At the outbreak of the First World War, it is estimated there were 22 Obice da 280's deployed in coastal batteries. 12 guns were deployed near Spartà and 10 were deployed near Calabria guarding the straights of Messina. For transport, the Obice da 280 could be broken down into multiple wagon loads for towing to the front by artillery tractors and then reassembled onsite on using cranes and winches. Many were removed from their coastal fortifications and were deployed on the Isonzo front in 1917 and were captured by the Austrians in the Battle of Caporetto. What use the Austrians made of the captured guns is unknown?