In 1961, after receiving intel on the U.S.S.R.'s T-10M heavy tank, the Italian military decided to build their own tank that could fight the Soviet opponent. Preparation of tech specs was delayed, and development only began in 1965. The vehicle was designated as the Coccodrillo and intended as a support medium tank. By 1970, the project was largely completed; however, by that time, Italy had started licensed production of the Leopard 1. As a result, the country took the Coccodrillo project no further due to high costs and low mobility compared to the German vehicle.