Germany. The Wehrmacht requisitioned approximately 100 P40s under the designation Panzerkampfwagen P40 737(i), deploying them to defend defensive lines in Northern Italy against Allied advances.
Related Armored Vehicles (World War II)
Modern
1995
World War II
1942
World War II
1944
World War II
1943