Gaijin Entertainment announces the release of Heavy Cavalry, a new major content update for the online military action game War Thunder. The update brings dozens of new ground, air and naval vehicles, including M1A2 SEP v3 and Т-90M Arena-M MBTs, introduces anti-radiation missiles and electronic support measures to expand high-tier combined battles, and adds new machines for many nations, including Indonesian Leopard 2RI, Argentinian IA 58A Pucará and Serbian J-22M1A Orao. Naval battles are reinforced as well, with the German warship Admiral Scheer joining the fleet.

‘HEAVY CAVALRY’ UPDATE TRAILER

One of the headline features of Heavy Cavalry is the arrival of anti-radiation missiles and electronic support measures. These new tools give pilots a specialized way to hunt radar-guided air defense systems. Anti-radiation missiles are designed to detect enemy radar emissions and guide themselves toward the source, while ESM equipment helps pilots locate signal sources, select targets and provide missile guidance. The first wave features weapons such as the AGM-88 HARM, AS-37 ARMAT, ALARM, YJ-91, CM-102, LD-10, and Soviet Kh-family missiles, including a ramjet-powered model.

Aviation fans can now take the IA 58A Pucará into battle, the first domestically designed and produced Argentine aircraft to appear in War Thunder. This compact twin-turboprop ground attack aircraft combines 20 mm cannons, machine guns, bombs, rockets and even a torpedo option. While not fast, the Pucará is agile, responsive and well suited for close air support, especially in Ground Battles where its flexible payload can be used against a wide range of targets.

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

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the next major content update “Heavy Cavalry” will be available for the military online action game War Thunder in mid-June. It will feature the very latest modern MBTs, such as the American M1A2С Abrams, the true knights of the modern battlefield. Dozens of other new vehicles are coming to the game including Yak-130 and M-346FA light combat/trainer aircraft and the immense North Carolina battleship. The game environment, objects, buildings, and roads have been completely redesigned for the classic 38th Parallel and Ash River locations, and a new version of the winter Ardennes map will be added.

‘Heavy Cavalry’ Update Trailer

The M1A2C, the most advanced production variant of the U.S. Abrams main battle tank, arrives in War Thunder as the new peak of the M1A2 line. Building on the SEP v2 family, this modernized Abrams features significantly improved frontal turret protection, making its turret cheeks extremely difficult to penetrate at medium and long ranges, while the researchable TUSK package adds ARAT 2 explosive reactive armor to the hull and turret sides for extra protection against ATGMs. Its firepower is also upgraded with the powerful M829A3 APFSDS round, designed to perform better against certain types of explosive reactive armor, while the U.S. version also gains the XM1147 high-explosive round with a programmable fuse.

The Yak-130 is a compact and highly agile modern Russian strike aircraft, bringing impressive handling, strong thrust-to-weight ratio and a surprisingly diverse suspended arsenal. Developed from the same early training aircraft project that later led to Italy’s M-346 family, the Yak-130 will be joined in the same update by Italian M-346FA, giving players two related but distinctly different aircraft to master.

The Yak-130 is powered by two turbofan engines, capable of reaching around 1,050 km/h at sea level while remaining exceptionally responsive in flight. It does not carry radar or air-to-air guided missiles, but makes up for this with a wide selection of ground-attack ordnance, including several types of unguided rockets, free-fall and TV-guided bombs for precision strikes. Small, fast and easy to control, the Yak-130 should become a dangerous support aircraft for players who enjoy aggressive low-altitude attacks and precise strikes against ground targets.

One of the new features debuting in the update is the addition of arresting gear at ground airfields. An aircraft equipped with an arresting hook attaches to one or more sequentially arranged cables, significantly reducing the landing run on short airfields. Attention to small but important details like this makes War Thunder battles even more realistic with each update. More information on the new content and features in the “Heavy Cavalry” update is available at the official War Thunder website.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.