War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re taking a look at the new headliner of the Soviet/Russian anti-air line, the Pantsir-SM-SV SAM system with increased range![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In 2016, development of the modernized Pantsir SM on the K-53958 “Tornado” chassis was completed. This version has increased target detection and engagement range characteristics, and was selected as the foundation for developing the tracked version of the Pantsir. In January 2024, the Rostec corporation announced the final stage of testing for the new Pantsir-SM-SV system. Built on a tracked chassis, the SM-SV version is much more capable of cross-country operations.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Pantsir-SM-SV![/h3][p]In the Ninth Wave major update, the modernized Russian Pantsir-SM-SV SAM will be arriving to the game, becoming an almost universal solution for air defense at practically all distances relevant to the game and against any aerial target. The system is built on a mobile tracked chassis, equipped with an improved radar and new missiles. Let’s have a squiz![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Alrighty, so first off this new Pantsir can see much further than its predecessor, featuring a new radar with increased detection range. In addition to the effective short to mid range 95Ya6 missiles you’ll be familiar with, this new model can equip two new types. Firstly is the 95Ya6M, this improved variant has an increased range of 40 km along with an extended guided flight time. These missiles will soon become the new record holders for speed in the game at 1700 meters per second! With their incredible speed, these missiles have a great G-force tolerance, remaining obedient even while pursuing a maneuvering target. The warhead of the missile is also more lethal too, several tens of meters before the target the warhead recieves a command from a radar and explodes, showering the target with a burst of shrapnel![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The second new missile is the small TKB-1055, designed to engage small targets at close range. In terms of power, range and flight time, they are indeed inferior to the basic 95Ya6 missiles, but due to their small size up to 4 of them can be installed in each launch container slot, bringing the total number of such missiles to 48. These small, nimble missiles are perfect for destroying UAVs and light helicopters at short distances, while also being capable of destroying incoming munitions.[/p][p][/p][p]The chassis of the Pantsir-SM-SV is nicely agile, able to hit 70km/h in both forward and reverse! The silhouette of the SM-SV is notably smaller than many other contemporary AA systems, however when the antenna is deployed, it becomes much more noticeable from afar, and considerable effort will need to be taken in order to conceal it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Much like the previous Pantsir, you’ll have access to four 30 mm cannons with HE and AP rounds. They not only give you the ability to bring down close aerial threats, but can also help you disable ground vehicles thanks to their sheer volume of fire. This model is also equipped with smoke grenades, giving you one last chance to escape from the enemy.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! This new model will arrive at rank VIII in the top position of the Soviet/Russian anti-aircraft line, until then, keep in touch as we have a lot more to show you from the Ninth Wave major update![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Tank football champions, it’s your turn! This traditional spring event returns with new rewards. So show off your skills in the sporting competition and earn decorations for your profile and vehicle![/p][p]To help you remember how to jump and dash, warm up and prepare for matches properly, training events are available for you from March 10th (11:00 GMT) until March 12th (10:45 GMT). In these training events, achievement progression is switched off.

[/p]

[p]From March 12th (11:00 GMT) until March 30th (05:00 GMT), daily football matches are available at the following times: from 11:00-14:00 GMT, 16:00-22:00 GMT and 00:00-05:00 GMT.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Join other players in a 3v3 event (for solo players), or gather a team together and show off your skills and tactics in a 4v4 event (for squads).[/p][p][/p][h2]Football themed rewards![/h2][p]For each goal, assist or save, you’ll receive achievement progression points. The event rewards are given for a certain number of points earned during matches in the “Tank Football” events.

[/p][p][/p][p]For 20 points: “Match Day” decal[/p][p][/p][p] For 50 points: “Match Start: Team Dragons” loading screen[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] For 100 points: “Tank of the Match” tank decoration

[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
For 500 points: Coupon for one of the golden decorations: Glove, Ball or Boot

[/p]

[p]Please note: Rewards must be claimed manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to the “Tank Football” area and click the “Get Reward” button.[/p]

[p]

The top 50 players on the leaderboard of every event will be granted with in-game titles:
[/p]

• [p]Top goalscorer — “Best striker 2026”[/p]
• [p]Top assist score — “Best winger 2026”[/p]
• [p]Top save score — “Best goalkeeper 2026”
  [/p]

[h3]Event details[/h3]

• [p]You can see the exact conditions for each task and track your progress by clicking on your nickname and going to the Achievements → Tank Football menu.[/p]
• [p]The coupons for the “Dragons Flag” and “Tiger Flag” decal, “M551 Football Camo” coupons and “Golden Football Decoration” coupons can be sold on the Gaijin Market.[/p]
• [p]PlayStation and Xbox players can exchange each coupon for 100 Warbonds.[/p]
• [p]Reward titles will be given to the top 50 players in each category and will be awarded within 24 hours of the event’s conclusion.
  [/p]

[h3]Match rules[/h3]

• [p]Each match consists of two halves of 5 minutes each. As with mini-football, only pure playing time is taken into account.[/p]
• [p]If the result is a draw, players receive an additional 2 halves of 1.5 minutes each. If at the end of two halves and extra time it’s still a draw on the scoreboard, victory is not awarded to any team.[/p]
• [p]To win early in a 3 vs 3 match, you must get a 3 goal advantage.[/p]
• [p]To win early in a 4 vs 4 match, you must get a 5 goal advantage.
  [/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet the AS90, a self-propelled howitzer with a 155 mm gun coming to Great Britain’s ground force tree to bolster lineups and bring some fun![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In the 1970s, Great Britain, Germany and Italy were looking to replace their aging self-propelled howitzers. They created a project together called the SP70. The project was going poorly and British engineers decided to work on their own howitzer in parallel. Once the SP70 had failed due to not meeting requirements, the AS90 project received requirements and funding from the MoD. These vehicles were built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering and first entered service with the British Army in 1992, with 179 purchased, replacing the the FV433 Abbot and M109.[/p][p][/p][p]The AS90 was first used by the British Army in Bosnia and Kosovo in 1993 as part of NATO peacekeeping missions in the Yugoslav Wars. AS90s were also used in 2003 during the Iraq War.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the AS90![/h3][p]Today we’re talking about the heavily requested AS90 self-propelled howitzer, coming to the game in the next major update. Featuring a large 155 mm artillery gun, quick rate of fire and excellent ammunition choices, the AS90 is set to be a fun addition to British lineups. Let’s dive deeper into what this machine is all about![/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? “AS90” stands for “Artillery System for the 1990s”.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Like many other self-propelled howitzers in War Thunder, the AS90 features a beefy 155 mm L31 cannon that reloads fast: it can fire 3 rounds in 10 seconds, after which the reload speed reduces to 6 rounds per minute (10 seconds per shot). As with all vehicles with the 155 mm gun, the AS90 can fire a standard HE round which will be your main choice against enemy tanks. It can also fire HE-VT for use against aircraft though if you want to give that a try![/p][p][/p][p]The AS90 can reach a top speed of 55 km/h on paved surfaces. While not the best top speed, it still allows this vehicle to get into favourable positions in relatively good time.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As with all self-propelled howitzers, the AS90 has a large turret that is exposed to incoming fire. Thanks to a crew of 6, survivability is not too bad, but any well-placed shot into the turret will knock out most of the crew or hit some ammo, detonating the vehicle.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s the AS90 done! This self-propelled howitzer brings Great Britain some cool domestic 155 mm fun, perfect to fit into several ground lineups. Until it’s added, make sure to check out other dev blogs that are due to come your way soon![/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Economy and Research[/h3]

• [p]Rank IX for aviation tech trees has been added. The previously announced reshuffles to the aviation and ground vehicle research trees have come into effect.[/p]
• [p]The research and purchase costs of aircraft at ranks VI-IX have been reduced.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.[/p]