Originally developed by FIAT-Ansaldo as a private venture for export, this 6-ton light recce tank was ordered by the Italian Army.   Deliveries started in 1941.   Armed with a 20mm Breda Model 35 and a co-axial mg, it had a top cross-country speed of 25 Km/h.

The L6-40 served in North Africa, Vichy France, Italy and Russia.   After the Italian Armistice, confiscated vehicles were taken into service by the Germans and used mainly on anti-partisan operations in Italy and the Balkans.