War Thunder News

An improved variant of the T-72B3 that features the Arena-M APS is coming to the game in the Leviathans major update!

[h2]T-72B3A: An MBT for the USSR at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:

• Arena-M Active Protection System
  
• Kontakt-5 ERA
  
• Improved engine, but still slow reverse speed
  
• Tandem ATGM
  
• Thermal imager
  

Vehicle History The T-72B3A is a further modernization of the Soviet T-72, developed in the 2010s to enhance its combat performance while maintaining its proven design. One of the key elements of the upgrade was the addition of the Arena-M Active Protection System (APS), which significantly increased the vehicle’s survivability in modern combat.

The Arena-M itself is an improved version of the Soviet Arena system, designed to automatically detect and destroy incoming anti-tank weapons such as ATGMs and RPGs before they make contact with the tank. The system uses radar to detect threats and launches countermeasure charges that create a damaging field at a distance of 5-10 meters from the tank. Unlike the basic Arena, the M modification features improved electronics, increased countermeasure immunity, and the ability to integrate with other protection systems.

[h2]Introducing the T-72B3A![/h2]

The Russian T-72B3 is getting better with a new variant! Meet the T-72B3A, featuring the Arena-M active protection system. It’s coming soon in the Leviathans major update, so sit back and read on to find out how this thing works!



The Arena-M stands out as one of the most modern active protection systems in the world. It consists of a radar, sensor system, and special defensive countermeasures that launch upwards and towards threats upon detection, destroying them with a focused stream of fragments several meters from the tank. Twelve launchers are positioned around the turret and house these countermeasures, providing all-round protection for the tank and partial cover for the upper hemisphere against missile attacks from above. It can effectively neutralize all types of ATGMs, including tandem warheads, although it cannot intercept kinetic energy penetrators.

Interesting: After firing, the Arena-M countermeasures are controlled by wires through commands, which in a split second turn the charge towards the approaching threat. Due to the velocity gradient of the fragmentation field, the fragments first hit the shaped-charge area and fuse of the enemy projectile, and then the explosive substance in the casing!



The Arena-M is going to be another line of defense for the already well-protected T-72B3. Speaking of which, the T-72B3A’s hull and turret are covered with Kontakt-5 ERA blocks, which come in handy when the Arena-M’s countermeasure charges run out. Having said that, this ERA is still good as additional protection against kinetic shells! Other than that, this tank’s main protection is the same as other Russian MBTs, with steel and composite armor.

Just like its predecessor, the T-72B3A is armed with a 125 mm cannon with a good selection of available shells, including 3BM60 APFSDS and the 9M119M1 tandem ATGM. Rounding this off is the fire control system that includes a laser rangefinder and thermal imager for the gunner.



In addition to its advantages, the T-72B3A also inherits the disadvantages of the B3 variant, namely the weaker armor area at the front of the gun mantlet, the driver port and the huge ammo carousel for the automatic loader. Though, perhaps the most detrimental aspect of the T-72B3A is the reverse speed, a very poor -4 km/h — something you’d come to expect for most Russian MBTs.



That’s all for this blog, the Leviathans major update is almost ready, we’re all waiting for its release and can’t wait to play it on the live servers with all of you. See you around!

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

One of the new Squadron Vehicles arriving in the Leviathans major update is the advanced Draken of the Danish Air Force!

[h2]Saab F-35: A Squadron Vehicle Jet Fighter for Sweden at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• AIM-9N air-to-air missiles
  
• RWR
  
• Up to 4500 kg of bombs
  
• New sight with ballistic computer
  
• No radar
  

Vehicle History In the late 1960s, the Danish Air Force decided to replace the aging F-100D, needing a versatile fighter capable of effectively operating against both air and ground targets. The choice fell on the Swedish J35F Draken, however the base model did not meet Danish requirements, so a modification called the Saab 35XD (designated as the F-35) was developed. This new variant had reinforced wings, increased ammunition, two 30 mm cannons, reinforced landing gear, a large internal fuel supply and the ability to mount external fuel tanks. The radar equipment was considered unnecessary and dismantled, as the focus was on strike capabilities and transforming the design to the needs of a tactical aircraft.

In the 1980s, Danish F-35s underwent modernization under the WDNS (Weapon Delivery and Navigation System) program, which aimed to install a modern sighting and navigation system. These new fighters received a new sight, a laser rangefinder, and an AN/ALR-69 RWR. The final stage of modernization was completed in 1986.



[h2]Introducing the Saab F-35![/h2]

The Danish Saab F-35 multirole fighter is coming to the game in the Leviathans major update as a new Squadron Vehicle for Sweden’s aviation tree! This aircraft has an advanced RWR, close range air-to-air missiles, and a wide range of ground attack capabilities. Let’s take a look.



Danish Drakens were upgraded under the Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS) program with modern electronics. Inside the nose cone is an AN/ALR-69 RWR, which provides you with comprehensive information about the current combat situation and immediate threats with clear identification on the display. In the cockpit is a new Sikte S-7B sight with a ballistic computer. Since the Saab F-35 was primarily intended for ground attacks, this aircraft has no radar. However, despite this, it does have two AIM-9N Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for air combat! These missiles have quite good overloads and controlled flight time, but acquiring the target is only possible in the rear hemisphere.

The Saab F-35 is the most attack-oriented Draken in Sweden’s aircraft tree. The reinforced wing allows for up to 4,500 kg payload, including 250, 500 and 1000 lb bombs, FFAR, CRV7 and Hydra-70 rockets.



Like other Squadron Vehicles, you can get the Saab F-35 through acquiring enough squadron activity points or buying it straight away with Golden Eagles. The Danish Draken is a neat addition to several lineups for Ground Battles, and its exceptional maneuverability and high maximum speed will come in handy in Air Battles!



That’s all for now! We’re finishing up the Leviathans major update — it’s coming soon!

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

Meet a new top ranked helicopter for China, the export Z-10ME is coming to the research tree! Plus the Z-10A, which will join as a new Squadron Vehicle.

[h2]Z-10ME: An Attack Helicopter for China at Rank VII
Z-10A: A Squadron Vehicle Attack Helicopter for China at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• DIRCM for the Z-10ME
  
• Additional armor plating
  
• Increased ammunition count (ME version)
  

Vehicle History By the late 2010s, the PLA began to modernize some of the older Z-10s in service to upgrade them to the current technological standard. This configuration generally corresponded to the original design of the helicopter, including armor and laser warning receivers.

Several dozen helicopters have been modernized to the Z-10A standard and previously produced helicopters are being modified to this type as well.




[h2]Introducing the Z-10ME & A![/h2]

Helicopter fans can look forward to the arrival of the Chinese Z-10ME coming to the game in the next major update, introducing several handy upgrades not found on the early production versions! The Z-10ME and Z-10A Squadron Vehicle will soon rightfully claim their place as the apex predator among the Chinese attack helicopters in War Thunder, so let’s dive into the details, shall we?



The Z-10ME will be the new top-of-the-line modification of the Z-10 attack helicopter which incorporates all the latest improvements. Namely, new engines, a new radar on top of the rotor, additional flares, composite applique armor has been installed around the cockpit and engine nacelles for improved protection. Upward mounted exhausts have also been fitted to reduce the IR signature of the vehicle — a feature especially handy in reducing visibility on thermal image devices and to lower the chances of a successful IR missile lock-on. The Z-10ME will also receive the DIRCM system protecting from missiles with IR seekers. Additionally, the cannon turret has also been upgraded and now features 350 rounds of ammunition, further extending the Z-10ME’s combat capabilities!

In addition to the Z-10ME, the next major update will also introduce an additional variant of China’s most modern attack helicopter — the Z-10A! Coming to War Thunder as a Squadron Vehicle, the Z-10A can be earned through accruing squadron activity points or it can be purchased with Golden Eagles. The difference between this modification and the familiar Z-10 is additional armor for the cockpit and engines, as well as updated onboard electronics.



The Z-10ME and Z-10A will soon be arriving to the hangars of War Thunder pilots with the release of the next major update. Until then, keep a close eye on the news for fresh information regarding War Thunder’s next major update. Clear skies and good hunting, pilots!

Please note that these vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before they are added to the game.

[p][/p][p]The MiG-21 jet fighter made its first flight 70 years ago on June 15th, 1955! The MiG-21 became the most mass-produced second generation jet fighter and the most widespread supersonic aircraft. Almost 11,500 were produced, many of which are still in service today. [/p][h2]30% discounts on two MiG-21 variants![/h2][p]When: From June 16th (11:00 GMT) until June 19th (11:00 GMT) [/p][p][/p][p]The following aircraft are available at a 30% discount:[/p]

• [p]USSR: MiG-21S (R-13-300) (Rank VI) for 6237 Golden Eagles[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Germany: MiG-21 SPS-K (Rank VI)* for 6489 Golden Eagles[/p][p][/p]

[p]* this aircraft is only available for purchase for Golden Eagles during this promotion.

[/p][h2]30% Discounts on MiG-21 Variants In the Gaijin Store[/h2][p]When: From June 16th (11:00 GMT) until June 19th (11:00 GMT)[/p][p][/p][p]PC players will be able to purchase the following packs at a 30% discount in the Gaijin store: To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store! [/p][p][/p]

• [p] Germany: MiG-21 “Lazur-M” (Rank VII)[/p][p][/p]
• [p] Great Britain: MiG-21 Bison (Rank VIII)[/p][p][/p]
• [p] China: J-7D (Rank VII)[/p][p] [/p]

[p]
On June 15th 1909, the battleship Petropavlovsk was laid down at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg. In 1921, it was named “Marat” in honor of French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat. During the Second World War, Marat participated in the defense of Leningrad, firing almost two thousand 305 mm shells.

[/p][h2]Marat returns for Golden Eagles and is here to stay![/h2][p]Marat returns to the game for 8380 Golden Eagles! Note: Until June 19th (10:00 GMT), it will be sold at a 30% discount for 5866 Golden Eagles.

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When: From June 16th (10:00 GMT)
Where: USSR > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

About this battleship
[/p]

• [p] Marat (rank V) features twelve 305 mm main guns, ready to inflict devastating damage to enemies. For defense against aircraft, Marat comes with various cannons and machine guns in 27 turrets.
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