The development of the OTOMATIC began in the late 1980s when OTO Melara designed the family of OF-40/Palmaria vehicles, including MBT, ARV, and SPAA variants. Initially, OTO Melara proposed the ATAK-35 CA for the SPAA role, which was equipped with the Dutch Cheetah PRTL turret (similar to the Gepard's). However, this design did not generate much interest, despite being tested by multiple nations. As a result, OTO Melara came up with a new and radical design for the SPAAG, featuring a modified version of the naval 76 mm cannon developed by OTO Melara as the main armament. This anti-air vehicle was named OTO Main Anti-aircraft Tank for Intercept and Combat, or OTOMATIC for short. The OTOMATIC garnered interest from both the Italian army and air force, as Italy lacked a sophisticated self-propelled air defense system at the time, most examples instead being truck-transported static emplacements. The OTOMATIC also offered advanced features such as an extremely modern FCS with search and tracking radar, as well as a datalink for easy integration into a nation's air defense network. The 76 mm calibre allowed compatibility with rounds used by naval forces, and a special APFSDS round was also developed for potential use against enemy vehicles. Unfortunately, the OTOMATIC proved to be too expensive for Italy, and they ultimately chose the SIDAM 25 as a less sophisticated but more cost-effective option that could be acquired in larger numbers.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the OTOMATIC is a highly potent radar-equipped SPAAG, capable of shooting proximity-fused fragmentation rounds that can destroy planes in a single, well-aimed shot. When acting as a pure anti-air vehicle, it is recommended to stay in a capture zone since the OTOMATIC carries a limited amount of ammunition (90 shells for a cannon with a 0.5s reload). Keep in mind that at your battle rating, you will encounter jets and helicopters that outrange you, so it is essential to remain hidden until the enemy aircraft are within range of your cannon. As the OTOMATIC is a large vehicle, it becomes an easy target for vehicles equipped with ATGMs when exposed in the open. The vehicle's armour is lacking, and enemy fire will easily penetrate both the hull and turret. Fortunately, the mobility of the OTOMATIC is excellent for a vehicle of its kind, allowing you to reach strategic positions without lagging behind your team.

It is advisable to focus on shooting down aircraft when you first unlock the OTOMATIC. The stock rounds can damage lightly armoured vehicles, but engaging enemy tanks with them is risky until APFSDS rounds are unlocked. Once unlocked, you can confidently take on enemy vehicles at your battle rating, thanks to the autoloader and powerful ammunition. However, engaging enemies frontally is not recommended as it reduces the chances of damaging key components. Flanking and firing at enemies from their sides is a more effective strategy.