War Thunder News

Today we have three new premium packs to show you, each containing three vehicles.

These packs offer a versatile selection of ground vehicles, all similar to existing tech tree vehicles but with some interesting cosmetic variations. They don’t intend to represent one single vehicle and are instead more of a collective inspiration drawn from elements of several historical photos. Let’s start!

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!

[h2]Pre-order - Hell on Wheels Pack[/h2]
34.99

• Sherman (Hell) (Rank III, USA)
  
• Hellcat (Hell) (Rank III, USA)
  
• Skink (Hell) (Rank III, USA)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title “Hell on Wheels”
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “67th Armor Regiment Insignia” decal
  

[h3]M4A3E8 (76) W Sherman[/h3]
Headlining the American pack is one of the most versatile tanks of the war, the Sherman 76 Easy Eight! This variant features a camo netting, constructed by weaving fabric through barbed wire. Under this netting is an array of jerry cans and sandbags, both offering a very small amount of extra protection. 

[h3]M18 Hellcat [/h3]
One of America’s most capable light vehicles, the Hellcat will be joining the pack! This variant contains some light camo netting and is covered in satchels and canisters, along with an additional light machinegun on the turret. This M18 was inspired by late-war Hellcats, which often carried many storage elements on the exterior. A small sign is also included on the turret, this was attached to an M18 when the tank was delivered to the front, in order to quickly get crews accustomed to this new vehicle.

[h3]Skink[/h3]
Rounding off the lineup is the ever capable Skink wielding four fast-firing 20 mm guns! Complete with additional track armor and wooden planks on the sides, often applied to Shermans. Featuring a totally enclosed turret, the Skink excels in the anti-air role as it can avoid being strafed by the vast majority of aircraft.

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
[h2]Pre-order - In May 45 Pack[/h2]
34.99

• IS-1 ('45) (Rank III, USSR)
  
• T-34-85 ('45) (Rank III, USSR)
  
• Hanomag ('45) (Rank III, USSR)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title “Born to win”
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “In May 45” decal
  

[h3]T-34-85[/h3]
Kicking off the USSR pack is the T-34-85, in very unique attire. This T-34 is protected by light anti-HEAT shields salvaged from German tanks. While these field modifications were rare, several examples of T-34s fielding skirt armor from destroyed StuGs and similar tank destroyers could be seen in the latter stages of the war. 

[h3]IS-1[/h3]
This IS-1 comes complete with extra track armor on the sides of the turret as well as the lower plate — often a common weak spot. One of the main highlights of this tank is a camo netting fitted on the front of the hull and sides, plus on the gun barrel. There is also a Soviet army helmet ontop of the headlight at the front!

[h3]Hanomag[/h3]
Supporting the lineup is a captured Sd.Kfz 251/21. This trophy vehicle is new to the game, swapping out the standard 15 mm guns with three 20 mm cannons instead. These trade off some velocity and penetration power with significantly higher damage for the HE round to aircraft, making it a fairly special edition for the USSR.

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
[h2]Pre-order - Echoes of Overlord Pack[/h2]
34.99

• Firefly (Overlord) (Rank III, Great Britain)
  
• Avenger (Overlord) (Rank III, Great Britain)
  
• Crusader AA (Overlord) (Rank III, Great Britain)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title “Fear Naught”
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Echoes of Overlord” decal
  

[h3]Sherman Firefly[/h3]
The spearhead of the British lineup is the classic Sherman VC Firefly. This variant features additional track armor, including tracks from the destroyed German tanks, on the hull along with many extra cosmetic elements, complete with two-tone camo netting covering the hull and turret, perfect for concealed sniping and defensive positions. One of the crew members has left his glasses on the gun mantlet, hopefully it wasn’t the gunner!

[h3]Avenger [/h3]
Supporting the Firefly is the versatile Avenger, which also includes a similar type of camo netting. This variant has many additional cosmetic features inspired by several photos of British tanks. And guess what, there’s even a kettle — all the more reason to play this tank!

[h3]Crusader AA Mk II[/h3]
The anti-air vehicle of the group is the Crusader AA Mk.II, very mobile and reactive and fairly well protected from most aircraft as well thanks to its enclosed turret. This variant is also nicely camouflaged and customized, and was inspired by the many Crusader SPAA units operational in Normandy.

[hr][/hr]
That’s all for today, thank you very much for reading! These packs can be pre-ordered starting today from the Gaijin store. Stay tuned for even more news, and we’ll see you very soon!

[p]
The War Thunder Championships Series (WTCS) continues! After TITAN and the victory for AVReS, it’s time for you to take part in the second Major Event of the year: Armored Apex! Here, you’ll use legendary vehicles like the M1A2 Abrams or the T-80BVM on famous maps like Normandy or Advance to the Rhine. Armored Apex, the second major event, is a qualifying tournament, which allows you to score points for the 2025 WTCS season in a 4v4 RB Tank format!

Without further ado, let’s check out the lineup, maps, date and prizes for this second Major!

[/p][h2]Tournament Dates[/h2][p]After each Open qualifier, four teams will qualify for the Play-Off phases. For more information, be sure to check out the War Thunder Esports in 2025: The Beginning Of A New Era news that describes everything in detail.

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• [p] Open Qualifier I: June 14th-15th at 15:00 GMT
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• [p] Open Qualifier II: June 21st-22nd at 15:00 GMT
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• [p] Play-Offs: June 28th-29th & July 5th-6th at 15:00 GMT
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[p]
[/p][h2]Register NOW! [/h2][p]
[/p][h2]The Line-Up & Map Pools[/h2][p]Here’s the line-up that will be used for Open Qualifier I & II. It will be exactly the same for the Play-off phases.

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[p]Please note that there will be no map bans during the Open Qualifiers. All maps will be selected randomly. However, for the 8 Qualified teams, a map ban will be set up for the Play-offs.[/p]

[p]
[/p][h2]The Maps:[/h2][p]
[/p][h2]The Lineups:[/h2][p]
[/p][h2]Tournament Prizes[/h2][p]For each Open Qualifier, there’s a total of 86,400 Golden Eagles, plus Research Point & Silver Lion boosters and Premium Account time!

Here’s a detailed list of the Major’s prizes: [/p][p]
[/p][h2]Live Streams with Twitch Drops![/h2]

[p]When: Each stream will start from 14:45 GMT[/p]

[p]
Open Qualifier I Stream: June 14th-15th
Open Qualifier II Stream: June 21st-22nd

During the live broadcasts throughout the two weekends of the Open Qualifier matches, you can receive boosters and premium account time from Twitch Drops. Make sure to stay tuned for the Twitch drops prizes during the Finals!

There’s a variety of broadcasts in different languages to give you the best experience in English, Russian, German, Polish and French.

[/p][h2]Follow [/h2][p]
[/p]

[p]Login to your Twitch account → link your Gaijin account → click “Allow” to be able to receive Twitch Drops![/p]

[p]
[/p][h2]Giveaways on the Official Esports Discord![/h2][p]During the WTCS Armored Apex Major, join the Official War Thunder Esports Discord server to hang out with like-minded competitive players and take part in major giveaways that include the following packs:

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• [p] Leopard 2 (OTCo) Pack
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• [p] RAH-66 Comanche Pack
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• [p] F-2A ADTW Pack
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• [p] Leopard 2A4 Pack
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[p]
The Esports team wishes you the best of luck for the qualification phases. May the force be with you!

[/p][h2]War Thunder - Thunder Tactiks Pack[/h2][p][/p]

• [p] Unique decal: "Thunder Tactiks"
  
  [/p]
• [p] Unique camouflage: Bf 109 F-4 "Thunder Tactics"
  [/p]
• [p] Unique camouflage: Sd.Kfz.234/2 "Thunder Tactics"
  [/p]
• [p] 300 Golden Eagles
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[p]
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Today we’re taking a look at the Israeli SPYDER AIO, a rapid-deployment air defense system designed to counter all types of modern aerial threats. [/p][h2]Spyder AIO: A SAM System (SPAA) for Israel at Rank VIII[/h2][p]At a glance:
[/p]

• [p] Python-5 and Derby missiles[/p]
• [p] High-speed radar scanning[/p]
• [p] Effective short and long range air defense[/p]
• [p] Good mobility [/p]

[p]Vehicle History The SPYDER AIO (All-In-One) is an Israeli mobile air defense system jointly developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries to provide rapid, autonomous protection against a wide range of aerial threats, ranging from planes, helicopters to UAVs and even precision-guided munitions. It evolved from the original SPYDER (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) system, which was designed in the early 2000s to meet the needs of modern, mobile, and multi-layered air defense.

The system has attracted interest globally and has since been adopted by the armed forces of several countries including Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, the UAE, Morocco and others. The AIO variant integrates all system components — radar, command and control, and missile launchers — onto a single vehicle for enhanced mobility and quicker deployment. The SPYDER AIO was designed to launch both Python-5 and Derby missiles, offering both short and medium-range interception capabilities.


[/p][h2]Introducing the SPYDER AIO![/h2][p]
The SPYDER AIO is arriving to War Thunder as part of the Leviathans major update to reinforce the top rank of the Israeli ground forces tree with one of the most advanced air defense systems to date. Featuring a selection of two missile types and a highly capable radar system, the Spyder is set to become the new guardian angel when playing the Israel ground forces tree. Ready to find out more? Let’s take a look at the details.

[/p][p]In most cases, modern missile-based air defense systems consist of several units with distinct roles, working together. In the case of the SPYDER AIO, Israeli engineers integrated all functions into a single, highly mobile platform, thus creating a highly potent all-in-one solution. The SPYDER’s signature strength lies undoubtedly in its electronic equipment and most prominently, in its advanced radar system. Consisting of a fixed four phased antenna array, the SPYDER can scan the surrounding airspace at smaller intervals. This, coupled with thermal imaging, enables the Spyder AIO to detect aerial threats well ahead of time and in all weather conditions, before they become an acute danger to allies on the ground. [/p][p]
Detecting a foe is one thing, but dealing with them effectively is a whole different one. Fortunately however, the SPYDER has access to two types of advanced missile systems — the Python-5 and Derby. The Derby will be familiar if you’ve played Israel before, but the Python-5 is brand-new to the game! Each missile system is tailored to a different engagement type, yet both feature fire-and-forget capability, meaning you can focus solely on coordinating the order of engagement of hostile air threats. Both missiles are roughly identical in range, but complement each other in different combat situations. The Derby being an ARH missile is immune to flares and IRCMs, and can also capture targets in the frontal hemisphere from greater ranges. The Python-5 with IR guidance does not trigger RWR (except for the most advanced ones that feature MAWS with optical sensors for detecting rocket engine flares) and are immune to “notching”. Therefore it’s reasonable to fire at targets that pose the biggest threat with both types of missiles at once.


That’s it for this one! The SPYDER AIO will soon become available to all players at the top rank of the Israeli ground forces trees with the release of the Leviathans major update! In the meantime, be sure to keep an eye out on the news for what is coming next. Until then, happy hunting and see you soon in the next devblog!

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

[p][/p][p]The Royal Italian Navy was founded shortly after the unification of the country on March 17th 1861. A significant part of it was made up of the navies of the kingdoms of Naples and Sardinia. For a long time, they were significantly disunited, and only in 1881 was a common Naval Academy opened in Livorno. By the beginning of the 20th century, Italy was already a serious naval power, capable of confronting Austria-Hungary in the Adriatic Sea. It was there on June 10th 1917 that an Italian motor torpedo boat sank the dreadnought SMS Szent István, and in honor of this victory, Italian Navy Day was established. [/p][p][/p][h2]RN Geniere is temporarily available for Golden Eagles![/h2][p]This destroyer is available for 3850 Golden Eagles. [/p][carousel][/carousel][p]
When: June 10th (11:00 GMT) until June 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

About this destroyer[/p]

• [p] The RN Geniere was actively used during the Second World War as an escort ship, mainly protecting Italian convoys leading to Libya. Its arsenal is universal, featuring a powerful anti-aircraft battery, depth charges, powerful torpedoes and 120 mm guns, ready to fire every 7.5 seconds with a well-trained crew. And of course, the speed and maneuverability required of a destroyer compensate for the light armor.
  [/p]

[h2]RN Pola and RN Leonardo da Vinci are available at a 30% discount![/h2][p]RN Pola is available at 5614 Golden Eagles, and RN Leonardo da Vinci is available at 5866 Golden Eagles!

When: June 10th (11:00 GMT) until June 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

About these ships[/p]

• [p] RN Pola’s main caliber is represented by eight 203 mm guns — they’re powerful, but fire slowly. This ship has good armor, a decent anti-aircraft battery and decent speed. A real all-rounder!
  [/p]

[carousel][/carousel][p][/p]

• [p] RN Leonardo da Vinci may not be fast, but it packs an impressive punch. This ship boasts 305 mm guns with semi-armor-piercing shells that carry a huge amount of explosives.[/p]

[carousel][/carousel][p]
[/p][h2]“Coat of arms of the Naval Service of the Italian Coast Guard” decal![/h2][p]You can get this decal for this special occasion!



“Coat of arms of the Naval Service of the Italian Coast Guard” decal

When: From June 10th (11:00 GMT) Until June 13th (07:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using Italian naval vessels at rank III or higher to receive the “Coat of arms of the Naval Service of the Italian Coast Guard” decal.

Additional details:

• [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 → Italian Navy Day.[/p]
• [p] You can find the decal in the “Italy -> Navy” tab in the customization menu.
  [/p]

[/p]

[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]