OF-40

The OF-40 is an Italian main battle tank developed as a joint venture between OTO Melara and Fiat. Intended for export, the vehicle’s designation derives from the initials of the two companies and the tank's intended mass class. Design work began in 1977, with prototypes completed in 1980 and production occurring between 1980 and 1985. The vehicle is an evolution of the Lion project, a tropicalized Leopard 1 variant developed for Middle Eastern markets. Following the cessation of German cooperation on the Lion, OTO Melara developed the OF-40 to permit independent sales.

The tank utilizes mechanical components and a layout derived from the Leopard 1. The hull positions the driver at the front-right, with ammunition storage and NBC systems to the left. The turret is centrally mounted, housing the commander and gunner on the right and the loader on the left. The primary armament consists of an OTO Melara 105mm L/52 rifled gun, which is more compact than the L7 gun and features a thermal sleeve, fume extractor, and semi-automatic breech. The cannon uses NATO-standard ammunition, including APDS, HEAT, HESH, and smoke rounds. The Mk.3 variant was designed with a 120mm smoothbore gun. Secondary armament includes two 7.62mm FN MAG machine guns, one mounted coaxially and one at the loader's hatch.

The fire-control system includes an independently stabilized panoramic day/night sight for the commander and a gunner’s telescopic sight integrated with a laser rangefinder. The Mk.2 version introduced an improved fire-control system with dual-axis main gun stabilization and a turret-mounted LLLTV camera.

Propulsion is provided by an MTU MB 838 Ca M500 V-10 multi-fuel diesel engine paired with a ZF transmission system featuring a fluid torque converter. The engine is liquid-cooled and includes an automatic air-cooling system for operation in arid environments. The suspension consists of independent torsion bars with hydraulic shock absorbers and friction dampers. The tank is equipped with a snorkel for limited underwater driving and water pumps for fording.

The United Arab Emirates was the sole operator of the OF-40. Although the vehicle was trialled by Thailand and offered for production in Spain, Greece, and Egypt, no other orders were placed. All units in the United Arab Emirates were upgraded to the Mk.2 standard and were eventually withdrawn from service and replaced by the Leclerc main battle tank. The OF-40 chassis served as the basis for the Palmaria self-propelled artillery system and an armored recovery vehicle. A prototype for a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, the Sabiex HIFV, was also developed using existing OF-40 hulls but did not reach serial production.