War Thunder

The update brings new water visual effects and dozens of new military vehicles

Gaijin Entertainment is pleased to announce that the new Ninth Wave Major Update for the online military action game War Thunder is now available for players. In addition to rank IX aviation and domestic Hungarian aircraft, it brings completely redesigned water physics and visual effects in naval battles! Iconic new vehicles include the Chinese J-15T fighter jet, the Italian Centauro II tank destroyer, the Russian Pantsir-SM-SV air defense system, and the French aircraft carrier Foch.

Watch the official ‘Ninth Wave’ Update Trailer HERE.

With the Ninth Wave update, naval battles have become even more epic. Subsurface scattering has been implemented for water, which calculates the distribution of light as it interacts with objects beneath the surface, creating a sense of interior volume within the body of water. Reflections on the water surface at different viewing angles are now more accurately rendered, and sea foam rendering is now based on swirl physics and wave resonance. The interaction between objects and water has also been improved, making bomb explosions and torpedo movements even more realistic.

The Chinese J-15T multirole carrier-based combat aircraft is externally reminiscent of the Russian Su-33, which served as the basis for the 15 series jets. Its internal components are completely different however – ​​for example, it features an advanced active phased array radar and Chinese WS-10B engines with an afterburning thrust of nearly 14,000 kgf each. The pilot can carry a large arsenal of unguided and guided weapons, including anti-ship missiles, on 12 hardpoints.

The Centauro II is an Italian wheeled tank destroyer, the prototype of which was unveiled in 2016. Unlike the first Centauro, the new model features the HITFACT Mk II turret, in which the automatic loader and ammunition stowage are located behind an armored bulkhead and separated from the crew, significantly increasing survivability. The arsenal includes the effective DM53 round with a penetration of over 620 mm, capable of combating even the most advanced armored vehicles. Furthermore, the Centauro II has a more powerful 720 horsepower engine, which quickly accelerates the vehicle to speeds in excess of 100 km/h.

The Pantsir-SM-SV is a modernized Russian anti-aircraft artillery system built on a mobile tracked chassis, and equipped with an improved radar with increased detection range and two new types of ammunition. The long-range 95Ya6M missiles fly up to 40 km at a speed of 1,700 meters per second. Their warhead deploys several dozen meters from the target, showering it with shrapnel. The new small TKB-1055 missiles are designed to engage multiple small targets at close range, such as UAVs, incoming munitions, and light helicopters. More information about the update is available on the official War Thunder website.

Update brings dozens of new vehicles, including World War II legends and the most modern models

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the “Ninth Wave” major update for the online military action game War Thunder will be released in mid-March. It introduces Rank IX and the most modern generation 4+ aircraft, such as the F/A-18F and Su-30SM2. The major update will also feature Hungarian planes, redesigned classic maps like “White Rock Fortress” and “Ardennes” and dozens of new ground, air, and naval vehicles, including the American destroyer Helm, which was one of the first to fight back against the enemy at Pearl Harbor.

‘Ninth Wave’ Update Trailer

The Australian F/A-18F Super Hornet is a two-seat modification of the renowned fighter-bomber, capable of carrying a large number of AMRAAM active radar-homing missiles for long-range air combat and a vast arsenal of air-to-surface weapons for ground attack. These aircraft were delivered to the Australian Air Force from 2010 to 2012, and were used in Iraq in 2014.

White Rock Fortress, one of War Thunder’s first ground battle locations, was essentially rebuilt from scratch according to modern graphics standards, with an abundance of fine visual details, while maintaining the navigation familiar to veterans. A similar graphical overhaul awaits fans of the Ardennes map, with abandoned gun emplacements, collapsed buildings, and trees covered in autumn gold now look significantly better, while all approaches, bypasses, and terrain layout remain unchanged. There are also some gameplay innovations: abandoned vehicles (bulldozers and tractors) can now be used as temporary mobile cover by pushing them forward.

Hungarian combat aircraft will be added to the Italian aviation research tree, starting with the Héja I and II fighters, based on the all-metal Reggiane Re.2000 monoplane from the Second World War. The Héja I features an 8mm steel backplate, which adds some weight but significantly increases survivability. In the Héja II, Hungarian engineers installed a new domestically produced propeller-engine system, redistributed the fuel tanks, and installed Hungarian Gebauer 1940.M GKM heavy machine guns with a higher rate of fire.

The M1296 Dragoon is an American combat vehicle based on the Stryker platform, featuring a new unmanned turret with a 30 mm XM813 cannon. Its shells can effectively destroy light vehicles and helicopters, and even penetrate the side of any main battle tank. Its fast wheeled chassis allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h on hard surfaces, maneuver quickly, and flank the enemy.

More information about the “Ninth Wave” update can be found on the game’s official website.

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the “Line of Contact” major content update for the online military action game War Thunder is now available to players. It brings dozens of new iconic ground, naval, and air vehicles, including the M10 Booker tank, the Terminator series tank support combat vehicles, the F/A-18E Super Hornet carrier-based fighter, and the Prince of Wales battleship. Applications for the Infantry mode Closed Beta Test have also opened on the official website, and the test itself will start in the coming weeks.

“Line of Contact” Release Trailer

The M10 Booker is a modern American light tank with good mobility, a 105mm XM35 gun, and the best armor-piercing shell of its caliber, capable of penetrating even the best protected main battle tanks. The fire control system includes a convenient panoramic sight, a laser rangefinder, and a thermal imager. Although the M10 Booker program was canceled this year, two dozen vehicles were delivered to the troops in February 2024. In War Thunder, this tank is ideal for reconnaissance and in the sniper role.

The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a major upgrade of the F/A-18C Hornet, significantly different from the original model. For example the airframe was redesigned and is 90% different, featuring an increased proportion of composite materials. It is the most modern and advanced carrier-based 4++ generation fighter-attack aircraft in the US Navy, equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, 11 hardpoints, a vast arsenal of smart weapons, and a convenient helmet-mounted targeting system.

The BMPT Terminator is a Russian specialized tank support vehicle. Its two 30mm automatic cannons can engage light vehicles and aircraft, while the Ataka ATGM allows for tank hunting. The first iteration of the Terminator also has an automatic 30mm AGS grenade launcher as part of its combat module. Both Terminator versions added to War Thunder use a tank chassis (T-90 or T-72), which provides good mobility and a good amount of protection compared to infantry fighting vehicles and other light vehicles.

More information on the update is available on the official War Thunder website.

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the “Line of Contact” major content update for the online military action game War Thunder will launch in late December and will feature closed testing for a completely new mode. This mode focuses on infantry fighting alongside modern ground and air combat vehicles in urban environments. The mode was announced in April 2025, and its open testing is scheduled for 2026. Furthermore, “Line of Contact” will bring new maps and dozens of new vehicles, as well as other improvements and content for existing War Thunder modes.

Watch the Line of Contact Update Trailer

Infantry battles will take place exclusively on new maps specially created for the new mode. Test participants will be able to fight for two in-game nations (the USA and the USSR/Russia) with pre-installed sets of modern weapons and gear, as well as ground and air vehicles. New maps, nations, and military hardware will regularly be added to the game in the future, just as in other War Thunder modes.

Infantry squads in the Closed Beta will be armed with M4A1, M16A4, M7, AK-74, AK-12, and ASM Val assault rifles; M249 Para and RPK-74M light machine guns; M110A1 SDMR and SVD-M designated marksman rifles; MAC 11 and PP-19 Bizon submachine guns; as well as hand grenades, grenade launchers, MANPADS, reconnaissance drones, and FPV drones. During the Closed Beta, infantry will be supported by M1 Abrams and T-72B tanks, M3A3 Bradley and BMP-3 fighting vehicles, and AH-64A and Mi-24V helicopters.

More information will be provided on how to access the closed beta test on the official War Thunder website.

The new update features dozens of new military vehicles, overhauled maps and more!

Gaijin Entertainment is pleased to announce the new major update “Spearhead” for the online military action game War Thunder is now available to players! It includes visual remakes of the maps “Stalingrad” and “Carpathians”, along with dozens of new ground, air, and naval vehicles. Some standout examples include the Italian MB-326K attack aircraft, the Israeli M113 HVMS IFV, the American F-15C Golden Eagle fighter jet and the Venezuelan Su-30MK2 AMV fighter jet.

Watch the “Spearhead” Release Trailer HERE.

The MB-326K is a strike modification of the Italian MB-326, a fully armed and agile trainer aircraft! Pilots can equip a wide range of weaponry, from various free-fall bombs of calibers between 250 and 500 lb, napalm bombs and several unguided rockets. The aircraft also features powerful internal 30 mm DEFA guns, and can bolster this firepower further with 7.62 mm miniguns and an additional pair of 30 mm cannon pods.

The Venezuelan Su-30MK2 AMV is a modern heavy fighter with 12 weapon hardpoints. It is able to equip a total payload of over 8000 kg, all while maintaining high maneuverability and reaching speeds exceeding mach 2 with a full combat load. It can equip a large range of weaponry, from the familiar air-to-air missiles, TV-guided bombs and Kh-29L and Kh-29TD air-to-surface missiles. This special Su-30 modification can also equip the Kh-59M – a giant missile new to War Thunder, designed to engage ground and naval targets.

The legendary Stalingrad map, which debuted in the game 10 years ago, has been completely visually overhauled as well. This upgrade has not functionally changed the map, focusing instead on graphical improvements – this way this much loved map will stay familiar to players, while also being much more visually appealing. Another original map, Carpathians, has been upgraded in a similar way too. All objects and foliage have been remodeled from scratch, giving it a much more realistic and fresh appearance.

The full list of changes in the “Spearhead” update is available on the official War Thunder website.

“Spearhead” content update is coming this November

Gaijin Entertainment is pleased to announce that the major content update “Spearhead” for the military action online game War Thunder will be releasing this November. There’s dozens of new ground, air and naval vehicles for players to look forward to, including the British Hawk 200 strike aircraft, and the modern French Jaguar EBRC and the Chinese CM-34 recon vehicles. The colossal battleship Musashi will also be arriving, the sistership of the legendary Yamato.

‘Spearhead’ Update Trailer

The British Hawk project was originally conceived as a jet trainer, but also proved to be a popular light fighter and strike aircraft, subsonic and highly maneuverable. The Hawk 200 modification first flew in 1986 and was exported to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Oman, while the entire Hawk family is used by more than a dozen countries. For air-to-air combat, the aircraft is armed with four AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and 30mm cannons, but the Hawk 200′s primary role is to strike ground and surface targets. Its expansive arsenal also includes powerful Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles, a new weapon in War Thunder.

The Jaguar EBRC was developed as part of a large-scale modernization program for the French Army, with the first batch of vehicles entering service in 2021. It is a fast, wheeled reconnaissance vehicle equipped with cutting edge weaponry and equipment. Its 40mm CTC autocannon fires APFSDS and AHEAD rounds to effectively combat both ground and air targets. Its large turret is equipped with a launcher for a pair of Akeron MP anti-tank missiles with a tandem warhead, which can penetrate over 1,000 mm of armor. The Jaguar EBRC also features a modern fire control system, including a panoramic commander sight, a laser warning receiver, and thermal imaging for both the gunner and commander sights. On roads, the Jaguar can comfortably reach speeds up to 90 km/h.

The CM-34 Yunbao is a Chinese wheeled reconnaissance vehicle with high speed, excellent electronics, spall liners and a powerful 30mm Bushmaster cannon. It can achieve staggering speeds of up to 100 km/h on roads and can reach 40 km/h in reverse as well. In the game, the CM-34 fits perfectly into Rank VI vehicle lineups and will be a key vehicle on fast-paced maps, ideal for capturing locations or flanking enemies.

You can find more information on all the new vehicles coming to War Thunder in the Spearhead major update on the official website.

Gaijin Entertainment is thrilled to announce that the “Tusk Force” major content update for the online military action game War Thunder has been released to players. The update name is inspired by the new subtree of Thai ground vehicles, and the update itself features dozens of new military vehicles for different nations and eras. Some great examples include the American M55 self-propelled howitzer and the sleek B-66B jet bomber, the Chinese Qing-6 flying boat, the Thai F-5TH Super Tigris and the USS Charles F. Adams destroyer.

Watch the Tusk Force Release Trailer HERE.

The F-5TH Super Tigris is an extensively modernized variant of the F-5E/F Tiger II developed and operated by the Royal Thai Air Force in the late 2010s. This considerable upgrade brings modern avionics, radar, new cockpit elements and most importantly — compatibility with highly advanced air-to-air and precision-guided weapons, bringing the capabilities of the aircraft up to a modern standard.

The M55 is a huge 203mm self-propelled howitzer produced in the USA, and later exported to many allied nations, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Turkey. In War Thunder, it relies on teamwork to operate effectively, helping the team behind the frontline by supplying devastating supporting fire from a safer position. The benefit of a cannon this size is that accuracy doesn’t need to be perfect, as long as the shell connects it will more than likely be game over for your target.

Douglas B-66B Destroyer is a light bomber developed for the U.S. Air Force in the early 1950s as part of America’s shift toward jet-powered tactical aircraft at the beginning of the Cold War. Originally derived from a naval twin-engine jet bomber, the B-66B features sleek swept wings, optimized for transonic speeds. Powered by a pair of Allison J71 turbojet engines, the B-66B can reach top speeds of around 1,000 km/h at medium altitudes, complete with a sizable bomb load.

Charles F. Adams-class destroyers became iconic during the Cold War, combining traditional gunfire with cutting-edge missile technology. The lead ship of the class entered service in 1960 and immediately found itself at the epicenter of history, participating in the Mercury 8 mission and later the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. She is armed with the RIM-24 Tartar anti-aircraft missile system, which can also be used against enemy ships.

More information on the update is available on the official website.

New update features the first Ukrainian-made tank in the game

Gaijin Entertainment announces that “Tusk Force”, the next major content update for the online military action game War Thunder, will be released in mid-September. Alongside dozens of other ground, air and naval vehicles, Tusk Force adds a brand-new subtree of Thai ground vehicles (within the Japanese tech tree), the American battleship USS Maryland, the British Sky Sabre SAM system, the Russian Buk-M3 SAM system, and the Canadian CF-188A fighter jet.

Watch the “Tusk Force” Update Trailer HERE.

The Oplot-T tank is War Thunder’s first Ukrainian-made tank. A modification of the T-80UD main battle tank built for the Royal Thai army, these vehicles saw combat during the brief 2025 border clash with Cambodia. The Oplot-T sports reactive armor, a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR), and an optronic countermeasures system. Thanks to its upgraded transmission, it can reverse at up to 30 km/h, allowing it to quickly fall back to cover. In addition to ammunition typical for the USSR tech tree, the Oplot is armed with Chinese-made ammo like the GP125 ATGMs and the new top-end BTA4 APFSDS round – capable of penetrating over half a meter of armor.

The USS Maryland is the third of the Colorado-class battleships. In World War II she delivered naval gunfire support for the landings on Tarawa, Kwajalein and Saipan, where she was damaged by a torpedo, and later endured kamikaze attacks during the battles for Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. In combat, she relies on eight powerful 406 -mm main guns, rapid-fire secondary batteries, and a battery of automatic anti-aircraft artillery.

Britain’s Sky Sabre system entered service in December 2021 and now protects the skies over the British mainland and the Falkland Islands. In War Thunder, players deploy a radar vehicle to detect targets and two launchers – each armed with 8 new-to-the-game CAMM or extended-range CAMM-ER missiles with ranges of 25 and 45 km, respectively – to keep enemy aircraft at bay.

The Buk-M3 is a modern Russian anti-aircraft missile system, adopted in 2016. Its 9M317MA missiles feature thrust- vector control and can endure an overload of 30G, allowing them to engage agile targets even at close range. Even if the primary radar vehicle is lost, the player can continue the battle using the launchers alone, which are equipped with their own sights, a thermal imager, and a built-in radar capable of detecting and tracking targets in a narrow sector.

For full details on the “Tusk Force” update, visit the official War Thunder website.

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the major content update “Leviathans” for the military online action War Thunder is already available to the players. While battleships like Yamato are literally the largest part of it, the update also introduces a completely new type of military vehicle: multi-vehicle SAM systems. The Swiss aviation subtree and the legendary Comanche helicopter will also fire many players up.

Watch the “Leviathans” Update Trailer HERE.

As War Thunder is gradually adding more and more sophisticated modern weapon systems to the virtual battlefield, the time has come for the advanced SAM systems that consist of multiple vehicles that work together, including one with a radar for surveillance and fire control, and one or more launchers. War Thunder players will be able to field those two machines at same time, cycling between them and driving them around independently.

A good example of a multi-vehicle SAM system is the German IRIS-T SLM that consists of one radar vehicle and two launchers. All vehicles have no armor and are truly large in size, so they can be easily spotted and destroyed if an enemy comes close enough. On the other hand, this SAM fires IRIS-T SL medium-range missiles that feature an all-aspect thermal imaging homing head with an inertial guidance system, offer improved noise and IR countermeasure immunity and are capable of totally clearing up the sky at distances of up to 40 km.

Other multi-vehicle SAM systems in War Thunder include Japanese Tan-SAM kai and American CLAWS based on the famous Humvee chassis.

The Swiss aviation subtree is added to the German aircraft tree, offering more tactical options to the players. It includes the Mirage IIIS C.70 export modification, a new variant of the Hawker Hunter F.58, as well as two variants of the formidable F/A-18 Hornet. The highlight of this subtree is the C-3604 piston-engine strike aircraft, fully designed by Swiss engineers. Equipped with a total of three 20 mm cannons and backed up by a pair of 7.5 mm machine guns, it can also be fitted with suspended ordnance up to a maximum payload of 600 kg.

RAH-66 Comanche is a stealthy reconnaissance and attack helicopter developed during the late Cold War to counter high-tech threats, but ultimately abandoned due to cost overruns. Thanks to the specific geometry, the Comanche is capable of alluding radar detection until it closes in much more to its target compared to conventional helicopters with the same size. The sleek design and use of lightweight composite materials allows it to attain top speeds of over 324 km/h, earning its place among War Thunder’s most nimble helicopters. The Comanche has a selection of most proven American ordnance options, ranging from Hellfire and Stinger missiles to Hydra rocket pods, as well a nose-mounted 20 mm rotary cannon.

More information on the “Leviathans” update is available at the War Thunder official website.

The new update brings the most powerful and famous battleships ever built and more

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the “Leviathans” major content update for the military online shooter War Thunder will be released in early June. It will feature the most powerful battleships ever built including the legendary Bismarck, Yamato and Vanguard, as well as dozens of other interesting military vehicles for all nations.

IJN Yamato is arguably the most powerful battleship ever created. It is equipped with nine 460 mm guns in three turrets, the largest caliber ever fitted to a warship.·It had some of the thickest armor, a sophisticated fire control system, and over 150 anti-aircraft guns. Yamato was built as an apex battleship killer, and it took literally hundreds of US aircraft to overwhelm the air defenses and sink her at the very end of WW2.

German Bismarck became a legend during her very first operations when she sank the battlecruiser HMS Hood after only five salvos and damaged the Prince of Wales battleship. It took the entire Royal Navy Home Fleet to pursue, damage, surround and make a wreck of the lone Bismarck. Bismarck is equipped with eight 380 mm guns, known for their high power, accuracy and extremely good reload speed.

HMS Vanguard was the last battleship ever built, and was commissioned shortly after WW2 ended. Featuring 15 inch guns, decent speed and armor, it has fantastic air defenses and an air recon radar. It was also the British warship with Remote Power Control for her many guns, which meant that the aim of the guns could be controlled from within the armored fire control center.

Badger is the new, modern IFV developed to replace the ageing Ratel IFV in the South African army. The Badger’s turret features a 30 mm GI-30 automatic cannon that is capable of firing sabot, APFSDS and HEI rounds. This is all backed up by a laser rangefinder and thermal imagers, making precision shots at longer ranges easier. Badger is capable of reaching 100 km/h on roads and rough ground, allowing the crew to reach strong positions fast.

The Japanese F-2A fighter jet is an aircraft derived from the American F-16 and designed for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. While maintaining basic aerodynamics, the aircraft received an enlarged wing utilizing composite materials, a reinforced fuselage and locally developed avionics, including an AESA radar and an integrated fire control system. The F-2A will receive ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles that are new to the game, as well as locally designed short-range AAM-3 anti-air missiles and medium-range AAM-4.

Watch the official ‘Leviathans’ Update Trailer HERE.

More information on the “Leviathans” update is available on the official website.