War Thunder News

The long-awaited Su-24M frontline bomber will be joining the top ranks of the Soviet Union's aircraft tree in the next major update!

[h2]Su-24M: A Strike Aircraft for the USSR at Rank VII[/h2]

At a glance:

• Very large payload capacity with a huge variety of ordnance.
  
• High speed, much faster than the Su-25.
  
• New KAB-1500L guided bombs.
  
• 600 rounds per second? Yes, that’s real.
  
• Variable-sweep wing.
  

Vehicle History
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Almost immediately after the Su-24 entered service, work began on its modernization. The main goal was to improve target accuracy using the latest weaponry, advanced navigation systems, and an upgraded targeting suite. A new generation of missiles with semi-active laser guidance (Kh-25, Kh-29L) and precision-guided bombs (KAB-500L, KAB-1500L) formed the core of the strike power of the updated Su-24M. For defense, the aircraft was fitted with new jamming equipment, and for air combat, could carry up to four R-60M air-to-air missiles. The modernized Su-24M was delivered 1981, with serial production ending in 1993.
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[h2]Introducing the Su-24M![/h2]

The Dance of Dragons major update is a real treat for jet strike aircraft pilots, as we recently covered the F-111 for the British and American air trees, and today we’re happy to showcase the long-awaited Su-24M for the Soviet research tree. So, let’s take a closer look at this new top bomber!

All-in-all, the Su-24M embodies all of the aircraft design trends of its era — variable-sweep wings, advanced angular air intakes, and a dual-engine powerplant. Its two afterburning AL-21F-3 turbojet engines provide almost fighter-like thrust, capable of pushing this aircraft to a top speed of around 1,800 km/h. Thanks to this engine, the Su-24M boasts impressive climb rates even by rank VII standards, and maintains excellent roll speed at high altitudes. Onboard, there’s also electronics and equipment that are needed in top-tier battles for effective gameplay: a targeting pod, advanced radar, missile launch warning system, and large-caliber chaff and flares for missile defense. It’s got it all!



Did you know? In some units of the Soviet Air Force, the Su-24 series of aircraft earned the nickname “Suitcase” due to its boxy fuselage, enhanced by the air intakes. In NATO classification, this strike fighter was named “Fencer”, supposedly due to the distinctive antenna on its nose, although it’s likely just following the standard nomenclature of using words that begin with “F” to classify fighters.

Now on to its guns. The Su-24M’s armament is focused on suppressing ground targets, although it can also defend itself in air combat. Let's break it down! The core weapon of choice for any loadout will be the built-in six-barrel GSh-6-23M cannon, an outstanding weapon with an unheard-of rate of fire of up to 9,000 rounds per minute. Under the fuselage and wings, the Su-24M has eight hardpoints, capable of carrying up to 8000 kg of ordnance. For example, it can carry three additional GSh-6-23M cannons in pods — that’s 600 rounds and over 100 kg of burst mass per second. As for air-to-air missile combat, the Su-24M is equipped with familiar short-range R-60M missiles, known for their high sensitivity to countermeasures but still quite effective and maneuverable. 



One of the Su-24M’s stand-out features is its ability to carry an excellent range of air-to-ground weapons. You’ll have access to the familiar Kh-23, Kh-25, and Kh-29 missile families (including the laser-guided Kh-29L and TV-guided Kh-29TE) and guided bombs like the KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr, new to the game KAB-500S, along with the laser-guided KAB-500L and the new huge KAB-1500L. This arsenal is complemented by conventional bombs ranging from 500 to 1500 kg, as well as unguided rockets, including small S-8, medium S-13, and the large S-24 and S-25. The latter will be available in several modifications, with the S-25L specifically being laser guided!



That’s it for this blog! The brand-new Su-24M will be available to research in the upcoming Dance of Dragons major update. Stay tuned to our website for other vehicles that we’ll be announcing. Until then, happy battles ahead!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

In today’s blog, we’ll be taking a look at the J-10A, an advanced 4+ generation Chinese jet fighter developed in the late 1990s to incorporate the latest aeronautical technologies available at the time.

[h2]J-10A: A Jet Fighter for China at Rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• Top speed of Mach 2!
  
• Excellent maneuverability.
  
• High G load!
  
• Air-to-air focused arsenal.
  

Vehicle History
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For much of the second half of the 20th century, Chinese aircraft development struggled to meet the requirements of the PLAAF due to insufficiently advanced technologies. This was only further compounded by regular and extensive budget cuts which often canceled promising projects. In the early 1980s however, funding for the development of a cutting edge fighter was approved alongside a completely new approach to its R&D process. Unlike previous projects where single design bureaus were selected beforehand, the PLAAF would set the requirements of the program and enable competition among different manufacturers to produce the best aircraft. In the end, Chengdu Aircraft’s design scored most favorably with the PLAAF, resulting in its design being picked for further development under the name “Project No. 10”.
As the program’s goal was to push technological boundaries, development advanced slowly. Nevertheless, the first aircraft was assembled in 1997 and successfully test flown the next year. Following certification, the aircraft was adopted into PLAAF service in 2005 under the official designation “J-10A”, with the production version featuring minor improvements over the prototype. The J-10 and its subsequent variants are still in production and active service with the PLAAF to this day.

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[h2]Meet the J-10A![/h2]

The J-10A is amongst the most modern jet fighters currently in service with the Chinese air forces. Featuring an extremely powerful engine, excellent flight characteristics and an onboard arsenal focused around aerial combat, the J-10A will make for the perfect reinforcement to the top rank of Chinese aviation tree when it arrives in the Dance of Dragons major update. How about we take a closer look!



Somewhat resembling the Swedish JAS39 Gripen at first glance, the J-10A represents a highly advanced Chinese jet fighter, incorporating cutting edge design features such as a delta wing, actuated canards and a powerful turbofan engine. Speaking of the latter, the J-10A is powered by the AL-31FN afterburning turbofan engine, capable of quickly accelerating the aircraft up to its maximum top speed of Mach 2 at high altitudes. This, combined with the delta wing design and the use of canards, allow this aircraft to possess excellent aerodynamic qualities, especially at higher speeds. In effect, this makes the J-10A perfectly suited for intense dogfighting, likely making it become a favorite among true jet jockeys.

Interesting: A testimony to the innovative approach of the J-10A’s design was the necessity to develop around 60% of the parts from scratch.



Apart from stellar flight performance, the J-10A also has much to show for in terms of its offensive capabilities. Apart from its default twin 23 mm cannon with 200 rounds of ammunition, the J-10A also has provisions for up to 11 hardpoints. These allow it to equip a wide range of ordnance, including new to the game PL-5EII close combat missiles, very capable PL-8 missiles with good G-tolerance, as well as PL-12 ARH missiles. Additionally, this aircraft can also be outfitted with laser-guided as well as conventional bombs and rockets — Type 90-1 HEAT and high caliber Type 130-2 — enabling it to also be effectively employed in the ground attack role. Finally, a modern radar and countermeasure systems round off the J-10A’s equipment, making it an extremely versatile aircraft catering to a wide spectrum of pilots out there.



The J-10A will soon become the new top dog of the Chinese aviation tree with its arrival to the game as part of the Dance of Dragons major update! That’s this blog wrapped. In the meantime, be sure to follow the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots. See you soon!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at IJN Amagi — an advanced Japanese battlecruiser design whose construction began in 1920 but was ultimately never completed due to adverse circumstances.

[h2]IJN Amagi: A Battlecruiser for Japan at Rank VI[/h2]

Features:

• Deadly 410 mm primary guns!
  
• Excellent mobility.
  
• Decent protection.
  
• Poor AA capability.
  

Vehicle History
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In the early 1920s, the Imperial Japanese Navy made plans to construct a new class of four battlecruisers. The ships were planned to be fitted with 16’’ primary guns, feature reasonable protection and excellent speed. Construction was approved and work began in the early 1920s, with Amagi as the lead ship of the class being laid down in December 1920. However, after the Washington Naval Treaty went into effect in 1922, Japan was no longer allowed to finish construction of the new battlecruisers. Instead, the first two ships under construction were reordered as aircraft carriers while the remaining two were canceled altogether due to the restrictions imposed by the treaty. In 1923 however, the Great Kanto earthquake severely damaged the hull of the Amagi, which was afterwards deemed irreparable. As a result, the ship ended up being sold for scrap. Amagi’s sistership however, IJN Akagi, successfully completed the reconstruction into an aircraft carrier and would go on to serve the Japanese navy up until its sinking at the Battle of Midway in 1942.

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[h2]Meet the IJN Amagi![/h2]

IJN Amagi will soon become the latest bluewater ship to join the top ranks of the Japanese naval tree in the Dance of Dragons major update. Built with speed and firepower in mind, IJN Amagi truly embodies the concept of battlecruisers and will enable its prospective captains to embrace several different tactical approaches, depending on one’s own preference and battlefield dynamics. Keep on reading to find out more!

The upcoming arrival of IJN Amagi to the top ranks of the Japanese fleet will bring with it a unique twist. Sharing some core design principles with the Kongo class battleships that you may already be familiar with, IJN Amagi takes this concept and brings it to a truly new level. For example, this ship is outfitted with a total of ten twin 16’’ (410 mm) cannons, making it one of the most heavily armed capital ships in the game in terms of raw primary battery firepower with an impressive reload rate of 2.5 rounds per minute. This means you’ll be able to comfortably engage in gun duels with virtually any opponent they may encounter on the high seas.

In addition to the primary battery, IJN Amagi also comes equipped with 16 x 140 mm secondary and 4 x 120 mm anti-air cannons. A further 8 x 610 mm fixed torpedo launchers round off the warship’s impressive arsenal.



Interesting: Some of the main battery guns intended for use on the Amagi class battlecruisers were later on re-purposed for installation on coastal defense batteries.

In terms of gameplay, IJN Amagi can be compared to the Alaska and Kronshtadt battlecruisers. However, this new ship is better armed and protected, but loses to them in terms of air defense capabilities. IJN Amagi’s armor in some areas is close to that of a battleship, for example 254 mm thick in the main armor belt and 70 mm of deck armor allow you to use this ship for shooting at very far distances with a good chance of surviving a hit from an enemy battleship!



Use the hit and run tactic, firing several consecutive salvos with the main guns and then retreating if possible. Or if you’re ballsy, you could play actively and lead your teammate’s attack at a point, all while using the cover of allies air defenses, as the IJN Amagi’s own anti-aircraft defenses are very mediocre. Don’t get too close to enemy ships though, as due to its size, it’ll become an easy target for torpedoes and its armor will not be able to withstand them.



That’s today’s blog! IJN Amagi will soon become a common sight in War Thunder naval battles after it joins the top ranks of the Japanese bluewater fleet with the release of the Dance of Dragons major update. In the meantime, be sure to keep scanning the horizon for more news as we continue sharing the latest on what the upcoming update has in store for you. See you soon!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Ultimate bomber just got an upgrade! Today, we’ll be covering not one, but two new variants of the mighty F-111 Aardvark, including one from down under! Let's take a closer look at what the C and F versions have to offer.

[h2]F-111C & F-111F: Strike Aircraft for Great Britain and the USA at Rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• Modernized upgrades to the Aardvark!
  
• Guided air-to-ground ordnance.
  
• All-aspect IR missiles.
  
• Increased countermeasure capability.
  
• More powerful engines (F-111F).
  

Vehicle History
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F-111C
In the 1960s, the Royal Australian Air Force sought to replace their Canberra bombers due to their capability limits and lack of all weather operation capability. Lacking a capable bomber that could match the Tu-16, the RAAF began searching for a new type that could satisfy its longer range requirements. Assessments were made of several current and up and coming aircraft, such the A-5, F-4 Phantom II, Mirage IV, TSR.2 and the then TFX program. Political and economical issues steered the RAAF away from the TSR.2, with the economic cost of the Mirage IV also being a deciding factor. The final winner was the TFX program which offered to meet all the needs and requirements set out. 

When the F-111 finally emerged from the TFX program, it became clear that the RAAF would require its own modifications to be made to what was to be the B (Naval) variant for it to be accepted. A longer wing design was incorporated, a unique intake redesign, along with some additional changes to radio equipment and undercarriage improvements were all introduced to the aircraft. Now designated F-111C, the aircraft was officially delivered in 1968, but due to delays, training and initial teething issues, it was not officially introduced into full service until 1973. Initially a batch of 24 were produced for Australia, with a further 4 converted from American F-111s to F-111C standard. 4 aircraft in total were also converted to RF-111C reconnaissance aircraft.

The F-111C provided the RAAF with the capacity to reach Jakarta in Indonesia, something the Canberra and other types previously in service could never achieve. While never seeing direct combat with the RAAF, they came very close in 1991 when they were moved to standby ready for replacing the F-18s operating in the Gulf War should they need to be rotated out. However, the war would end before that was necessary. They would be put on standby for possible operations in East Timor with the UN INTERFET force that Australia led during the independence of Timor-Leste from Indonesia. The aircraft served more than 40 years at the hands of the Royal Australian Air Force, and finally retired in service in 2010. 

F-111F
The F-111F was a modernized variant of the earlier Aardvarks, featuring more powerful TF30-P-100 engines and much higher thrust output over the F-111A. Operated by the USAF, the F-111F Pacer Strike was the final fighter variant of the aircraft produced. As well as the previously mentioned engine improvements, the aircraft was fitted with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack FLIR target designator, allowing the use of guided munitions like the Paveway among other modernizations to its loadouts and systems. 

This variant would serve heavily in the 1991 Gulf War, dropping more laser guided bombs than any other type of aircraft. The type would successfully fly a high percentage of combat missions, striking their targets and destroying them with a high level of precision, more so than most other allied coalition aircraft taking part. The F-111F is credited with destroying over 1000+ tanks and armored vehicles during the conflict. 1996 would mark the final retirement of the F variant in USAF service. 
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[h2]Meet the F-111C and F![/h2]

The next major update will include two new installments of the famous F-111 series, the domestic F-111C variant of the Royal Australian Air Force for the British tree and the final “fighter” variant of the American variants, the F-111F. Both of these variants take what the F-111A already does well and improve upon it in almost every area. Let’s check out what you can expect from them when they arrive to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update!



Firstly, let’s take a look at the unique Australian variant, the F-111C. This version features a longer modified wing aimed at improving longer distance flights and reinforced landing gear. Along with this, you’ll get a huge boost to your defensive countermeasures, with the total for this variant being 240 flares / chaff, which is a massive increase over the base F-111A and F that will be plenty to help you out in battle. If that alone wasn’t enough to keep your enemies busy, they’ll need to keep an eye out on what you are firing back at them too! The F-111C features AIM-9L all-aspect Sidewinder missiles, far more potent than the B variants found on the earlier variant already in game. 

Did you know? The F-111C in Australian service was affectionately known as “The Pig” despite the crews and engineers loving the aircraft. 



Next up, we have the F-111F for the USA. This takes the base F-111A and provides a pair of improved TF30-P-100 engines that have a higher thrust output, meaning a more powerful all round performer. But the improvements don’t stop there! While the F-111A was limited to the AGM-12B Bullpup, the F variant introduces AGM-65 capabilities to the aircraft in B, D and G models. This adds some fire and forget capacity to the aircraft that will aid you in combined battles for sure. On the offensive in the air, the F-111F can rely on AIM-9L for missile combat. 

Both the C and the F variants come with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack targeting pod, which opens up the option of using guided bombs for the first time on the F-111. You can find GBU-10, 12 and 24 on both aircraft and the IR guided GBU-15 also on the F-111F. Both variants also feature an array of Mk 82 and Mk 84 bombs for conventional bombing and taking out bases. 



Interesting: One of our long-time War Thunder Moderators on the community team, KnightoftheAbyss, worked on RAAF F-111Cs for over 12 years. We would like to thank him for his notes towards the historical section of this blog and recognize his service with the RAAF.



These advanced Aardvarks will be taking to the skies very shortly and will once again take the crowns (for now at least!) as the “ultimate” bombers in War Thunder, with some even fancier toys this time around. We hope you’ll enjoy these new aircraft, be sure to let us know! You won’t have too much longer to wait until you can take to the skies with them. Until then, stay tuned to the news for more information on what else you can see in the Dance of Dragons major update. 

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Today we’ll be taking a look at the AI-Khalid-I, a further development of the Chinese-Pakistan MBT-2000 main battle tank. Pre-orders for this tank have just started today!

[h2]Al-Khalid-I: A Premium MBT for China at Rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• Good balance of armor, mobility and firepower.
  
• 1200 HP engine.
  
• Further turret protection through additional ERA blocks.
  

Vehicle History
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The AI-Khalid-I upgrade program was designed to improve the combat effectiveness of Pakistan’s MBT-2000 (AI-Khalid) main battle tanks. The upgrade priorities included improving the fire control system and on-board electronics, and more effectively positioning ERA on the turret. The AI-Khalid-I is currently in service with Pakistan, the largest operator of the MBT-2000 family of tanks.
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Pre-order - AI-Khalid-I
Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
69.99

• Al-Khalid-I tank (Rank VII, China);
• 
  
• Premium account for 20 days;
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles;
  
• Pre-order bonus: "The Eternal Tank" title;
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Markhor" decal;
• 
  
• Pre-order bonus: Unique digital camouflage.
• 
  

* - available after the next major update.

[h2]Meet the AI-Khalid-I[/h2]

Meet the AI-Khalid-I, a further development of the MBT-2000 main battle tank already familiar to the Chinese ground forces tree. This tank will be added in the Dance of Dragons major update, and that means today we’re starting pre-orders for this excellent tank as part of a pack featuring unique bonuses. Let’s take a look!



One of the upgrades carried out on the AI-Khalid-I was aimed to improve the combat effectiveness of the tank. Perhaps the most noticeable external difference here is a change to the armor layout on the sides of the turret. Some add-on FY-2 ERA blocks were removed from the turret side directly, and instead mounted on the turret slat armor. This now means that generally the turret side armor has better protection, especially against heat-based rounds.



At rank VII, the Al-Khalid-I will be a competitive option, able to take on most enemies without any issues, and with premium bonuses to boot! Agile and featuring good engine power, the AI-Khalid-I is not inferior in terms of speed and maneuverability compared to other vehicles at its rank. One key difference though regarding its mobility is that the eternal problem of poor reverse speeds typically found on Soviet tanks has been resolved with the AI-Khalid-I. This means you’ll be able to quickly retreat when needed or reverse quicker after taking a shot over a ridge.



Moving onto firepower, the AI-Khalid-I features a 22-round autoloader, however bare in mind that the autoloader module is large and prone to being hit, causing the entire tank to explode. So make sure to stay in cover where possible to avoid being shot in the side!

Since the AI-Khalid-I is a premium tank, you’ll get immediate access to all of its available shells. One of these include a top-end APFSDS round with over 570 mm of penetration at 100 m.



That’s it for this one! The AI-Khalid-I is coming to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update, and the pre-order pack has just gone live with this dev blog post. Be sure to pick it up to get Golden Eagles, Premium Account days and unique pre-order bonuses!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.