List of Italian Army equipment in World War II

Beretta M1934-NMAH-AHB2015q028854

Beretta M1935

Glisenti M1910

Bodeo M1889 Service Revolver-NMAH-AHB2015q024186

List of Italian Army Equipment in World War II details the military hardware that was in service with the Italian Army during World War II. The Italian Army, known as the Regio Esercito, was involved in multiple campaigns across Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern Front, necessitating a diverse range of equipment from small arms to armored vehicles and artillery.

Small Arms

Rifles

• Carcano Modello 1891 - The primary service rifle of the Italian Army during World War II. It was a bolt-action rifle chambered for the 6.5×52mm Carcano cartridge.
• Carcano Modello 1938 - A shorter version of the Modello 1891, also chambered in 6.5×52mm Carcano.

Submachine Guns

• Beretta Model 38 - The most successful Italian submachine gun of World War II, chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.
• FNA-B 43 - Another Italian submachine gun used during the war, chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.

Handguns

• Beretta M1934 - A .380 ACP (9mm Corto) semi-automatic pistol used extensively by the Italian military.
• Beretta M1935 - Similar to the M1934 but chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm).

Machine Guns

• Breda 30 - The standard light machine gun of the Italian Army, chambered in 6.5×52mm Carcano.
• Breda Model 37 - A heavier machine gun used by the Italian Army, chambered in 8mm.

Artillery

• Cannone da 75/32 - A model of field artillery used by the Italian Army.
• Obice da 105/14 - A howitzer that was part of Italy's artillery units.

Armored Vehicles

Tanks

• Carro Armato M13/40 - A medium tank that was the most produced Italian tank of the war.
• Carro Armato P40 - A heavier tank designed later in the war, but it saw limited action.

Self-Propelled Guns

• Semovente da 75/18 - A self-propelled gun based on the chassis of the M13/40 tank.
• Semovente da 105/25 - The most powerful Italian self-propelled gun of World War II.

Aircraft

While primarily used by the Regia Aeronautica, the Italian Army did operate some aircraft for reconnaissance and liaison purposes.

• Fiat CR.42 - A biplane fighter used for various duties including ground support.
• Caproni Ca.309 - Used for light reconnaissance and ground support roles.

Uniforms and Personal Equipment

The Italian Army's uniforms varied from the traditional grey-green grigio-verde of the early war period to the more practical and widely used "Sahariana" suits in the North African Campaign. Personal equipment included the standard Italian military kit, comprising ammunition pouches, water bottles, and mess tins.

Conclusion

The equipment of the Italian Army in World War II was diverse, ranging from small arms to heavy artillery and tanks. Despite facing challenges such as outdated equipment and insufficient industrial capacity, the Italian military made significant contributions to the Axis war effort, particularly in North Africa and on the Eastern Front.