The Fiat-Ansaldo M1340 was an Italian medium tank (M for Medio (medium) according to the Italian tank weight standards at the time: 13 tonnes was the scheduled weight and 1940 the initial year of production), designed to replace the Fiat L3, the Fiat L640 and the Fiat M1139 in the Italian Army at the start of World War II. The design was influenced by the British Vickers 6-Ton and was based on the modified chassis of the earlier Fiat M1139. Indeed, M1139 production was cut short in order to get the M1340 into production. Although designated a medium tank, the M1340 was closer to contemporary light tanks in armor and firepower.
