War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The Sultan of Oman celebrates Armed Forces Day on December 11th. Oman is a long-standing ally of the United Kingdom and the United States, having hosted coalition troops in 1991 and 2001. The Omani Armed Forces have over 42,000 soldiers and are armed with modern equipment, including the Challenger 2 main battle tank, Piranha armored fighting vehicle, and Centauro tank destroyer.[/p][p] [/p][h2]The Centauro RGO is temporarily available for purchase with a 30% discount for 6,734 Golden Eagles![/h2][p] [/p]

[p]When: From December 11th (11:00 GMT) until December 15th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Italy > Army > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]About this light tank[/p]

• [p]The Centauro RGO (rank VII) is an export variant of the Centauro B1 MGS, produced specifically for the Omani Armed Forces. Its increased weight is offset by a more powerful engine, allowing you to quickly take advantage of map positions. Its 120 mm cannon reloads quickly and fires excellent APFSDS rounds. A thermal imager helps you locate targets, and an LWS will let you know when an enemy is lasing you.[/p]

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[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’ll be taking a look at the NASAMS surface-to-air missile system, a joint development between Norway and the United States, coming to Sweden and the USA in the Line of Contact major update![/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Development of the NASAMS air defense missile system began in the 1980s by Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in collaboration with American company Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The project’s primary goal was to replace the aging Improved Hawk systems in the Norwegian Armed Forces.[/p][p]The key principle in the development of NASAMS was to standardize and the use of existing, proven components to reduce costs and accelerate development. The AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile with an active radar homing head was used as the primary weapon. A towed six-container launcher was developed for its ground launch. The detection and guidance system was a modernized AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel three-dimensional radar.[/p][p]Testing of the system with actual missile launches was successfully completed in June 1993. By late 1994 and early 1995, the system had achieved initial operational capability and began entering service with the Norwegian Air Force, but its full operational capability was not completed until 1998. In 2019, the modernized NASAMS 3 was developed, capable of using AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II IR-guided missiles and extended-range AMRAAM-ER missiles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the NASAMS 3![/h3][p]The renowned NASAMS medium-range air defense system is coming to War Thunder as a Multi-Vehicle SAM System for two nations, the USA and Sweden. Let’s get acquainted with this new vehicle, coming in the Line of Contact major update! [/p][p][/p][p]Like all Multi-Vehicle SAM systems, the NASAMS consists of three vehicles: a Target Acquisition And Designation System (TADS) and two self-propelled launchers (SPLS). The launcher system features six containers mounted on a three-axle truck chassis and can fire three types of missiles: the AIM-120 with an active radar homing head, the AMRAAM-ER with extended range, and the all-aspect AIM 9-X Sidewinder Block II with an infrared seeker and excellent maneuverability. This means you’ll be able to provide cover for the team at both medium and short ranges and at high altitudes as well![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Target Acquisition And Designation System (TADS), which is slightly unusual for Multi-Vehicle SAM systems, has a different chassis. It’s built on a military jeep platform, and even with quite a sizable Sentinel radar, it’s still relatively compact. The vehicle is easier to conceal in low terrain or foliage, which is crucial for the survivability of the entire system.[/p][p][/p][p]The NASAMS is coming to two nations, the USA and Sweden, where it will be a top-tier rank VIII air defense system. Two missile types allow for complete airspace control without any blind spots, while the system’s excellent mobility allows for deployment in unexpected locations and quick repositioning if needed. Look out for this vehicle coming in the Line of Contact major update, and we’ll catch you in the next blog![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]On December 10th, 1938 the Hudson bomber, developed by Lockheed, made its maiden flight. It demonstrated its versatility in service with Great Britain, Canada, and the United States, patrolling maritime borders, transporting cargo, participating in reconnaissance operations, and fought enemies with bombs and torpedoes. Almost 3,000 examples of this aircraft were produced.[/p][p] [/p][h2]The Hudson Mk V is temporarily available for purchase for 700 Golden Eagles![/h2][p][/p]

[p]When: From December 10th (11:00 GMT) until December 15th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Great Britain > Aviation > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]About this aircraft[/p]

• [p]The Hudson Mk V can carry four 250 lb and six 100 lb bombs, plus eight AP Mk I rockets with up to 100 mm armor penetration. This aircraft is not just dropping bombs, it’s also fairly fast with effective frontal and defensive armament, totaling five 7.7 mm machine guns. Surprise your opponents both on the ground and in the air with this rare bird![/p]

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[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today, we’ll be introducing you to the new generation of Eurofighter aircraft to crown the German, British and Italian aircraft trees. Meet the Typhoon AESA series![/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Early on in the 1990s, before the Eurofighter had even taken to the skies, collaborative efforts between European nations were already developing what we would now know as an Active Electronic radar or solid state radar. While the ECR-90 (CAPTOR-M in production) would be the radar to see the Eurofighter into service with the consortium nations, work in the background to develop its replacement was ongoing. Initially the CAESAR (Captor Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar) radar, produced by the Euroradar consortium of nations (Germany, Great Britain, Spain and Italy), would serve as the foundation for CAPTOR-E, the next generation of radar sets for the Eurofighter. Through its testing and development, CAESAR would mature and be developed into the next generation of AESA radars for the Eurofighter: the ECRS series.[/p][p] [/p][p]The European Common Radar System (ECRS) was developed by Leonardo (ECRS Mk 0 & Mk 2) and Hensoldt/Indra (ECRS Mk 1), with integration being carried out by BAE Systems and Airbus Germany on aircraft platforms. Operationally, Qatar and Kuwait are already using the ECRS Mk 0 on their Eurofighters. Now the main Eurofighter operator nations are beginning to integrate their chosen versions of the ECRS onto production aircraft, with examples from Spain and Britain having already flown on production examples of the Eurofighter. Germany is also carrying out ongoing integration of the ECRS Mk 1 and Italy has agreed the acquisition of the ECRS Mk 2 for its Eurofighters after developing that version with the UK. It is expected all four nations will have operational service examples in the next few years and into the 2030s.  [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the AESA Eurofighters![/h3][p]The Eurofighter series doesn’t need much of an introduction to most pilots, but today, we promise something CAPTORvating indeed! The new AESA CAPTOR-E radar series, or European Common Radar System (ECRS) as it is also known, is a next generation radar system that provides some of the best coverage and performance in game to date. Coming in the Line of Contact major update, Germany, Great Britain and Italy will each receive an example of this new development for a very potent top combat aircraft. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to find on the Eurofighter AESAs when they come in the Line of Contact major update![/p][p] [/p][p]In game, the examples of the Eurofighter Typhoon you can already find excel at BVR combat. Their excellent flight performance and long range AIM-120Cs, coupled with their high countermeasure count makes for an exceptional standoff platform for long range aerial engagements. The AESA equipped Eurofighters take this to the next level. The ECRS offers a significant upgrade in both field of view and scan rates. Being an electronically scanned radar, the refresh rate of targets is lightning fast compared to most mechanical scan radars, providing significantly better tracking updates to directional changes.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Unlike some other “fixed plate” AESA radars, the ECRS can also make use of its repositioner to achieve an average of 50% larger scan area volume when looking at existing mechanical sets. On the German Eurofighter equipped with the ECRS Mk 1, this provides a field of view of ±90°, while the Mk.2 on British and Italian aircraft extends this to ±100°. As a result, you’ll benefit from much better airspace awareness and the ability to track targets that would normally fall outside of the gimbal zone![/p][p] [/p][p]The German EF-2000 AESA will also come with a PIRATE FLIR/IRST, allowing for IR locking for the first time on this example like the British and Italian versions have. A much welcomed addition no doubt! The upgrades however don’t stop there. All Eurofighters in game will feature a double AMRAAM pylon on stations 2 and 12. Meaning the maximum AIM-120 capacity is now 8 on these aircraft. An excellent loadout to put that new radar to good use with.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]While this aircraft’s improvements are focused on the air side of things, you can still expect to find the familiar complement of guided air-to-ground ordnance in the form of Brimstones, Paveway, LJDAM and more for an all round excellent multi-role platform. The Eurofighters also feature an impressive countermeasure and defensive suite, providing all-around coverage, excellent situational awareness, and a robust package of defenses against incoming threats.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]The new Eurofighter AESAs will be joining the game in the Line of Contact major update, with Germany, Great Britain and Italy all welcoming an example to their respective trees. We hope you enjoy them! Until next time, stay tuned for more![/p][p] [/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re checking out the M10 Booker, a light vehicle with a 105 mm gun, designed primary as a support vehicle for infantry.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In the 2010’s, the US Army wanted to design a new vehicle that would act as direct fire support for infantry units. In 2015 the US Army started a new program called Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF), with two designs being submitted: BAE Systems designed a vehicle based on the M8 AMG, and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) the Griffin II. Both companies were awarded contracts to build prototypes.[/p][p][/p][p]Both prototypes were shown in December 2020 and February 2021, but BAE Systems was rejected due to not following the requirements. GDLS’s Griffin II was accepted in June 2022 and a contract for 96 vehicles was ready, with the US Army planning to purchase up to 504 of them. In 2023, the Griffin II was officially designated the M10 Booker and the first batch of 26 were delivered in February 2024.[/p][p][/p][p]However, in May 2025 the US Army cancelled the M10 Booker, despite receiving some vehicles. The decision was due to its excessive 42 ton weight which was seen as too much for bridges and C-17 transport aircraft. As of November 2025, it is currently unclear what will happen to the 26 vehicles that have already been delivered.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the M10 Booker![/h3][p]Meet the M10 Booker, a new US light tank coming to War Thunder in the next major update! This tank was developed for the U.S. Army and features a light chassis, great top speed and a 105 mm gun. Let’s dive into the details of this “Chibi Abrams”![/p][p][/p][p]Despite having a strong start to its life, the M10 Booker fell out of favor with the U.S. Army and was canceled earlier this year, despite the army receiving 26 units. It features the XM35 105 mm gun, which is familiar to the American ground forces tree through the XM8 light tank. The M10 Booker lacks an autoloader, but in addition to the HEAT and excellent stock M833 APFSDS round, the available ammunition includes the M900 APFSDS shell with over 500 mm of penetration! In combat the Booker will be able to penetrate even the strongest MBTs in the usual weak areas, such as the lower plate, breech and turret ring. The M10 Booker’s FCS includes a handy panoramic sight, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: The M10 “Booker” is named after Robert D. Booker who was KIA in Tunisia during the Second World War and Stevon Booker who was killed during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.[/p][p][/p][p]Moving onto the chassis now, which is tracked with the engine and transmission mounted at the front. Despite its considerable weight for a light vehicle (42 tons!), the M10 Booker is still quite agile, with a maximum forward speed of 72 km/h and an excellent reverse speed of just over 40 km/h. And for a light tank, the M10 Booker’s armor protection is not bad, frontally it can withstand hits from many autocannons, and its sides can withstand heavy machine gun fire. However, as you would expect, the M10 Booker cannot withstand shots from enemy MBTs, any penetrating hit will likely cause significant damage to modules and crew. Hits into the turret have a high chance of detonating the main ammunition rack as well, so make sure you’re careful when it comes to pushing targets — the armor is indeed strong for a light tank, but not strong enough to shrug off tank cannons.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The M10 Booker will be an excellent light tank for the higher ranks, relying on good firepower and mobility. Whether it’s reconnaissance, sniping, or second-line support, this mini-tank excels in any role, be it team play or solo. Look out for this new addition in the US ground forces tree at rank VII with the release of the Line of Contact major update. Until next time![/p][p][/p][p] Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]