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Namer 30: Desert Feline



Today we’ll be showing you the interesting Namer 30, an Israeli armored personnel carrier developed on the Merkava chassis, coming to the top ranks of the Israeli ground tree as part of the Seek & Destroy major update!

[h2]Namer 30: A Light Tank for Israel at Rank VII[/h2]

Features:
  • Deadly 30 mm cannon.
  • Spike missiles!
  • Decent protection.
Vehicle History
[expand]
Up until the early 2000s, Israel’s primary APC was still the American-built M113 which first entered service in the early 1960s. Becoming increasingly clear that the vehicle was susceptible to the threats of the modern battlefield, engineers began work on developing a successor based on the Merkava tank. Following rapid development and successful testing, the Namer officially entered service with the IDF in 2008. In 2016, the Namer underwent an experimental modification which saw it outfitted with a remote controlled 30 mm turret and Spike missile launchers.
[/expand]

[h2]Meet the Namer 30![/h2]

The Namer 30 will soon take up the place as the new top light vehicle available to the Israeli ground tree in the Seek & Destroy major update. Outfitted with highly potent weapons and offering great mobility, the Namer will greatly reinforce the top ranks and will help diversify ground lineups Let’s dive into the full details!



This experimental variant of the Namer first derived from exploring the concept of outfitting these vehicles with more powerful weapons, and as a result, this variant features a much different design compared to the others. When comparing to the Merkava though, instead of the high-caliber main tank gun, the Namer is outfitted with a remote-controlled 30 mm turret, possessing fantastic versatility thanks to its high rate of fire and excellent ballistic properties. Furthermore, there’s a pair of twin Spike launchers that greatly expand this vehicle’s anti-tank capability, allowing it to engage even heavily armored targets at a distance of up to 4 km!

Interesting: Because the Namer is based on the Merkava MBT, it features much better protection than most other IFVs.



You’ll most likely be familiar with IFVs in War Thunder, knowing that they all feature similar characteristics such as being light-weight and having good mobility. The Namer does also stick to this design philosophy to some extent, however due to it inheriting the Merkava’s chassis, it boasts significantly better protection than most other IFVs in the game. While this chassis doesn’t mean you’ll be speeding around like an R3, it does mean you’ll be able to survive extra shots, particularly from other IFVs and aircraft for example. This is thanks to the good positioning of vital modules and the crew behind the engine acting as a barrier to penetrating shots, plus using a remote-controlled turret, further lowering the exposure of crew members from incoming fire.



In your matches by Dmitry, Lead Game Designer: “On paper you have a rather strong hull for an IFV and an uninhabited turret with the well-known 30mm cannon, which is already familiar to many vehicles. On its BR, this cannon can penetrate some MBTs in the LFP, but almost always non-fatally. So don’t go head-on on MBTs, fire at them from afar with spikes, drive into the side of close targets, or don’t light up if both points are no longer feasible. Also try to hunt for other IFVs and SPAAs, and don't forget about scouting -- it helps your allies a lot.

Spike missiles are also well-known to players from such vehicles as Freccia, Vilkas, KF41. They can pleasantly surprise and bring an unexpected frag, but you can't rely on them. They fully support their name -- "fire and forget". I always joke about this: "shoot and forget about the missile", it doesn’t owe you anything, but it may accidentally bring you a reward. Also, don't forget that they reload quickly enough at the capture zone, and on open maps such vehicles become quite good defenders of points: with scouting, an autocannon effective in close combat, and "endless" RNG Spikes.”




That’s today’s blog wrapped! The Namer is going to prove to be a good addition to Israeli ground lineups, where you’ll be able to research and try it when it comes to the game in the Seek & Destroy major update. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news that we’re currently cooking so that you don’t miss out on what’s coming. Until then, have fun in your battles!

Italian Navy Day: A Decal and RN Geniere for Golden Eagles!



Members of the Italian Navy celebrate Italian Navy Day on June 10th. The Italian Navy was founded in 1861, shortly after the unification of the country. Today it has more than 30,000 staff, 184 ships and 70 aircraft. They patrol the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, as well as the Strait of Otranto.

[h3]RN Geniere is temporarily available for Golden Eagles![/h3]
This destroyer is available for 3,850 Golden Eagles.



When: Until June 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

About this destroyer
  • The RN Geniere features three main caliber turrets housing 120 mm guns with a decent rate of fire and good selection of ammo. Additionally this destroyer has good protection against aircraft thanks to its 20 mm anti-aircraft guns! To deal with heavier ships, RN Geniere is also armed with 6 x 533 mm torpedoes and depth charges. A good all-round destroyer!


[h3]Earn the “MAS 15” decal![/h3]
You can get this decal for this special occasion!

“MAS 15” decal

When: Until June 13th (07:00 GMT).

Task: Play 3 battles using Italian naval vessels at rank III or higher to receive the “MAS 15” decal.

Additional details:
  • You must use a minimum of rank III.
  • Your activity must not be below 70%.
  • You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, and [Assault] mode.
  • Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Italian Navy Day.
  • You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customization menu.

Screenshot Competition – Creators Choice!



Welcome to the 123rd War Thunder Steam Screenshot Competition!


We enjoyed seeing your captured screenshots last week! This week is open to any vehicle of your choice. What puts a smile on your face every time you use it in War Thunder? The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 123rd edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen123. You have time until the 14th of June 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 player vehicle.
    You must add the #WTscreen123 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 122nd edition – Naval Landing![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3259466030
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3260058937
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3029732522

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3258987659
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3258533988
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3259540663

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

Pre-order: MiG-21 Bison



Today, we’ll familiarize you with the ultimate version of the MiG-21 series that will soon be joining the skies of War Thunder. Meet the MiG-21 Bison, based on the MiG-21-93 upgrade and domestically upgraded by India, a ferocious new premium aircraft with a plethora of weaponry on offer!

[h2]MiG-21 Bison: A Premium Jet Fighter for Great Britain at Rank VIII[/h2]

Features:
  • Wide array of air-to-air options: R-73 and R-27.
  • Modernized HUD and HMS for R-73.
  • Air-to-ground ordinance options.
Vehicle History
[expand]
In the early 1990s, Mikoyan and its partner companies launched an upgrade and modernization package for the MiG-21Bis with the aim of offering it to the many operators of the type over the world. Their aim was to prolong the service life of the aircraft against rapidly advancing newer types of aircraft coming along at the time and on competing offer.

Taking to the skies for the first time in 1995, the new 21-93 variant would see the integration of many modern features, such as R-73 and R-27. The latter made possible thanks to its upgraded pulse-doppler Kopyo radar developed from the Yak-141 / MiG-29 series of radar. A new canopy would be introduced, along with a modernized Heads-Up-Display and Helmet mounted sight to make full use of the R-73s capabilities.

India would officially pursue a contract in 1996, with the HAL company handling domestic modernization work after an initial batch of aircraft modified in Russia. India was already one of the largest operators of the type, having the MiG-21 in service since the 1960s across various types. The new upgrade was planned to take the type into the 21st century for the Indian Air Force. Known officially as the MiG-21UPG (For Upgrade) but later as the “Bison”. Internally the cockpit was also reworked to include HOTAS controls. New integrated countermeasures were installed along the wing roots on the upper surface, providing additional protection and survivability in combat. 

The Indian Air Force plans to retire all MiG-21 Bison aircraft by 2025, replaced in service by the domestically developed HAL Tejas.
[/expand]

Pre-order - MiG-21 Bison Pack
74.99
  • MiG-21 Bison (Rank 8, Great Britain)
  • 2500 Golden Eagles
  • Premium account for 20 days
  • Pre-order bonus: unique "Falcon Slayer" title
  • Pre-order bonus: unique “No. 51 Squadron IAF batch” decal


[h2]Meet the MiG-21 Bison![/h2]

Few families of vehicles need little introduction more than the MiG-21 series. From the early F-13 variant, to the staple MFs and rounding off with the Bis, multiple nations and many pilots have come to love and fear the Fishbed series in game. Joining the ranks of the British tree as a premium will be the ultimate version to grace the skies, sporting the features many of the most modern aircraft in the game have become renowned for. Much like South African vehicles, Indian vehicles will be introduced into the British tree. Let’s dive deeper into what you can expect with the Bison!



Perhaps the most significant upgrade over the standard Bis models already in game comes in the form of its advanced weaponry. You can expect to see the familiar all-aspect advanced R-73 missile that some of the top jet fighters in game are currently equipped with. Couple this with the Helmet Mounted Sight and the Bison already stands up well against some of the better modern fighters in the game currently. Its upgraded Kopyo radar also means this MiG-21 can sport the R-27, making the Bison a formidable threat both in close range dogfights and at long range engagements too. 

Under the hood, you’ll find the same R-25-300 engine powering the Bison, which is already a powerful engine that gives the airframe its famed performance. But it does mean the aircraft won’t get any flight performance boost over the Bis models. Defensively, an upgraded Tarang RWR suite and new integrated countermeasures found above the wings provides enhanced survivability over what many of the other MiG-21s offer. Meaning when you do find yourself on the wrong end of a missile lock, the Bison has a better chance of getting you through to the other side.  



The MiG-21 Bison also features a number of air-to-ground options, many of which can be found on the Bis. Thanks to this, the Bison doesn’t sacrifice its multirole capabilities despite the numerous air-to-air upgrades. Unguided S-8 rockets, Mk.82 and Mk.83 bombs as well as the KAB-500KR TV Guided bomb mean you retain plenty of options to take the Bison out into combined battles and support your team from the skies. Plus, you’ll still retain the S-24 and S-5K Rockets, OFAB-100, ZB-500 and standard FAB-500 bombs from the MiG-21Bis in your arsenal.



In your matches by Scott, Community Manager: “The Bison will be a breath of fresh air compared to whats already available in the British tree. Compared to many of the sluggish missile carriers (with the exception of the Gripen of course), the Bison will provide an excellent agile fighter with a potent and dangerous combination of R-73s and a HMS to make best use of them. Whilst you do have some BVR punch, R-73s are going to form the core of your load-outs in the Bison. Make use of the excellent acceleration carried over from the MiG-21Bis and don’t find yourself making too many turns and bleeding too much speed. Hit and run tactics will work well for the Bison, getting into a fight, throwing off some R-73s at unsuspecting opponents at high angles and getting out of the fight quickly whilst making use of your extra countermeasures is the way to go.”



Very soon, you’ll be able to take to the skies in the Bison yourself and greatly speed up your progress in the British tree at the same time, since it’s a premium. This modernized icon will offer a taste of the top performance and advanced weaponry found in War Thunder. That’s it for now!

Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in War Thunder!



It’s D-Day. June 6th, 1944. 80 years ago today, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy to take back France. As part of Operation Overlord, more than 150,000 Allied soldiers landed at Normandy, first by parachutes and gliders and then under the cover of aircraft and artillery and from transport ships. In total around a million people were involved in this operation.

We’re honoring the largest seaborne invasion ever today on its 80th anniversary. Take a look at the various different activities and discounts that we’ve created dedicated to this day.

[h2]Unique Bundles Available in the Gaijin.net Store![/h2]

When: From June 6th (12:00 GMT) until June 10th (12:00 GMT).


Celebrate the anniversary with the following unique bundles available for purchase in the Gaijin store.

[h3]“First in Deed” Bundle -40%[/h3]
$59.02
  • M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo Cobra King;
  • M18 Black Cat Pack;
  • George Bostwick's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt Pack;
  • Mustang Pack;
  • Unique title: “First in Deed”;
  • Unique decal: “First United States Army Insignia”.


[h3]“Sledgehammer” Bundle -40%[/h3]
$56.38
  • M10 Achilles Pack;
  • Sherman Firefly Ic Pack;
  • Prendergast`s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe Pack;
  • Typhoon Pack;
  • Unique title: “Sledgehammer”;
  • Unique decal: “2nd Army Formation badge”.


[h3]“Overlord” Bundle[/h3]
$75
  • M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo Cobra King;
  • M18 Black Cat Pack;
  • George Bostwick's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt Pack;Mustang Pack;
  • M10 Achilles Pack;
  • Sherman Firefly Ic Pack;
  • Prendergast`s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe Pack;
  • Typhoon Pack;
  • Unique title: “Overlord”;
  • Unique decal: “SHAEF insignia”.
  • + Decals and titles from “First in deed” and “Sledgehammer” bundles.


Note! You can also get a unique title and the decal, if you log in to the game from the 6th to the 10th of June and gain at least three victories, whilst at the same time you previously purchased all separate packs which are included in the bundles above (M4a3e2 Sherman purchased in the game using Golden Eagles). The titles and the decals will be assigned after the 11th of June to all users who have fulfilled these conditions.

[h2]Get a D-Day themed Ship Flag and Decal![/h2]
Decorate your vehicles with the unique D-Day ship flag and decal that features the flags of France, the US, Great Britain and Canada.



“80th Anniversary of D-Day (1944-2024)” ship flag

“D-Day Allies Badge” decal



When: From June 6th (12:00 GMT) until June 10th (07:00 GMT).

Task: Play 3 battles using US, British, and French vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “D-Day Allies Badge” decal!
Task: Get a total of 10,000 mission points with US, British and French vehicles of rank III or higher in Naval Battles to receive the “80th Anniversary of D-Day (1944-2024)” ship flag!

Additional details:
  • You must use a minimum of rank III.
  • Your activity must not be below 70%.
  • You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, and [Assault] mode.
  • Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
  • You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customization menu.


[h2]Participate in the Operation Overlord event to earn the Churchill AVRE![/h2]

When: From June 5th (11:00 GMT) until June 17th (11:00 GMT).




The Operation Overlord event, part of our D-Day 80th anniversary celebrations, has just begun! In this event you can get yourself the Churchill AVRE, a special vehicle first used during the Normandy Landings, plus two decals and the Flying Dustbin decoration.

[h3]CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS[/h3]



[h2]The Military Engineer: Percy Hobart in June’s Pages of History![/h2]

When: From June 1st (11:00 GMT) until June 30th (11:00 GMT).


For June’s Pages of History, we’re honoring Percy Hobart. Hobart was the main man behind Hobart’s Funnies, a set of special engineering vehicles, including the Churchill AVRE, that played a vital role on D-Day. Complete 8 tasks and his profile icon is yours.

[h3]CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS[/h3]



[h2]HMS Belfast is Available at a 50% Discount! [/h2]

When: From June 6th (12:00 GMT) until June 10th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.




HMS Belfast played a crucial role on D-Day, being one of the first ships to bombard the Normandy coast before Allied troops landed, softening up German defenses. HMS Belfast is now a permanent static display on the River Thames in London and is one of only three bombardment ships left from D-Day. She’s available for a discount on this special occasion!


[h2]D-Day Tournament Series![/h2]
We’ve prepared some aircraft, ground and naval vehicle D-Day tournaments that you can register for right now until June 8th! In these tournaments you can win the special “D-Day” decal and “Normandy Ace” title. Be sure to join the official Esport Discord community!

[h3]CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TOURNAMENTS WEBSITE[/h3]


How to participate in the War Thunder Tournaments