Pantera was one of three Leone-class destroyers built for the Regia Marina (Royal Italian Navy) in the early 1920s.

The ships were designed as scout cruisers (esploratori), essentially enlarged versions of contemporary destroyers.

They were initially ordered in 1917, but postponed due to steel shortages, and re-ordered in 1920.

The turbines were rated at 42,000 shaft horsepower (31,000 kW) for a speed of 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph) in service, although Pantera reached 34.3 knots (63.5 km/h; 39.5 mph) from 48,705 shp (36,319 kW) during her sea trials.

The ships carried enough fuel oil to give them a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km; 2,300 mi) at a speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).