War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’ll be covering the Buk-M3 SAM system, one of the most famous surface-to-air missile systems.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Development of the Buk surface-to-air missile system began on January 13th, 1972. The system was intended to combat targets at medium and low altitudes and was set to be completed by mid-1975. Before the system could be completed however, there were urgent concerns regarding the anti-air defense of tank divisions, and so a decision was quickly made to create the system in two stages. On May 22nd, 1974 a decree was issued to develop a simplified version — this initial variant was autonomous and self-propelled, and able to be integrated with existing Kub-M3 SAM system vehicles.[/p][p]The fully-fledged 9K37 Buk system successfully completed testing in 1979, consisting of a command post, a radar station, six launcher vehicles with four SAMs each, loading vehicles and a communications platoon.[/p][p]Modernization began after the Buk was adopted into service, and resulted in several improvements. The Buk-M1 featured increased jamming immunity and expanded target engagement capabilities, the Buk-M1-2 could fire a new missile, with the generally improved Buk-M2 followed after. The most modern iteration of the system, the Buk-M3, was accepted into service in 2016. It features new 9M317M series missiles, a new combat control post, an improved radar vehicle, new TELs (transport erector launcher) with 12 missiles each, and a new TELARs (transporter erector launcher and radar) with 6 missiles each.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Buk-M3![/h3][p]Meet the Buk-M3, a modern Russian surface-to-air missile system coming to War Thunder in the next major update. It will come to the game as a Multi-Vehicle SAM system, meaning it consists of three vehicles: a radar vehicle, and two launcher vehicles with six missiles each. Let’s take a look at what the Buk is capable of![/p][p][/p][p]Let’s start by going over the weapons. As soon as you spawn into a battle and position your radar vehicle, you’ll be able to deploy one or two launcher vehicles that each have six 9M317MA missiles in launch canisters. The guidance for them is a combination of active radar homing with inertial guidance on the missile’s flight trajectory and data link. The massive missiles have a large warhead and a radio fuse with a large proximity detonation range, as well as a long time in flight. The 9M317MA missiles have a thrust vector control and overload of 30G, allowing them to hit targets with ease, even at short distances. The missile containers are angled and the missiles cannot be launched vertically, so make sure to position the launcher vehicles accordingly![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? “Buk” means “Beech” (a type of tree).[/p][p][/p][p]The radar vehicle is where the gunner operates the system, able to control almost the entire airspace above the battle and simultaneously lead and hit up to 12 targets at once! Even if this vehicle is destroyed you’ll still be able to continue fighting aircraft. The launcher vehicles have their own sight with a thermal imager, and their radar is capable of both detecting and tracking targets, albeit in a narrow sector.[/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: The Buk detection station radar has a low rotation frequency, so one revolution takes 4.5 seconds. Each launcher vehicle has a radar with a phased array antenna, which allows for rapid scanning of the airspace. During operation, the data from these radars is integrated, and as a result the gunner receives a rapid update of information about targets in the sector of fire.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We’ve gone through the technicalities, let’s look at the base vehicle itself. The Buk-M3 is on a tracked chassis, providing a top speed of up to 70 km/h. Both the launcher and radar vehicles are very large, especially the radar vehicle with the rotating radar antenna. They’re also predictably only protected by bulletproof armor; they can survive some shrapnel from indirect hits from small bombs or rockets, but that’s about it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for now! The Buk-M3 will be joining the game in the next major update. Soon, we’ll be back with some more dev blogs, so keep an eye out![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[h3]The War Thunder Championship Series (WTCS) moves forward![/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]In early July, the Armored Apex 4v4 tournament came to an end. And what a finale it was! Team AVReS stormed through the qualifiers, dominated the play-offs, and finished undefeated with a 3-0 sweep over LEET on Sinai. With this incredible run, AVReS not only claims the Armored Apex 2025 trophy, but also rises to the top of the WTCS leaderboard with 256 points!

Make way for the last Major of the 2025 season before the Grand Finals. The Air Superiority Tournament, sponsored by Thrustmaster![/p][p][/p][h2]Key Dates[/h2][h3]Don’t miss the Open Qualifier Stage![/h3][p][/p][p]Note: Open Qualifiers are open to everyone.[/p][p][/p][p]At the end of each Open Qualifier, four teams will advance to the Play-Offs. For full details, check out the War Thunder Esports in 2025: The Beginning of a New Era article on Steam.[/p]

• [p]Open Qualifier I: September 13th-14th at 15:00 GMT[/p]
• [p]Open Qualifier II: September 20th-21st at 15:00 GMT[/p]
• [p]Play-Offs: September 27th-28th & October 4th-5th at 15:00 GMT[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Register NOW![/h2][p][/p][h2]The Line-Up & Map Pools[/h2][p]This is the line-up for Open Qualifier I & II, it will remain unchanged for the Play-Offs.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]
Again we’ll be partnering with Thrustmaster to offer you prizes worthy of this competition:[/p][p][/p][p]Thrustmaster, founded in 1991, is a pioneering brand in consumer simulation equipment.[/p][p][/p][p]Proud of its expertise and core values of “Passion, Quality and Innovation”, Thrustmaster continually strives to enhance realism and immersion in legendary gaming worlds by offering thrilling and truly exceptional experiences. From video game enthusiasts to casual gamers, Thrustmaster accessories for PCs and game consoles bring everyone’s dreams to life.[/p][p][/p][h2]Let’s take a closer look at the prize list for the winners of the WTCS Major III[/h2][p][/p][p]For each Open Qualifier, there’s a total of 86,400 Golden Eagles, plus Research Point & Silver Lion boosters and Premium Account time![/p][p][/p][h3]Here’s a detailed list of the Major’s prizes:[/h3]

• [p]1st place HOTAS Warthog (for each player in the team)[/p]
• [p]2nd place T.16000M FCS FLIGHT PACK (for each player in the team)[/p]
• [p]3rd place T.FLIGHT HOTAS 4 (for each player in the team)[/p]

[p] [/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p][/p][p]DISCLAIMER: Due to logistical reasons, we are only able to deliver prizes to the following countries and territories:[/p][p][/p][p]UNITED KINGDOM, BULGARIA, POLAND, ROMANIA, FRANCE, SPAIN, GERMANY, LUXEMBOURG, NETHERLANDS, DENMARK, BELGIUM, PORTUGAL, FINLAND, ITALY, SWEDEN, CYPRUS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, NORWAY, CANADA, CROATIA, SLOVAKIA, IRELAND, AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA, LATVIA, GREECE, LITHUANIA, ESTONIA, MALTA, BRAZIL, SOUTH AFRICA, MEXICO, SLOVENIA, HONDURAS, TURKEY, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, NEW ZEALAND, LEBANON, ARGENTINA, JAPAN, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, PHILIPPINES, SERBIA, ISRAEL, MOROCCO, UKRAINE, INDONESIA, ARMENIA, CHINA, KAZAKHSTAN, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, PUERTO RICO, KUWAIT, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, ICELAND, INDIA, VIETNAM, ANGUILLA, SAUDI ARABIA, ANDORRA, REUNION, MARTINIQUE, MALAYSIA, CHILE, THAILAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, GIBRALTAR, JORDAN, MACEDONIA, TUNISIA.[/p][p][/p][p]If your country of residence is not included in this list, you’ll need to provide a postal address in any of these countries in order to receive your prize.[/p][p][/p][h2]Live Streams with Twitch Drops![/h2][p][/p]

• [p]Open Qualifier I Stream: September 13th-14th[/p]
• [p]Open Qualifier II Stream: September 20th-21st[/p]

[p][/p][p]Watch the Open Qualifier matches live across both weekends and grab Twitch Drops, including boosters and premium account time! Even more rewards await during the Finals, so don’t miss out. Streams are available in English, Russian, German, Polish and French for the best experience.[/p][p][/p][h2]Follow [/h2][p][/p][h2] [/h2][h2]Giveaways on the Official Esports Discord![/h2][p]Throughout the WTCS Air Superiority Major, join the Official War Thunder Esports Discord to connect with fellow competitive players and take part in exclusive giveaways featuring these packs: [/p]

• [p]L-39ZA Albatros Pack[/p]
• [p]Northrop NF-5A Pack[/p]
• [p]F-2A ADTW Pack[/p]
• [p]MiG-29 Sniper Pack[/p]
• [p]F/A-18C Hornet (Swiss) Pack[/p]

[p]
The Esports team wishes you the best of luck for the qualification phases. May skill be with you![/p][p][/p][h2]Don't miss out on the Air Superiority Pack![/h2][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p][p][/p][p]This pack includes:[/p]

• [p]Decal "Flanking Snail";[/p]
• [p]Title "Slick flanker";[/p]
• [p]300 Golden Eagles;[/p]

[p][/p][p]Pakistan Defense Day is celebrated on September 6th, commemorating the day where Pakistan defended their border from Indian troops crossing into the country during the 1965 war. Cultural events and large military parades are held on the day. The country celebrates its Air Force on September 7th and its Navy on September 8th.[/p][p] [/p][h2]30% discount on the Pakistan Mi-35M and A-5C![/h2][p]For this day, the Mi-35M attack helicopter (rank VI) and the A-5C strike aircraft (rank VII) can be purchased with a 30% discount for 6,363 and 6,489 Golden Eagles respectively.[/p][p] [/p][p]When: From September 5th (12:00 GMT) until September 8th (12:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: China > Helicopters / Aviation > Premium vehicles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p] [/p][h3]About these vehicles[/h3]

• [p]In the 2010s, Pakistan ordered four Mi-35M helicopters with spare parts and weapons from Russia. They are still in service today. The Mi-35M is not the most maneuverable helicopter, but it’s well armed, being able to equip Ataka and Shturm ATGMs, Igla air-to-air missiles, S-8KO and S-13OF rockets, as well as a 23 mm GSh-23L cannon.[/p]
• [p]The A-5C is the Pakistan Air Force’s version of the Q-5, which was China’s first mass-produced combat aircraft. It has a good top speed and climb rate along with countermeasures, Matra Magic and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, rockets and a wide range of bombs.[/p]
• [p]The Al-Khalid-I is an improved variant of the Chinese-Pakistan AI-Khalid tank. The fire control system has been improved, the ERA blocks on the turret have been repositioned, and the tank received a more powerful engine. It’s a survivable MBT with an accurate and powerful 125 mm gun, which is backed up by a stabilzer, laser rangefinder and thermal imager.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]You can also purchase these vehicles together with the AI-Khalid-I tank as part of a pack with a 50% discount.[/p][p] [/p][h2]“Pakistan Defence Day” Bundle -50%[/h2][h3]$180 $89.99[/h3][p][/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This bundle includes:[/p]

• [p]A-5C Pack[/p]
• [p]Al-Khalid-I Pack[/p]
• [p]Mi-35M Pack[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today, we’ll be looking at a trio of Commonwealth Hornets joining the British tree, bringing some sting from across the pond and down under![/p][p][/p][h2] [/h2][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In the 1970s Canada, like many other countries, faced a choice of where to go with the modernisation of its jet fighter fleet. Operating 3 aging types with the, CF-101, CF-104 and CF-116 (F-5), a drastic upgrade and streamline was needed for the Royal Canadian Air Force to defend its skies and operate across its vast, often cold, territory. Canada considered many options, like the Tornado, Mirage F.1 and the American roster of F-14, F-15, F-16 and the F-18. While the F-14 came very close, geopolitics and cost lead to the F/A-18 being selected as the winner in 1980. Its characteristics already met the needs of Canadian operations, having a durable undercarriage for rough landings, twin engines for extra reliability and a suitable range for the vastness of its operational coverage, the carrier-borne routes of the Hornet perfectly suited the Canadian requirements.[/p][p] [/p][p]Canadian Hornets feature several modifications both internally and externally, such as lights and other bespoke changes. CF-188s have taken part in operations in the Gulf Wars, Yugoslavia, NATO Peacekeeping and even most recently, operations in the Middle East. Life extension programs have upgraded and will continue to keep the Hornet in Canadian service until a replacement can be procured. [/p][p] [/p][p]Australia, with a much similar mission to Canada, needed to modernise its fleet of Mirage III fighters. With considerations as far back as 1968 on the future fighter of the Royal Australian Air Force, it was not until the 1980s that the Hornet would ultimately come through as the candidate to replace them after assessing many of the same aircraft that Canada did. After allowing its preferred options in the F-16 and F-18 to mature somewhat, the decision was ultimately made to go with the F/A-18 as it became. Domestic assembly would take place in Australia, with Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) and Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) both participating in production and assembly.  Hornets began to enter RAAF service in 1985, and have since been upgraded several times with the Hornet Upgrade Program (HUG), introducing new weaponry, systems, structural reworks and hardware improvements. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Commonwealth Hornets![/h3][p]Ever since we first introduced the F/A-18 family to the game, many of you have requested the Commonwealth variants of these aircraft. Today, we’re happy to announce 3 versions will be joining the game in the next major update. Representatives from both Canada and Australia will join the British tree, providing an excellent all round platform in both air and ground battles![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let’s start with the Canadian variant, the CF-18, otherwise officially known as the CF-188. The CF-188A features an AN/AAS-38B targeting pod, as well as GBU-10, GBU-12 and GBU-16 Paveway IIs, GBU-24 Paveway IIIs as well as AGM-65D and G for an immense guided arsenal to bring to bare on ground targets. Alongside conventional armaments like high drag and standard bombs, napalm bombs and the CRV-7 rocket pods unique to this Hornet Variant. We also can’t forget to mention the internal 20 mm M61A1, which features SAPHEI rounds and a firing rate of around 6000 rpm. This lets you make short work of lightly armored ground targets, as well as making use of its radar gunsight for accurate shots in the air. [/p][p][/p][p]The CF-188A is coming as a premium aircraft, providing a versatile option for those wishing to storm through the ranks of the British aircraft tree! Pre-orders for it have started today.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Speaking of which, for its air-to-air weaponry, the CF-188A will feature the AIM-7P missile, which needs no introduction to many pilots! This is one of the best Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missiles in game, losing out only to the likes of the R-27ER. AIM-7P features both datalink and inertial guidance, meaning even if your aircraft loses radar lock, you can require lock at a later stage and the missile will continue its path once reconnected. That’s not to mention its excellent range, letting you reliably hit targets from 15km and even sometimes up to 20km away! Not forgetting the all-aspect AIM-9L for those short range engagements.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The first Australian variant will be the RAAF F/A-18A (Early), which will help to bridge the gap between the Phantom FG.1 and Sea Harrier FA.2. This variant will feature a slightly trimmed down arsenal compared to the CF-188A, but with a lower Battle Rating naturally to suit that. You can expect the same excellent handling in terms of flight performance (not forgetting the maneuvering mode control!) as well as a very well rounded RWR system that keeps you well informed of the threats around you, including threat ID and directional warning. In terms of weaponry, this version features the AIM-9L for short range, and for longer ranges, the AIM-7M/F variants. Ground attack wise, this F/A-18 will feature conventional bombs, high drag bombs, napalm as well as a twin set of AGM-62 ER/DL TV guided bombs. For a touch more precision in your strikes![/p][p] [/p][p]Lastly we can delve into the  RAAF F/A-18A (Late)! This version will be the HUG-2+ upgrade. Featuring a LITENING targeting pod and JDAMs which are unique to this Hornet modification. You can also expect 10 of the active radar-guided AIM-120C-5 AMRAAMs. This will be a truly versatile all round force both in the skies and against ground targets, with robust loadout options for almost any mission you face. [/p][p] [/p][p]We hope fans of Commonwealth aviation will enjoy these “aircraft with a sting” as we welcome more Australian and Canadian vehicles to the game. That’s all for now, stay tuned to the news for more details on what else you can expect in the next major Update for War Thunder![/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’ll be taking a look at the Sky Sabre, a Multi-Vehicle SAM System consisting of one radar vehicle and two launch vehicles with lethal missiles![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Sky Sabre has its roots back to the early 2000s, when the British Government awarded MBDA UK a contract to develop a new, common missile under the Future Local Area Air Defence System (FLAADS) program. This program aimed to replace the old Rapier missile systems that had been in service since the 1970s.[/p][p]What came from the FLAADS program was the CAMM (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile), designed to be used on a multitude of different platforms; either land, air or sea. It was first incorporated onto Royal Navy ships in 2018 and an extended-range variant called the CAMM-ER was developed in 2023 in collaboration with Italy.[/p][p]The Sky Sabre, which uses the CAMM missile, entered service with the British Army in December 2021, with six being operated by the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery. In 2022, to reinforce NATO anti-aircraft security in the region, one Sky Sabre was sent to Poland and remained in service until December 2024, when it was returned to the UK for maintenance and repairs.[/p][p]Currently, five Sky Sabres are being used for training and protecting the skies of the UK. One Sky Sabre has been located on the Falkland Islands since early 2022, where it replaced all Rapier missile systems previously stationed there.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Sky Sabre![/h3][p]Meet the Sky Sabre, joining Great Britain at the end of the SPAA line in the Tusk Force major update, ready to reinforce British ground force lineups with some lethal anti-air firepower! This is all thanks to two types of surface-to-air missiles that can take out aircraft at long ranges. Let’s take a closer look![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Just like some of the vehicles released in the previous major update, the Sky Sabre is a Multi-Vehicle SAM System (MVSS). This means it comprises three vehicles: a radar vehicle that tracks targets, and two launcher vehicles that can be placed. The radar is the SAAB Giraffe AMB, and when using it, you’ll be able to track and fire at targets using the newly added Radar Control Screen, just like the other MVSS vehicles. 16 missiles from the launchers (when both are placed) can be fired simultaneously and track individual targets when you click on them on the radar control screen. Like the other MVSS vehicles, this makes the Sky Sabre a serious threat against planes and helicopters![/p][p][/p][p]Trivia: The Sky Sabre launches missiles vertically using a “cold launch” system. This is where gas pushes the missile out of the launcher and into the air, then the missile turns towards its target using an orientational engine before the missile engine itself starts and makes its way to the target.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Sky Sabre features the EMADS launcher system developed by MBDA. This launcher can hold 8 missiles and fires two types which are both brand-new to the game: the CAMM and CAMM-ER, each with a range of 25 km and 45 km respectively. These missiles are extremely powerful and will explode in the proximity of planes and helicopters and can reach a max speed over Mach 3! Both missiles feature an ARH+IOG+DL guidance system, making them excellent at tracking targets in all points of flight.[/p][p][/p][p]Did you know?: CAMM is short for “Common Anti-Air Modular Missile”. As the name might suggest, CAMM can be incorporated onto various platforms and is currently used on Royal Navy ships and the Sky Sabre. The use of these missiles on ships and land vehicles both make up the “Sea Ceptor” and “Land Ceptor” weapon systems.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Both the radar and launchers are mounted onto the MAN HX77 8x8 truck. This truck, with all equipment mounted, weighs around 32 tons and is capable of reaching top speeds of 100 km/h thanks to its good engine. It has virtually no armor protection to speak of, and you should not be expecting to survive against bombs, tank shells, and strafing aircraft (if they even manage to get that close to you!) Plus, the radar vehicle is really tall, so make sure to *try* and hide it somewhere! That may be difficult though.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]So that’s the Sky Sabre for you — deadly CAMM missiles that are capable of taking out planes and helicopters at medium to long engagement ranges with ease! Be on the look out for this vehicle coming to the game in the Tusk Force major update soon.[/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]