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Squadron Vehicles: Saab F-35: Red Dragon



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.

Z-10ME & Z-10A Squadron Vehicle: China’s New Helicopters



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.

MiG-21 Discounts for the Anniversary of its First Flight!

[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]

Marat Returns with a Discount on the Anniversary of the Start of Construction!

[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.

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

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.
    [/p]

Screenshot Competition – Dawn Patrol!



Welcome to the 176th War Thunder Steam Screenshot Competition!


Thank you once again for your incredible submissions! This coming week, we’ll be focusing on the quiet moments before the storm! You’ll be capturing missions set at sunrise, where soft morning light and long shadows set the stage for the battle to come. Any vehicle type is welcome—just be sure it’s ready to roll out under a golden sky. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 176th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen176. You have time until the 20th 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 should be taken in morning light and can include any vehicle.
    You must add the #WTscreen176 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 175th edition – Tactical Canvas![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3496521333
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3494914941
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3494789417

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3495061925
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3494630490
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3495915459

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