War Thunder News

We loved seeing all of the submissions you shared with us last week! This week we released the major update Line of Contact, which introduced many new vehicles, updated some existing ones, as well as updated Winter Poland. Go out and take a picture with your favorite new content! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 203rd edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen203. You have time until the 26th of December to submit your screenshot.

After that date, 6 winners will be selected (3 of which will be the highest rated by the community and 3 selected by our judges), each of which receive a reward of 300GE.



[h3]Terms:[/h3]

Your screenshot must include a vehicle, updated content, or updated map released in the latest major update, Line of Contact.
You must add the #WTscreen203 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
• Screenshots need to be compliant with the War Thunder rules.
  
• You need to be the author of the screenshot.
  
• Screenshot needs to be new. You cannot use those which have previously been published or used in other competitions.
  
• We will only accept raw screenshots from the game. You cannot use any editing software nor any other visual enhancements (like Nvidia Ansel filters).
  
• You can use filters and settings built into War Thunder.
  
• You can use the replay functionality built into War Thunder.
  
• Rewards will be delivered to the author's account within 14 working days.
  

[h2]And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 202nd edition – Agile Hunters![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3623059237
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3623574283
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3623126797

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3626565851
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3623777009
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3623822046

Each winner will get 300GE! Congratulations and see you next week!

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Aircraft[/h3]

• [p]R-77-1 air-to-air missile — a bug that caused the missile autopilot to sometimes guide the missile to the incorrect trajectory which lead to the loss of tracking has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]J-10C — additional LS-6(IR) 250 guided bombs have been added, bringing the total amount to 10 max.[/p]
• [p]A bug in the operation of the phased array radars, which led to distortions of track parameters and loss of tracking of air targets in TWS mode has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]JAS39E — the restriction on the combined use of the under-fuselage SPICE 250 and LITENING III pod has been removed. (Report). [/p]
• [p]Su-30MKK (China) — a bug that caused the names of PL-8 and PL-12 air-to-air missiles to display as a text key on the MFD has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]A21A-3, A21RB — a bug that caused the maximum mass of the suspended armament to be underestimated has been fixed. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Ground Vehicles[/h3]

• [p]BMPT-72 — a bug that made it impossible to change the belt of the right cannon in the modifications window has been fixed.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Naval Vessels[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the lack of sounds when playing vessel animations in hangar has been fixed.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Locations and missions[/h3]

• [p]Ardennes Ardennes (winter) (all missions) — a bug that caused the vehicles to spawn inside the buildings or facing them has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]Ash River, Arctic — temporarily removed from rotation until bugs are fixed.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Interface[/h3]

• [p]A bug where the text and price on the new crew slot were displayed with an offset has been fixed. (Report).[/p]
• [p]A bug where, when selecting shells or countermeasures, only the ammunition of one weapon, launcher, or countermeasure pod was taken into account and selected has been fixed. (Report).[/p]
• [p]In sensor view in replay mode, a bug that caused Multi-Vehicle SAM systems that were not currently under the player’s control to not display as the player’s vehicles has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]A bug that caused the rank of the player’s vehicle preset to be incorrectly displayed in the queue window has been fixed. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Graphics[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the shadows from the weapons around  aircraft in the hangar to not render in if the weapons were not on the screen has been fixed.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Customization and Achievements[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the number of dropped nuclear bombs on the “Atomic Ace” profile showcase to not increase has been fixed. (Report).[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Other[/h3]

• [p]The Holiday hangar has arrived![/p]
• [p]The ability to select the hangar has been enabled.[/p]
• [p]A bug that made it impossible to play the vehicle animations in hangar when playing from a controller has been fixed. (Report).[/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]

[p]Last Sunday officially marked the end of the WTCS 2025 season, closing the book on a year that truly redefined competitive War Thunder esports. From the very first qualifiers to the final, decisive clashes, the 2025 circuit delivered non-stop action, deep strategic play, and high-stakes combined arms warfare at every stage.[/p][p][/p][p]Throughout the season, teams battled across several WTCS flagship formats : Titan, Armored Apex, and Air Superiority, each demanding a unique skill set, constant adaptability, and flawless coordination across air and ground under intense pressure. Only the most consistent and versatile teams were able to remain at the top over the course of the entire year.[/p][p][/p][p]In the end, DODEC emerged as the best team of WTCS 2025, securing 1st place overall with 356 points on the global leaderboard. Their season was defined by exceptional consistency, strong results in every major event, and the ability to deliver when it mattered most. Rather than relying on a single standout victory, DODEC built their dominance step by step, proving themselves to be the most complete and reliable team of the season.[/p][p][/p][p]Voyager finished the season in 2nd place with 308 points, showcasing impressive resilience and competitive stability across multiple events. Regularly present at the top of the standings, Voyager remained a constant threat throughout the year and pushed the title race deep into the final stages of the WTCS circuit.[/p][p][/p][p]Closing the podium in 3rd place with 294 points, AVReS left a massive mark on WTCS 2025. Crowned Titan and Armored Apex champions, AVReS delivered some of the season’s most dominant and memorable performances, particularly in high-intensity, high-pressure formats. Their aggressive playstyle and decisive victories made them one of the most feared teams on the battlefield.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The WTCS Grand Finals 2025 Podium[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]DODEC has defined the WTCS 2025 season. Strong, consistent, and impressive from start to finish, they set the pace throughout the year.[/p][p][/p][p]Led by Forze, an outstanding captain and the MVP of the season, the team secured victories in 2 out of the 3 major weekends and closed the year with a 2nd-place finish in the final event, showcasing top-tier consistency.[/p][p][/p][p]Through collective strength, strategic mastery, and composure in the key moments, DODEC clearly proved they were the best team of 2025. Congratulations to the entire squad on an exceptional season.[/p][p][/p][p]Player’s list :[/p]

• [p]Forze[/p]
• [p]Jッ[/p]
• [p]Neme[/p]
• [p]Banujek[/p]
• [p]Grohotarr[/p]
• [p]Bad_Karma옷[/p]
• [p]BarbieGirl[/p]
• [p]nyffer[/p]
• [p]PzgrEnjoyer[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Voyager delivered an impressive comeback to close out the WTCS 2025 season. After finishing 3rd on both the first and second weekends, they came back strong when it mattered most, claiming 1st place in the final event.[/p][p][/p][p]That decisive victory sent them to 2nd place in the overall WTCS standings at the very last moment, highlighting their resilience, adaptability, and ability to peak under pressure.[/p][p][/p][p]A strong finish, a statement win, and a well-earned spot among the very best of 2025. Congratulations to the Voyager team on an excellent season.[/p][p][/p][p]Player’s list :[/p]

• [p]Einscute[/p]
• [p]Barlpad[/p]
• [p]Weissmann_Inc[/p]
• [p]AuRusElite[/p]
• [p]Grize[/p]
• [p]Erchenn[/p]
• [p]Moloko[/p]
• [p]Arseniywell[/p]
• [p]STATJET[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]AVReS showed remarkable consistency throughout the WTCS 2025 season. Finishing 2nd on both the first and second weekends, they were a constant contender at the top and a serious title threat all year long.[/p][p][/p][p]In the final weekend, they faced a tough challenge against Voyager, falling 3–0 in a decisive matchup that ultimately pushed them to 3rd place overall.[/p][p][/p][p]Despite a difficult ending, AVReS’s stability, high level of play, and presence at the top of the standings for most of the season underline a strong and respectable 2025 campaign. Congratulations to the team for their performance.[/p][p][/p][p]Player’s list:[/p]

• [p]Isawyourunaway[/p]
• [p]RussianShark[/p]
• [p]Detramalivator[/p]
• [p]LegitBongo[/p]
• [p]Rastafaray[/p]
• [p]Vinny[/p]
• [p]Farsage[/p]
• [p]Dartmoll[/p]
• [p]Nezoxi[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Overall Rankings of the WTCS Grand Finals 2025[/h2][p][/p]

[p]All Grand Finals teams fought with everything they had. Huge thanks and congratulations to each of them![/p]

[p][/p][h2]Who is the Most Valuable Player (MVP)?[/h2][p][/p][p]Big congratulations to the player Forze for being named MVP of Grand Finals 2025! Unanimously selected by all members of the jury, Forze delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, carrying his team both mentally and technically at every stage of the competition. His leadership, consistency, and impact made a clear difference from start to finish![/p][p][/p][p]Well deserved recognition for the MVP of the season’s last Major.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]But this isn’t the only MVP we’re crowning in this news.[/p][p][/p][p]Here is the 2025 MVP of the Year, along with the prestigious Top 10 of this very first WTCS season.[/p][p][/p]

1. [p]Banujek[/p]
2. [p]Forze[/p]
3. [p]Rastafaray[/p]
4. [p]Leozander[/p]
5. [p]Volkodav[/p]
6. [p]Grohotarr[/p]
7. [p]DartMoll[/p]
8. [p]C0COJAMBO[/p]
9. [p]Barlpad[/p]
10. [p]Jッ[/p]

[p]Congratulations to Banujek, who proved to be the best throughout the entire year, showcasing outstanding consistency, skill, and dedication, and setting an incredibly high standard from start to finish. A huge congratulations as well to Forze, Rastafaray, Leozander, Volkodav, Grohotarr, Dartmoll, C0COJAMBO, Barlpad, and Jッ, each of whom delivered impressive performances and helped make this year highly competitive, intense, and truly memorable.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Don’t forget to check out the 8 official WTCS Grand Finals Team Camouflage Bundles before they disappear on January 25th 2026![/p][p][/p][p]Each bundle represents one of the teams competing this season, a perfect way to show your colors in battle and back the squads that made Grand Finals unforgettable. Make sure to grab yours and take the battlefield in style![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today, we’re taking a look at the main aircraft reward in the Winter Concert event that started today: the record-breaking MiG-25PD jet fighter![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The MiG-25 was developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the late 1950s and early 1960s in response to the emergence of new high-speed and high-altitude aircraft in the United States. The specifications called for an interceptor capable of reaching speeds three times the speed of sound and engaging targets at altitudes of up to 25,000 meters. Testing of the first prototypes began in 1964. During development and operation, aircraft of this type set numerous world aviation records and in total, the MiG-25 set 29 world records. Serial production of the aircraft began in 1969, and they formed the backbone of the USSR’s high-altitude air defense for many years.[/p][p][/p][p]After a MiG-25P interceptor was hijacked to Japan in the fall of 1976, where American engineers were able to examine its design, Soviet leadership launched an urgent modernization program to restore its air defense superiority. Work began in November 1976 and involved the mobilization of numerous scientific institutes and enterprises. The major improvement was the installation of a new Sapfir-25 (RP-25) radar with an AVM-25 computer, which offered increased jamming immunity, the ability to track up to six targets simultaneously, and the ability to detect targets against the ground. Along with the new radar, the aircraft received an IRST mounted under the nose of the fuselage, which provided passive target detection. The missile armament was also enhanced, in addition to the upgraded R-40RD and R-40TD medium-range missiles, the armament was supplemented by four R-60 (later R-60M) short-range missiles, which were suspended on twin hardpoints. The plane was upgraded with R15BD-300 engines with an extended service life, and the ability to carry an additional 5,300 liter fuel tank significantly increased the flight range.[/p][p][/p][p]Flight tests of the modernized interceptor were completed in 1979, after which serial production began at the Gorky Aircraft Plant under the designation MiG-25PD, where “PD” stood for “improved interceptor”.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the MiG-25PD[/h3][p]Perhaps the most exciting event reward of the Winter Concert event is the high-altitude MiG-25PD interceptor, which becomes the fastest aircraft in the game and brings new and exciting weapons. Let’s get to know this insanely fast fighter jet![/p][p][/p][p]Designed to combat the latest US reconnaissance aircraft, the MiG-25PD features truly astonishing speed in the game, reaching its maximum speed of Mach 3 (over 3,000 km/h) at an altitude of 18,000 meters! The MiG-25PD is also quite capable at low and medium altitudes, but its true strength is altitude, often beyond the reach of its opponents. The MiG-25PD is a very large and heavy aircraft, so don’t expect miracles in terms of maneuverability, evading a nearby missile won’t always be possible. You have access to an RWR and voice warning system, as well as a decent supply of countermeasures, with 64 in total.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: In addition to being the fastest production fighter in history, the MiG-25 is also the holder of the absolute altitude record for a jet aircraft of 37,650 meters![/p][p][/p][p]The MiG-25PD is a pure interceptor. It lacks forward-firing weapons, meaning you’ll only be able to use guided air-to-air missiles. For long-range combat, you can can carry up to four R-40RD inertial-guided missiles with a SARH seeker, which are new to War Thunder! These missiles were developed specifically to engage targets closer to the ground, but their maneuverability is limited. Another new addition is the R-40TD all-aspect IR seeker missile, which allows for target acquisition from significant distances to the rear hemisphere and from any angle at close range. Finally, for those close encounters, the MiG-25PD can carry up to four R-60M all-aspect missiles, familiar to all experienced pilots who’ve tried top-tier Soviet aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]You can get the record-breaking MiG-25PD, along with other unique vehicles and a large number of other rewards in our Christmas vehicle event called Winter Concert, which started today. Go and get it![/p][p][/p][p]Click here to find out more details about the Winter Concert event[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]For three weeks, Starter Packs for all nations are available on Steam at a discount![/p][p][/p]

[p]When: From December 18th (18:00 GMT) until January 5th (18:00 GMT)[/p]

• [p]50% off Starter Packs for all nations[/p]

[p][/p][h2]US Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]German Beginner’s Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]USSR Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]British Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Japanese Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Chinese Starter Pack [/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Italian Starter Pack  [/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]French Starter Pack[/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Swedish Starter Pack [/h2][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]