The M43 105/25 "Bassotto" self-propelled gun was developed by the Italian industry to enhance the offensive capabilities of the armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery of the Royal Italian Army. The M43 was based on the modified, widened, and lowered chassis of the M15/42 tank and was equipped with an Ansaldo 105/25 howitzer mounted in a casemate. Its armor and frontal shielding were also improved. It entered service in a limited number of units in 1943 and took part in operations on the Italian front. It is considered the most powerful Italian armored vehicle used during World War II, effective in both offensive and defensive actions due to a good balance of mobility and firepower. After Italy's armistice, several units were captured and successfully employed by German troops, who renamed the "Bassotto" as "StuG M43 mit 105/25."