War Thunder News

[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]

[p][/p][p]Today, we’re taking a look at the British Army’s Ajax, featuring a 40 mm cannon, great mobility, excellent ammo options and a lethal fire control system![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In the 1990s, the UK was looking to replace their CVR(T) family of vehicles. These were from the 70’s and certainly showed their age, so the army looked for a more advanced modular platform that could fill a variety of roles to replace them with. Through the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) program, General Dynamics UK (GDUK) competed against BAE System’s CV90, with GDUK’s ASCOD 2 winning the competition. A contract was awarded in March 2010 for ASCOD 2, which had been a development from an Austrian and Spanish design (ASCOD is an acronym for “Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development”).[/p][p][/p][p]During initial development, the designated name for the design was “Scout SV” until it was renamed to Ajax. There are six vehicles that fill a variety of roles under this name, each on the same platform. In September 2014, the UK Government put in an order for 245 turreted Ajax vehicles. The vehicle was due to enter service in 2017, but due to a series of challenges, including noise and vibration problems that caused hearing issues to crew members in 2020, trials were paused, causing delays. However, according to the UK Government, the complications faced by the Ajax platform have now been solved.[/p][p][/p][p]The production of these 245 turreted Ajax vehicles continues in Merthyr Tydfil and Oakdale in Wales. As of April 2025, 100 Ajax variants have been delivered to the British Army and more are expected to continue to be delivered over time up until 2028-29.[/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing Ajax![/h3][p]Meet the British Army’s turreted Ajax, featuring a fast-firing cannon, a great top speed and excellent ammo and electronic devices, coming in the Line of Contact major update! Built in Wales, UK, an order for 245 turreted Ajax vehicles is still being carried out by General Dynamics UK to form the backbone of the British Army’s future armored units. Let’s take a look at what this vehicle can offer![/p][p][/p][p]The Ajax family was designed to replace the outdated CVR(T) vehicles and be the British Army’s advanced vehicle platform of the future. The platform in general, in which there are six, all feature either excellent firepower or systems to have a 24/7 electronic overview of the battlefield and to support troops in a variety of roles. The turreted Ajax that is coming to War Thunder features a 40 mm CTC cannon which can fire cased telescoped ammunition. This ammunition is special in that the projectile is stored within the cartridge case itself, providing excellent characteristics over conventional rounds. The main ammo of choice against armored vehicles is the APFSDS rounds, capable of penetrating enemy tanks from the side without much issue, even at an angle. There’s also two HE rounds, both impact and remote fuze, and another specifically for taking out aircraft, known as the kinetic energy burst round (AHEAD). All in all, thanks to Ajax’s variety of ammunition choices for many combat scenarios and a 200 RPM rate of fire for the 40 mm gun, this vehicle is a deadly force to be reckoned with![/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: The name “Ajax” refers to the turret Ajax, but is also the umbrella term for six of the vehicles in total. They are all based on the same platform and each have different roles: the turreted “Ajax” with a cannon as a fighting vehicle , “Ares” for carrying troops on the battlefield, “Athena” as a command vehicle, “Argus” as an engineering equipment vehicle, “Atlas” as a recovery vehicle and “Apollo” as a repair & tow vehicle.[/p][p][/p][p]In terms of electronic devices, Ajax’s three-man crew has access to many important systems for engaging targets at all ranges. This includes a laser rangefinder, thermal imager and panoramic sight, meaning you’ll be able to hone in on enemy targets at all distances and in any weather scenario.[/p][p][/p][p]In real life, Ajax is meant for the reconnaissance role, where vehicles are typically quite light. However, it still weighs a ton (literally and figuratively)! Coming in at a hefty 40 t or so, Ajax is one of the heavier vehicles in this class in the world, making it medium weight instead of light. For comparison, the EBRC Jaguar weighs 25 tons and the Bradley is about 30 tons. Having said this, the MTU engine has 816 HP and can accelerate Ajax up to 70 km/h forward and 35 km/h in reverse. This means you’ll be able to reach advantageous positions relatively quickly, scout enemies and take them out from behind. You’re also backed up with smoke grenades on the front of the turret, allowing you to get out of bad situations if needed. Just don’t smoke your teammates![/p][p][/p][p]As one might expect, Ajax’s armor is relatively thin. It’s enough to protect against smaller explosions and heavy machine guns, but anything bigger will pierce right through and take out the crew inside. Keep this in mind and lay low as with all lighter vehicles! If you’ve tried the new EBRC Jaguar, Ajax will perform very similarly in terms of firepower as they have the same gun, so you’ll be able to use that experience to your advantage when playing with this new British vehicle![/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The British Army’s new Ajax will be arriving at the end of the light tank line for Britain in the Line of Contact major update. Providing excellent firepower and mobility, this one should be a lot of fun to play. See you soon for more dev blogs![/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]Hey again! We’re back for the final set of monthly historical decals for the year, one for each nation. Incidentally we have some slightly rarer makings this time around, we were quite taken with the exasperated shark of (Tauch-)PzAbt. C. We thought “FOR SALE” would be fun too, this one was painted on a landing craft, and while we primarily want to include markings that were placed on playable vehicles we have in the game, we thought this one would have some fun applications, thanks for submitting it on the forum! We check the suggestions regularly, so make sure to keep posting decals there![/p][p][/p]

[p]The following decals will be available from December 8th (11:00 GMT) until January 12th (09:00 GMT).[/p][p]All tasks can be completed using vehicles that are rank III or higher.[/p]

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[/p][hr][/hr][h3][/h3][h3]“FOR SALE” Inscription[/h3][p]“FOR SALE” inscription, U.S. Navy. As the story goes, in early 1945 two sailors aboard LSM-51 named John Kann and Joe Sherrill were sent over the side to scrape and paint the hull, after losing favor with the ship's officer Warren Treece. While over the side of the hull, the two hatched a plan to defy their punishment by playing a joke, by painting a big “For Sale” sign on the hull. After completing their artwork, several days later the ship’s captain was hailed by the TG Commander, who asked "how much do you want for it?" In a calmer moment after the confusion, Captain James Potts rowed out in a dinghy and saw the sign. He flew into a rage, swearing to punish the person responsible, thankfully no one on board revealed it was Joe and John. In Joe’s retelling of the story 50 years later, he claims to have painted the sign in red zinc-chromate primer, though photos show that the sign matches the color of the glossy white hull number, suggesting this detail was misremembered. The inscription was painted large across the port side of the ship.

[/p][h3](Tauch-)PzAbt. C Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of Tauch-Panzer-Abteilung C, Panzer-Regiment 28, 18. Panzer-Division ("Submersible" Tank Battalion C, 28th Panzer Regiment, 18th Panzer Division), Wehrmacht. Much like Battalion B (which also used a sea creature for its emblem), this battalion was composed of “Tauchpanzers” or “diving tanks.” These were modified Panzer III and IV models that were capable of driving along the seafloor. They were modified for Operation Sea Lion, the plan to invade Great Britain which never reached reality. The emblem of Battalion C was a rather exasperated-looking shark, appearing slightly pained and less menacing as many German armor markings. The design varied slightly, with some sharks being simple line drawings while others had color. Positioning varied as well, but most sharks were painted on the hull side of the Pz.III and IV models in use with the battalion, usually below the front of the turret with the shark facing forward.
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[/p][h3]"Storsjöodjuret" Emblem, Första divisionen, F 4 Frösön[/h3][p]The emblem of Första divisionen, F 4 Frösön (1st Division of the Jämtland Wing), Swedish Air Force. During 1944, the 1st division swapped out their previous penguin emblem for a new one, depicting “Storsjöodjuret” (The Great Lakes Monster). Similar to the more widely known Loch Ness Monster, the folklore creature is said to inhabit lake Storsjön in Jämtland. It was first recorded in 1635, in a story where a runemaster sealed the creature into the depths of the lake, though its origin story has been adapted several times since this initial telling. Much like Nessie, visitors to the lake still claim to have spotted the creature, though evidence is predictably dubious. The marking of Storsjöodjuret coiled around a red bomb was most commonly positioned on the B-17A light bombers of the division, painted on both sides under the front of the cockpit before the engine.

[/p][h3]3rd Armored Battalion Emblem, "King Kong"[/h3][p]The emblem of the 3rd Regiment of the Armored Brigade, ROCA. The emblem of the regiment is a stylized rendition of King Kong. The original film was exported to China after its initial domestic release and became quite popular culturally. King Kong as an icon is powerful and resilient, making it quite a fitting motif for an armored force. The emblem was used most commonly as a patch, but was placed on several armored vehicles of the regiment, notably their Stuarts and M8 Scotts. The emblem was regularly positioned on the front plate, on the upper hull for Stuarts and the lower hull for Scotts.

[/p][h3]Personal Marking of Alexander Kilaberidze, 65th GIAP[/h3][p]The personal marking of Alexander Nikolaevich Kilaberidze, 65th GIAP (65th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment), Soviet Air Force. Alexander joined the Air Force in 1941, but would advance to Guards Major of the 65th by 1944, before being lost in an air collision on October 10th, 1944. He was credited with at least 11 aerial victories, 10 of which were Fw 190s. The origin of the marking itself is unclear. Kilaberidze was from Georgia, and so his monster may be a depiction of the folklore creature Gveleshapi (გველეშაპი), often visually represented as a cross between a snake and a dragon. In original stories, the creature is more of a force of nature rather than an evil beast to be slain, which would make it a promising candidate for the origin, and a fitting marking. It may also be a depiction of the dragon from the story of St. George as they share visual similarities. However, as this creature is traditionally more evil, it may be a less likely choice for a personal marking. It was painted prominently behind the cockpit on Alexander’s Yak-9.

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[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]3rd Reconnaissance Unit Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of the 3rd Reconnaissance Unit, JGSDF. The unit was created in 1951, and was restructured and rebased numerous times throughout its history. The core duty of the unit through the majority of its service was to support the wider 3rd Division by collecting and relaying intelligence. It operated until 2023, when it was disbanded along with the 3rd Tank Battalion, merging together into the new 3rd Reconnaissance Combat Battalion. In the early 2000s until disbandment, this emblem was used on some of the unit's vehicles. The black panther was chosen for its ability to move swiftly and stealthily through tough terrain, with the three claw marks representing the 3rd unit. It was placed on the turret sides of the unit’s Type 87 RCVs.

[/p][h3]102ª Squadriglia Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of 102ª Squadriglia, X Gruppo Autonomo Caccia “Baleari” (102nd Squadron, 10th Autonomous Fighter Group “Balearic”) Regia Aeronautica. The group operated under the 10th “Balearic” Fighter Group during the Spanish Civil War. It was based at Palma de Mallorca with its primary duty being the defense of the Balearic Islands. The emblem of the squadron was a cartoon-style bulldog, and despite being reminiscent of bulldog characters from actual cartoons, the emblem predates any of these examples, meaning it was likely a fully original emblem. It was painted on both sides of the CR.32 biplanes of the squadron, towards the end of the fuselage, with the bulldog facing forward on the left side and backward on the right side.

[/p][hr][/hr][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]161 Southern Cobra Squadron Emblem (1987)[/h3][p]The emblem of 161 “Southern Cobra” Squadron, IAF. In 1975, Israel were given a batch of AH-1G helicopters for testing, but as they lacked advanced armament they were sent back to the USA to be upgraded to the AH-1S standard for greater anti-armor ability. The squadron was formed in 1980 along with 160 Squadron, both equipped with 15 MD 500 and 3 upgraded AH-1S helicopters that were sent back from the USA. They would later receive the AH-1F, which was credited with destroying several tanks in the Lebanon War, and finally the AH-1E in 1987. The last cobras in operation with Israel were retired in 2013, primarily due to budget restraints and the prominence of the more powerful AH-64. Their cobra marking was not universally applied, but appeared most regularly on their later AH-1E helicopters, positioned on the middle of the tail.[/p][p][/p][h3]ER 2/33 Savoie "Cocotte" Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of Escadron de Reconnaissance 2/33 Savoie (2nd Reconnaissance Squadron of the 33rd Wing 'Savoy'), French Air Force. The squadron was formed over 100 years ago in 1913, and would be renamed and restructured numerous times, but its emblem would remain relatively unchanged throughout the century. It depicts a “Cocotte”, which in this context refers to an origami chicken. Initially the design had a beak painted, and the eye would change between facing forward and facing backward across different iterations, as if keeping a look out for danger. This more modern version could be found on the Mirage III and Mirage F1 jets of the squadron, positioned in the middle of the tail. Though some alternate placements also exist, occasionally being painted in front of the air intakes on the Mirage III for special liveries, and in front of the cockpit on the squadron’s RF-84F Thunderflash aircraft in the 1960s.[/p][p] [/p][h3]27th Armoured Brigade Emblem[/h3][p]The emblem of the 27th Armoured Brigade, British Army. The brigade was formed on November 26th 1940, and became a key part of the Normandy Landings. Shermans of the Staffordshire Yeomanry and the 13th/18th Hussars under the brigade landed on the beaches, and would take part in the Battle for Caen and Operation Goodwood. The brigade was disbanded shortly after this operation, and its regiments were transferred to other formations within the army. The brigade's emblem is a seahorse on a shield, which initially may seem an unusual choice. It served as a link to the cavalry units that many of its members originated from, and as the tanks arrived from the water, the motif of a seahorse was practically a perfect fit. The emblem was often placed on the sides of the lower glacis plate and the edge of the rear plate, though there was some variation between vehicles and vehicle types.

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Monthly markings can be found in a special tab at the bottom of the customization menu, (Monthly Decals) after a month, they’ll be moved to their corresponding category.[/p][p][/p][p]You can check the exact terms and track the progress of completing tasks for these decals by going to your Player Profile > Decals > Monthly Decals. From here, click the “Track progress” button on each decal to track from the hangar.

[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]All of the emblems will come with a detailed description. This will generally consist of the history of the marking, its design, which vehicles used it, and where it was often placed on vehicles historically if applicable (some emblems are taken from badges, which weren’t always applied). This way you can more easily recreate the original positioning if you’d like.[/p][p][/p][p]Well, that’s the last set of decals for 2025! It’s really flown by hasn’t it? We hope you’ve enjoyed collecting these this past year, we’ll be back in January for more. If we don’t see you beforehand, enjoy the holidays in whichever way you like to celebrate, collect some interesting decals and we’ll see you soon![/p]