War Thunder News

[p][/p][p]We’ve finally arrived! Introducing the Japanese F-2A multi-role fighter as a researchable variant, and the F-2A ADTW as a premium pack variant. [/p][p][/p][h2]F-2A: A Jet Fighter for Japan at Rank VIII[/h2][p]At a glance:[/p]

• [p] Excellent flight characteristics[/p]
• [p] Advanced electronics[/p]
• [p] IR and ARH air-to-air missiles[/p]
• [p] Large amount of weaponry[/p]
• [p] No HMD
  [/p]

[h2]Pre-order - F-2A ADTW Pack[/h2][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store![/p][p]79.99[/p]

• [p]F-2A ADTW (Rank VIII, Japan)[/p]
• [p]Premium account for 30 days[/p]
• [p]3000 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]Pre-order bonus: unique title “Viper Zero”[/p]
• [p]Pre-order bonus: unique “Gifu Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force emblem” decal[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Vehicle History [/p][p]Jointly developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and American companies General Dynamics and Lockheed, the F-2A fighter is based on the American F-16 for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. While maintaining its basic aerodynamics, the F-2A received an enlarged wing made of composite materials, a reinforced fuselage and full Japanese avionics, including an AESA radar and an integrated fire control system. [/p][p]The prototype first flew in 1995, and serial production of 94 aircraft (including F-2B combat trainers) was carried out from 2000 to 2011. Despite its technological advancement, the program faced a record cost of about $120 million per aircraft. During operation, problems with the resource of composite wings and electronics were revealed, requiring expensive upgrades. [/p][p]Today, the F-2A remains the key strike aircraft of the Self-Defense Force. The unique experience of creating the F-2A allowed Japan to develop its own fifth-generation technology demonstrator, the X-2 Shinshin. [/p][p][/p][h2]Introducing the F-2A![/h2][p] Japan’s long-awaited top jet fighter is coming in the Leviathans major update! Meet the F-2A Viper Zero — an advanced multi-role aircraft, expertly crafted for modern air combat and the destruction of sea and ground targets with guided weapons from long distances. Plus, along with the researchable F-2A, a premium variant named the F-2A ADTW is available for pre-order starting today! Let’s take a closer look. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The F-2A’s appearance may look strikingly familiar, and that’s because it is based on the American F-16C Block 40. Despite looking similar, the F-2A received significant improvements in almost all combat characteristics. It has a longer wing, composite materials have been widely used in the fuselage and tail design, helping to increase the F-2A’s speed, rate of climb and maneuverability to the level of some of the best aircraft in the game.[/p][p]Interesting: The F-2A has the nickname of “Viper Zero”! This name is combined from the F-16’s nickname of “Viper”, and the name of the classic A6M “Zero”.

[/p][p][/p][p]As befits a multi-role jet aircraft, the F-2A’s arsenal allows it to perform any tasks, one of which is the ability to adequately take out naval targets without coming into direct contact with them. This is thanks to the ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, which are new to the game! The first one has an ARH seeker with inertial guidance, while the second one has a seeker with IR and inertial guidance. Alongside these missiles is the excellent AAM-3 close-range missile, found on the Japanese F-15J. These missiles come stock for the aircraft and have a high maximum overload, a very long time of controlled flight and good IR countermeasures resistance. For other scenarios, you can research and use the AAM-4 medium-range missile, featuring a ARH homing head, which are approximately similar in efficiency and guidance to the American AIM-120A. To round them up, they have inertial guidance, a data-link, a decent available maximum overload and a launch range even higher than the American missile! [/p][p][/p][p]So we’ve spoken about the air-to-air and air-to-ship missiles, but what can be used against ground vehicles? There’s literally an entire arsenal. We’re talking the GBU-31 JDAM and the GBU-38 JDAM with satellite guidance, the more advanced GBU-54B LJDAM with laser, inertial and satellite guidance, to a large selection of regular and tail fin bombs with a total weight of over 5,000 kg per sortie, Zuni rockets and up to 342 Mighty Mouse rockets. To locate targets, the F-2A features its own J/AAQ-2 targeting pod, and a new Sniper pod is required for launching the LJDAM guided bombs! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As mentioned at the start of the text, today pre-orders for the F-2A Air Development and Test Wing (ADTW) have started! This one was created after a prototype for test purposes. This is truly an eye-catching aircraft, featuring slightly worse air-to-air missiles than its researchable variant, and it will not be able to launch GBU-54 or ARH missiles. [/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]The anticipated F-2A Viper Zero and nice F-2A ADTW are coming to the game in the Leviathans major update, which is coming soon. See you around! [/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p]
On June 9th 1892, Nikolai Nikolaevich Polikarpov was born. He was a famous Soviet aircraft designer nicknamed “the king of fighters”. He designed dozens of aircraft, including the Po-2, I-15 and I-16, which made up a significant part of the USSR’s air force from 1939-1941.

[/p][h2]The I-16 type 28 is temporarily available for Golden Eagles![/h2][p]The I-16 type 28 is available for 1350 Golden Eagles.

When: From June 9th (11:00 GMT) until June 12th (11:00 GMT).
Where: USSR > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

[/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p] About this aircraft[/p]

• [p] The I-16 type 28 is a slow, but fast-climbing and maneuverable aircraft, ideal for turn fighting. This aircraft features two 20 mm ShVAK cannons and two 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, plus six 82 mm rockets and two FAB bombs up to 100 kg that can be mounted on the wings.
  [/p]

[h2]The I-153P and Zhukovsky’s I-153-M62 are available at a 30% discount![/h2][p]The I-153P is available for 665 Golden Eagles and Zhukovsky’s I-153-M62 is available for 280 Golden Eagles.

When: From June 9th (11:00 GMT) until June 12th (11:00 GMT).
Where: USSR > Aviation > Premium vehicles.
[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]
About these aircraft[/p]

• [p]Both of these variants of the I-153 Chaika are equipped with the M62 engine and are capable of carrying two 50 kg bombs or eight 82 mm rockets. The I-153P got its name from the word “gun”, as it is armed with two 20 mm ShVAK cannons. The I-153-M62 which was flown at the start of the Second World War by ace Sergei Yakovlevich Zhukovsky is equipped with four 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns. [/p]

Thank you for another week of stunning submissions— we love seeing your creativity and detail. For this upcoming theme, we’re shifting our focus from firepower to flair. This week, transform your vehicles into works of art through custom skins. Whether it’s a historically accurate camouflage, a battle-worn repaint, or something uniquely your own, show us how your personalized paint job adds character to your machines. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 175th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen175. You have time until the 13th 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 vehicle with a customized skin, or with decals applied.
You can find skins for vehicles here.
You must add the #WTscreen175 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 174th edition – Salt & Steel![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3493640431
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3492242883
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3491092509

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3490880681
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3492816717
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3491455295

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

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Check out the famous Czechoslovakian L-39 trainer coming to War Thunder in its combat training variant, the L-39ZA![/p][p][/p][h2]L-39ZA: A Premium Strike Aircraft for the USSR at Rank V[/h2][p]At a glance:[/p]

• [p] Good handling[/p]
• [p] Bombs and rockets[/p]
• [p] Low top speed[/p]
• [p] Two flap positions and an air brake[/p]
• [p] Low ammo count for the cannon[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Pre-order – L-39ZA Albatros Pack[/h2][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store![/p][p]49.99[/p]

• [p] L-39ZA Albatros (Rank V, USSR)[/p]
• [p] 2000 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p] Premium account for 15 days[/p]
• [p] Pre-order bonus: unique title "Bird of passage"[/p]
• [p] Pre-order bonus: unique decal "Albatross"
  [/p]

[p][/p][p]Vehicle History[/p][p][/p][p]The Czechoslovakian L-39 jet trainer replaced the L-29 Delfin. It was a completely new aircraft that featured a simple and reliable design and received a more powerful engine with almost twice the thrust as the L-29. The prototype first took to the skies on November 4th 1968 and serial production began in 1972. In 1974, development of a combat training variant called the L-39ZA began, equipped with a 23 mm GSh-23L cannon and reinforced chassis. Serial production of this variant began in 1980. Later on, special export variants were produced.[/p][p][/p][p]The L-39ZA was tested in the USSR in 1979, where it confirmed its effectiveness as a light attack aircraft. A total of 265 aircraft of this modification were built, entering service with the Air Forces of Czechoslovakia, the GDR, Bulgaria, Romania, Syria, Algeria among several other countries.[/p][p][/p][p]In the 1980s and 1990s, the L-39 proved itself as a universal platform for training and combat operations. Even after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, the L-39 remains in demand — many of these aircraft are still in operation in various countries, and its successor, the L-39NG, L-59 and L-159 continue to build on the success of this legendary aircraft. Thanks to the combination of simplicity, reliability and versatility, the L-39 Albatros is rightfully considered as one of the best combat trainer aircraft in the world.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Introducing the L-39ZA Albatros[/h2][p][/p][p]Meet the combat variant of the famous Czechoslovakian L-39 trainer coming to the game in the Leviathans major update as a rank V premium for the USSR! This is the first fully domestically designed Czechoslovakian aircraft to arrive to the game and today pre-orders for it have started! So without further ado, let’s dive into the details.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The L-39ZA Albatros is a two-seat subsonic jet aircraft that was not only used for training pilots, but also was used as a standalone combat strike aircraft. The L-39ZA features a twin-barreled 23 mm cannon positioned under the cockpit at the center of the fuselage, so aiming this gun is pretty easy! Although having said this, the total ammunition is just 150 rounds, so you’re going to have to make sure that your shots count. For destroying ground vehicles, the L-39ZA features a good amount of bombs and rockets — up to 1000 kg of bombs ranging from 100, 250 and 500 kg, as well as up to 64 small S-5K rockets.[/p][p][/p][p]We’d like to note that in real life, the L-39ZA can indeed carry air-to-air missiles, however the introduction of these missiles to the aircraft in-game would inevitably lead to its Battle Rating increasing. Given the L-39ZA’s speed characteristics, it would make this aircraft easy prey for opponents if it were to have a higher Battle Rating. As a result, we’ve decided to introduce the ground attack variant of this aircraft, making it an excellent addition to ground force lineups at rank V. It will also be able to play effectively in air modes at its rank too.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Speaking of speed, the L-39ZA can reach a maximum speed of around 760 km/h, where it can be controlled well throughout its entire speed range thanks to the short wings and high tail that provide excellent turn and roll rates. Plus, the L-39ZA has two positions for its flaps along with an air brake, helping to accurately line up on ground targets and give an additional advantage while turning in air battles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The L-39ZA Albatros combat-trainer is coming to War Thunder in the Leviathans major update! From today, you can pre-order this strike aircraft to get unique bonuses, Golden Eagles and Premium Account time. Follow the link above to the store page and keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs coming soon™![/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]On June 6th 1944, the Western Front opened in the European theater of the Second World War. A record-breaking150,000 Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy with support from the sea and air. D-Day is one of the most important events in the history of the 20th century, and we celebrate it every year![/p][p][/p][h2]Unique Bundles Available in the Gaijin.net Store![/h2]

[p]When: From June 6th (11:00 GMT) until June 9th (11:00 GMT).[/p]

[p][/p][p]Celebrate the anniversary with the following unique bundles available for purchase in the Gaijin.net store.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]“First in Deed” Bundle -30%[/h3][p][/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store![/p][p]$98.36 $68.85[/p]

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

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]“Sledgehammer” Bundle -30%[/h3][p][/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store![/p][p]$93.96 $65.77[/p]

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

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]“Overlord” Bundle -50%[/h3][p][/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store![/p][p]$192 $96.16[/p]

• [p] M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo Cobra King;[/p]
• [p] M18 Black Cat Pack;[/p]
• [p] George Bostwick's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt Pack;[/p]
• [p] Mustang Pack;[/p]
• [p] M10 Achilles Pack;[/p]
• [p] Sherman Firefly Ic Pack;[/p]
• [p] Prendergast`s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe Pack;[/p]
• [p] Typhoon Pack;[/p]
• [p] Unique title: “Overlord”;[/p]
• [p] Unique decal: “SHAEF insignia”.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p] + Decals and titles from “First in deed” and “Sledgehammer” bundles.[/p]

[p]Please note! You can also get the unique titles and decals if you log into the game from June 6th to June 9th and get at least three victories, while at the same time you have previously purchased all separate packs that are included in the bundles above. The titles and decals will be assigned after June 11th to all players who have fulfilled these conditions. [/p][p] [/p][h2]Take part in the Normandy ‘44 event to get the T86![/h2]

[p]When: From June 5th (11:00 GMT) until June 17th (11:00 GMT).[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Play in Ground battles, earn points and get themed decals and a decoration, plus the American T86 premium tank that is capable of driving on water thanks to being amphibious! [/p][p][/p][p]CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS[/p][p][/p][h2]The Rough Rider: Theodore Roosevelt III in June’s Pages of History![/h2]

[p]When: From June 1st (11:00 GMT) until June 30th (11:00 GMT).[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]This month’s Pages of History features Theodore Roosevelt Jr, the son of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and a veteran of both World Wars. He was the only general to personally land on the beaches of Normandy along with the rest of the soldiers on the morning of June 6th 1944. People thought he was going to his death, but the 56-year old (who walked with a cane) not only survived but also brilliantly commanded his subordinates. [/p][p][/p][p]CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Get a decal for D-Day![/h2][p]Decorate your vehicles with this unique decal.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]“D-Day 2025” decal [/p][p][/p][p]When: From June 6th (11:00 GMT) until June 10th (07:00 GMT).[/p][p]Task: Play 3 battles using US, British or French vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “D-Day 2025” decal![/p][p][/p][p]Additional details:[/p]

• [p] Your activity must not be below 70%.[/p]
• [p] You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, and \[Assault] mode.[/p]
• [p] Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → D-Day.[/p]
• [p] You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the customization menu.[/p]

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

[p]When: From June 6th (11:00 GMT) until June 9th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]HMS Belfast is now a museum ship in London! But in the mid-20th century, she played a part in many battles. HMS Belfast escorted northern convoys to the Soviet Union, participated in the Battle of the North Cape and the sinking of the battleship Scharnhorst, and provided fire support during the Normandy landings on June 6th 1944.[/p][p][/p][h2]D-Day Tournament Series![/h2][p]We’ve lined up a series of air, tank and naval tournaments dedicated to the anniversary of D-Day! Registration for them is already open and will last until June 8th. In these tournaments, you can win a special D-Day decal and the “Ace of Normandy” title. Don’t forget, we have an official Esports Discord server, so don’t forget to join! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TOURNAMENTS WEBSITE[/p][p][/p][p]How to participate in War Thunder Tournaments[/p]