We are happy to introduce the first Italian tanks that will give Italian vehicle fans access to combined battles!

Recently we announced the Italian aircraft research tree and many players asked us to introduce Italian ground vehicles that could participate in combined battles. The Italian ground vehicle tech tree is currently in development but in order to make it possible for Italian vehicles to participate in combined battles, we decided to add two tanks early in the upcoming major update. 

In War Thunder update 1.73 “Vive la France” we are introducing (along with the French aircraft tech tree) two premium Italian tanks: the medium P40 for earlier ranks and an Italian M26 “Pershing” for higher ranked battles. Both tank packs are now available in our online store.

Before the introduction of the Italian ground forces tech tree, these additional vehicles will have 3 respawns in all modes. Let us tell you more about these machines.

Advanced pack P40 Leoncello			Advanced pack M26 Pershing Ariete
This pack includes: Tank P40 Leoncello (rank 2, Italy) 7 days of premium account "Breda Mod. 38 machine gun" 3d decoration 1000 Golden Eagles			This pack includes: M26 Pershing Ariete (rank 4, Italy); 7 days of premium account 1000 Golden Eagles
19.99			34.99

P40 Gruppo Corazzato "Leoncello"

In War Thunder, the P40 medium tank will be among the first Italian ground vehicles players will have the chance to get their hands on. The vehicle will take its place at the lower ranks of the newly formed Italian ground forces tree, as a premium vehicle. When looking at the general characteristics of the P40, one would be correct in assuming that this vehicle falls more under the medium tank classification. In fact, the only reason it was classified a heavy tank by the Italians was because of the vehicle’s intended support role. The performance of the P40 was, at the time of its introduction, quite comparable to that of the American M4 Sherman and later modifications of the German Panzer IV. The P40 was equipped with a 75mm anti-tank cannon, capable of penetrating 70mm of armour at a range of 500 meters, as well as a Breda 8mm coaxial machine gun. The armour protection of the P40 is also, unsurprisingly, relatively thin for a vehicle that was classified as a heavy tank. At its thickest, the armour protection on the P40 rises to 50mm on the turret. With the frontal hull plate being 50mm thick.

Though this armour protection might seem a bit underwhelming at first, it may still prove itself effective against certain cannons found on lower ranked vehicles. 

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Thankfully, the relatively thin armour doesn’t weigh the P40 down too much, the 330 horsepower diesel engine is entirely capable of getting the vehicle up to its maximum speed of 40 km/h in a relatively short time. As such, the P40 can keep up with the advance of lighter vehicles and effectively support them throughout the battle. Don’t get carried away though! As previously mentioned, the armour protection is good enough to stop only certain, usually lower calibre, anti-tank cannons. By being right out there in the heat of the battle, players may expose their tank to foes equipped with much more powerful primary armaments. As it happens, neither the tank nor its crew like the sound of that very much, especially the crew. The four man team operates in cramped conditions, meaning that a single successful penetration to the fighting compartment will likely take out all four crew members from the action in one go. To minimize the chances of this happening, make sure to take on a much more supportive role with the P40. Advance with your allies and stay close to them, focus on individual targets instead of engaging multiple and use your vehicle’s mobility to retreat to a safer position in time before the enemy breaks through! 

The P40, though being deployed too late and in too few numbers to properly make a name for itself in the real world, is now headed for the heated battles of War Thunder to receive a second chance at earning a fearsome reputation. 

M26 “Pershing” of the 132nd Armoured Division Ariete

The 132nd Armoured Division Ariete - was one of the best Italian tank divisions that proved itself during the North African campaign and at the Battle of El-Alamein in particular. This division was restored in 1948. 

We are introducing the Italian M26 “Pershing” - an Italian tank with American origins. This is a well-known Pershing, one of the best medium tanks in War Thunder, it has its own dark olive-green camouflage, its canvas cover for the gun mantlet is removed as well as track screens. Its tracks are rubber-covered. The Italian “Pershing” has unique decals  - 132nd Armoured Division’s markings.

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 This is an awesome rank IV vehicle capable of both holding its ground and playing an active role in the offensive. A great choice for higher ranked battles. 

The War Thunder Team