The expansion of Mussolini's colonial empire required aircraft to be specifically built to patrol its extensive territories. Perhaps the most notable design was the Caproni Ca.133, developed from a number of previous models which saw action in Italy's initial colonial campaigns. The Ca.133 featured a tri-motor layout which was later to become commonplace among Italian aircraft and was optimized as a bomber-transport, capable of not only carrying troops but to keep them supplied and quell any local resistance in addition to operate in difficult conditions. Ca 133s were operational during the invasion of Abyssinia as well as the later campaigns in Spain, Albania and against Yugoslav partisans. It was best known, however, as a workhorse in the Italian campaigns in North Africa and Russia although it was eventually relegated to transport and ambulance duties. Foreign users included Austria, Hungary, and Spain and saw action with both Allies and Axis after the Italian capitulation in 1943.

Origins of the Ca.133 began in the Ca.101 of 1932, followed by the single-engined Ca.111 one year later. These saw combat in Abyssinia and Albania and were eventually superseded by the definitive Ca.133 which equipped a total of 14 squadrons in the Regia Aeronautica mostly in East and North Africa.