War Thunder News

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the Antelope, set to become one of the most advanced short-range anti-air systems in the Chinese ground forces tree.

[h2]Antelope: An SPAA for China at Rank VII[/h2]

At a glance:

• Anti-jam homing missiles, although only 4 in total.
  
• Thermal imager.
  
• Virtually no armor to speak of.
  

Vehicle History
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In 1995, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) sought to develop their short range air defense arsenal, especially as their MiM-72 platforms bought from America during the 1980s were showing their age and limitations. The result of this undertaking was the Antelope Air Defense System, which incorporated IR guided SAMs and radar. The setup was able to be operated standalone or mounted on a vehicle, where ultimately a truck chassis was chosen for mass production.  
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[h2]Meet the Antelope![/h2]

Coming to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update, the Antelope will be joining the top ranks of China’s anti-air line, offering quite a unique playstyle and allowing for a smoother transition between the PGZ04A and Tor-M1, where there was previously a sizable gap. Let’s take a closer look!



The Antelope will become the second missile-only platform to arrive to the Chinese ground forces tree. Leaving conventional weapons behind, the Antelope features an integrated missile launcher with four IR-guided SAMs on board. Unlike the missiles found on the preceding PGZ04A, the Antelope’s armament features much greater range, up to 8 km in fact! As a result of this range and the general drastic improvement of the missile itself, its ability to intercept aircraft is very impressive. However, a limitation of the Antelope is that it can only carry a max of 4 missiles with no room to store any extra. What you see is what you get, so make every launch count!



Being on a modified truck chassis, the Antelope boasts excellent mobility. Thanks to its 150 HP diesel engine, this vehicle can reach a top speed just shy of 100 km/h. This makes it very easy to reposition itself after firing — a key element to SPAA is surprise, so engaging from an unexpected position will grant a much higher chance of success, especially if the radar is kept off until the last moment. The speed can also be effectively utilized to head to friendly strategic points to replenish missiles, though be very careful in the open, as the Antelope is entirely unarmored, so make sure you’re not out of cover for too long!



That’s it for today. The Antelope will soon be arriving to the top ranks of the Chinese ground forces tree to bolster the SPAA line in the Dance of Dragons major update. Until then, keep an eye out on the website for more devblogs and news, enjoy your matches and we’ll see you soon for more!

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

Speed up your progress with this premium tank, also coming in the next major update:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/236390/view/4579685279891604787

On September 11th 1944, the Red Army’s ground forces broke through German defenses in the Eastern Carpathians. After the end of WWII, this date began to be celebrated in the USSR as Tanker’s Day.

[h2]Get the “Golden HE” decoration![/h2]
Available for Tanker’s Day.

“Golden HE” decoration

When: From today until September 9th (07:00 GMT).
Task: Win 5 battles using Soviet ground vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Golden HE” decoration.

Additional details:

• 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 → Tanker’s Day.
  
• You can find the decoration in the “Other” tab in the Customization menu.
  

[h2]30% Discount on Soviet tanks in the Gaijin Store![/h2]
Also in honor of this day, there’s a 30% discount on all Soviet tanks in the Gaijin store, except for the T-80U-E1.

When: From today until September 9th (07:00 GMT).

This is the PUMA VJTF, the most advanced modification of Germany’s latest IFV currently fielded by the Bundeswehr. Featuring upgraded firepower, the PUMA VJTF will soon join the top ranks of the German ground forces tree!

[h2]PUMA VJTF: A Light Tank for Germany at Rank VII[/h2]

At a glance:

• Excellent mobility!
  
• Addition of Spike-LR missiles.
  
• Active protection system.
  
• Powerful 30 mm autocannon!
  

Vehicle History
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In the late 2010s, the Bundeswehr sought to upgrade its PUMA IFVs to the latest technological standard. In 2021, the official approval for the modernization of 40 PUMAs was obtained. The new variant would feature the implementation of the Spike-LR ATGM and enhanced communication systems among other upgrades with a target deployment date for the vehicles being set for 2023. The vehicles form two platoons of the Bundeswehr and are dedicated to the German element forming the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force 2023 (VJTF). Future plans include the modernization of all PUMAs in the Bundeswehr’s stock to be upgraded to this standard.
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[h2]Meet the PUMA VJTF![/h2]

The PUMA is currently the most advanced IFV available to Germany, both in real life as well as in War Thunder. This is soon to change however in the Dance of Dragons major update! With the introduction of the PUMA VJTF, the German ground forces tree will gain access to the most advanced modification of the PUMA to date, most prominently featuring additional firepower. Let’s check out today’s devblog!



Representing one of the most modern German combat vehicles available in the game at the moment, the arrival of the PUMA VJTF will bring with it a new top dog to the German ground forces tree! Inheriting much of what the standard variant of the PUMA is already well known for, this upgraded variant of the vehicle most notably features upgrades to its firepower — more specifically, the addition of a twin barrel MELLS launcher. These represent the German designation of the Spike-LR, already familiar to top rank battles. The addition of these missiles further increase the PUMA’s combat effectiveness as the ATGMs extend its reach, allowing it to strike even heavily armored MBTs at great distances. Additionally, thanks to the missile’s fire-and-forget targeting system, you might even dare to engage incoming enemy aircraft and helicopters if you’re feeling lucky!

Did you know? The PUMA armored infantry vehicle program was formerly known as Igel — a Hedgehog in German.



Apart from the addition of a Spike launcher, the PUMA VJTF remains quite similar to the base model, retaining its sleek profile, excellent mobility and advanced active protection system. However, if you’re going to be playing this vehicle, be aware of its shortcomings, mainly found in its armor, being only light protection when excluding the ERA elements found integrated within the hull of the PUMA’s sides.



The most advanced modification of the PUMA IFV will soon be coming to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update at rank VII in the German ground forces tree. In the meantime, stay sharp as we continue releasing more news articles covering the exciting new additions awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, good hunting tankers!

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

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Video produced on the dev server. Final results may differ.

Our 2024 Roadmap included several interface improvements, and one of them was new reticles for modern tanks with improved elements of the tank’s gun sight systems. Today, we’re pleased to present it to you, not just in an updated form, but in a deeply customized form as well. This new feature will come to the game in the Dance of Dragons major update — let’s take a look!

A new option called “Sight settings” has been added to the Ground vehicle Battle Settings. When clicking on this button, you can create your own configuration of interface elements displayed in the gunner’s sight. Configurations that you create can be saved to individual vehicles or to every vehicle at a selected rank of a specific nation at once so that you don’t have to create a sight for each vehicle one by one. Plus, you can also use any sight on any vehicle in the game (yes, that means you can use the modern US sight on a T-34 if you want!).

The following elements can be customized:

• Grid sight. You can either select it from the grids already available in the game, or install a custom sight downloaded to the /UserSights/ folder located in the game directory
  
• Rangefinder indicator
  
• Turret rotation indicator
  
• Sight field of view indicator at maximum zoom
  
• Shot readiness indicator (shows readiness status and reload time)
  

Interface elements that do not affect aiming can be easily and conveniently dragged around the screen with your mouse cursor. Each element can be viewed in different modes: day, night, with a night vision device or with a thermal imager.

Learn how to install and create sights

This is just the first version of the customizable aiming sights that will be coming to the game in the Dance of Dragons major update. New elements and additional settings may be added in the future. In the meantime, tell us what you think about this new feature on the official forum or on our social networks!

Today, pre-orders for this special variant of the AV-8B Harrier VTOL strike aircraft with thermal imaging have started!

[h2]AV-8B Night Attack: A Premium Naval Strike Aircraft for the USA at Rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• A huge variety of weaponry, including JDAMs!
  
• Thermal imaging!
  
• VTOL capability but relatively slow speed.
  
• Fantastic versatility in both air and ground battles.
  

Vehicle History
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In 1989 to support the U.S. Marine Corps during both day and night, a special version of the VTOL AV-8B Harrier was developed, NA standing for Night Attack. This version differed from earlier modifications with the addition of the NAVFLIR (Navigation Forward-Looking Infrared) system, the cockpit was configured for night vision goggles, and an upgraded Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine was installed. This modification also involved upgrading existing AV-8B models to the AV-8B Night Attack standard. Still in service with the U.S. Marine Corps today, this variant participated in most military operations involving marine aviation from the late 20th to the early 21st century.
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Pre-order - AV-8B Night Attack Pack
Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
69.99

• AV-8B Night Attack (Rank 7, USA)
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "True Action Hero" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: "VMA-223 insignia" decal
  

This offer is not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any military branch

[h2]Introducing the AV-8B Night Attack! [/h2]

Say hello to this special variant of the much loved Harrier, one of the most effective strike platforms for ground battles — the Night Attack (NA) variant, designed to support U.S. Marine Corps around the clock, night and day! This unique variant will be coming to the game when the Dance of Dragons major update is released, but today pre-orders for a special bundle containing the aircraft, unique pre-order bonuses and Golden Eagles and Premium time have started. Let’s take a look!



Representing one of the most advanced variants of the carrier based Harrier, the AV-8B (NA) will be quite familiar to those already accustomed with top-tier American or British aircraft. The real key feature of this variant is its thermal imaging mode, available even without a targeting pod — although it will only point forward. The Night Attack variant comes equipped with the F402 engine (the U.S. designation for the Rolls-Royce Pegasus) with familiar thrust vectoring capabilities. This aircraft is excellent for ground striking thanks to its great bomb load and wide array of ordnance. Make sure to take care though when approaching the battlefield as its speed is still relatively low, you’ll have to utilize its high maneuverability and large supply of countermeasures — 180 of them to be precise!



With the right pilot behind the controls, the AV-8B (NA) is a truly formidable force in ground battles, where its VTOL capabilities really come into play, sort of becoming a cross between a typical strike aircraft and an attack helicopter. It can hover behind terrain and surprise enemies, and swiftly rearm close to the battlefield from helipads.

At the core of any AV-8B loadout is the classic 25 mm GAU-12/U cannon. Much like the AV-8B Plus, the AV-8B (NA) has no in-built gun, only being able to carry one under the fuselage. As this variant is at a lower rank and battle rating, it lacks radar guided missiles and the top tier AIM-9M. However, it can still carry four of the highly maneuverable AIM-9L missiles, which are more than sufficient for any dogfight at its rank, as well as easily combating enemy helicopters. 



Thanks to its onboard electronics, the AV-8B (NA) excels with unguided weapons, being able to carry a wealth of free fall, drag and napalm bombs, along with Zuni and Mighty Mouse unguided rockets. Although, the real highlight is of course the guided weaponry! You can choose from precision guided bombs like the GBU-12 (up to ten) or the GBU-16 (up to four) which require the LITENING II targeting pod. The major update will also be introducing GPS-guided bombs, with this Harrier being able to equip up to 10 GBU-38 JDAMs. And finally, it can also equip some excellent air-to-ground missiles! Up to 4 AGM-65G or the new AGM-65E2 missiles can be carried, making this Harrier exceptionally versatile.



The pre-order for the AV-8B Night Attack pack is only available for a few more days, give it a look and pick it up for some exclusive cosmetic content, along with Premium time and a lot of Golden Eagles. Don’t miss out!

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