War Thunder News

[p][/p][p]In the next major update, we’ll introduce two visually redesigned maps for Ground Battles: Ardennes and the long-awaited White Rock Fortress![/p][p][/p][h2]White Rock Fortress[/h2][p] [/p][p]White Rock Fortress is one of the oldest Ground Battle maps, and it’s returning to the rotation in the next major update! We’ve recreated this legendary location from scratch, made some gameplay-enhancing changes to it, all while preserving the familiar navigation for those who played on it years ago. The fortress itself has also been rebuilt, this time from light stone to emphasize the map name. Be ready to meet at its white walls with the first rays of sun![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h2]Ardennes[/h2][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]The spacious autumnal Ardennes location has also been completely redesigned. Abandoned fire positions, collapsed houses, puddles and mud, and of course trees covered in autumn gold, all now rendered in modern graphics standards with a wealth of fine detail. All general navigation remains unchanged, with all approaches, bypasses, and terrain remaining the same. There’s some new features, including abandoned equipment, bulldozers and tractors, which can now be used as temporary, mobile shelters when pushed forward.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re checking out China’s premium ZTZ96B MBT, which serves as the transitional link between the ZTZ96 and modern ZTZ99 families.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Facing the need of operating tanks in high-altitude environments and growing requirements, the Chinese military determined that the existing variants of ZTZ96 are becoming less effective on the modern and ever evolving battlefield. On top of that, several issues surfaced during the Tank Biathlon in 2014. An attempt to improve the mobility performance of ZTZ96A failed, as a result, China started to conceive a more comprehensively upgraded variant of ZTZ96, called ZTZ96B.[/p][p][/p][p]Drawing from past experience, ZTZ96B was heavily redesigned, firepower was increased to the level of the ZTZ99A by installing a modernized 125 mm tank gun, enabling the use of modern ammunition. [/p][p][/p][p]Despite the short development cycle, due to the change of requirements as well as military doctrines, ZTZ96B was not put into mass production. Only a few dozen entered service, and were mainly used to participate in Tank Biathlon.[/p][p][/p][p]In the late 2010s, the Iraqi army expressed interest in the tank. Based on the ZTZ96B, NORINCO developed an export version, the VT-2B, which featured a remote-controlled weapon station in place of the anti-aircraft machine gun. However, despite passing tests, Iraq ultimately declined to purchase this vehicle.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the ZTZ96B![/h3][p]The upcoming War Thunder major update brings a very unique tank to rank VII of the Chinese ground forces tree, combining all the key advantages of the 96 and 99 series MBTs! Today we present the ZTZ96B, an effective and well-balanced MBT capable of handling any task in battle. Pre-orders for this vehicle have gone live today, where you can get yourself some neat pre-order bonuses. Let’s check it out![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let’s firstly compare this vehicle! Ultimately, the ZTZ96B is a modernization of the ZTZ96A main battle tank, featuring a new turret which still houses a large carousel-type autoloader. It does however feature a modernized gun. The ammunition complement now includes new types of ammunition, the highly effective DTC10-125 APFSDS round with over half a meter of penetration, and a tandem ATGM![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The ZTZ96B comes in with FY-4 explosive reactive armor blocks. The ZTZ96B’s main advantage over its predecessor however is its improved mobility. It features a new engine and transmission that not only improve the tank’s overall mobility, but also addresses the issue of its slow reverse speed![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The ZTZ96B is an excellent, versatile MBT with great combat performance. Pre-order before the update’s release and you’ll receive the tank itself, a unique decal and title, days of Premium, and a supply of Golden Eagles![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Aircraft[/h3]

• [p]Mirage 2000 (all variants) — a bug that caused the MAWS chaff counter to decrease twice for every used chaff has been fixed.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Ground Vehicles[/h3]

• [p]ELC 901 — the artillery strike capability has been added. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Locations and Missions[/h3]

• [p]\[Ground Strike] Rocky Pillars — a bug that caused the inability to spawn in the mission on sessions with Battle Ratings of 2.3-3.3 has been fixed.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re checking out the most modern representative of the Boxer family of wheeled combat vehicles, armed with a 30 mm autocannon and universal Spike-LR II ATGMs![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Boxer sWaTrInf (Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie) is the latest wheeled fire support combat vehicle being developed for the Bundeswehr as part of the “Medium Forces” (Mittlere Kräfte) concept. This variant is designed to replace the Wiesel 1 and 2 tracked carriers. A key feature of the program is its unique international cooperation, with the vehicle being based on the Australian reconnaissance variant of the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV).[/p][p][/p][p]Production is taking place at Rheinmetall’s facilities in Redbank, Queensland, alongside the assembly of vehicles for the Australian Defence Force. This is one of the largest defense export projects in Australian history, formalized through an intergovernmental agreement between Germany and Australia.[/p][p][/p][p]The first prototype was delivered to the Bundeswehr for qualification trials in May 2024, and the contract calls for the construction of 123 vehicles of this variant, which are to be delivered by 2030.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Boxer SWaTrInf![/h3][p]The long-awaited German Boxer SWaTrInf is the most modern and advanced variant of the wheeled Boxer platform, armed with a 30 mm cannon and Spike ATGMs. Let’s get acquainted with this boxer![/p][p][/p][p]In our last Winter event back in December 2025, players had the opportunity to get the Australian Boxer CRV Block 2 armored fighting vehicle, based on the Boxer platform. Germany’s new wheeled reconnaissance vehicle, the Boxer SWaTrInf, is produced at the same factory but is instead made for the Bundeswehr. The Lance turret houses a 30 mm automatic cannon with automatic target tracking and several types of available ammunition, including a shrapnel round with a remote fuse (AHEAD), effective against air targets, and an APFSDS round with impressive performance for its caliber. The Boxer SWaTrInf’s crown jewel is its Spike-LR II missiles, which operate on a “fire and forget” principle. The tandem ATGM engages armored vehicles from above, and can be effectively used against slow helicopters. There’s also a machine gun in a remotely controlled mount on the turret roof.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In addition to effective weaponry, the turret also features modern electronics as you might expect. There’s a panoramic commander’s sight, a fire control system with a stabilizer, a laser rangefinder, and thermal imagers for the commander and gunner. Laser warning receivers are located around the turret. Unlike the Australian variant however, the German Boxer SWaTrInf lacks an active protection system.[/p][p][/p][p]The SWaTrInf’s armor is light, but can easily withstand pesky machine gun rounds up to 14.5 mm, and can also protect against some small-caliber autocannon shells. As for maneuverability, the Boxer platform has proven itself to be quite nimble! It can reach speeds of approximately 100 km/h on paved roads, and obstacle clearance is also no problem.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Thanks to its diverse armament, the Boxer SWaTrInf is going to be an excellent support vehicle for allied tanks, providing cover against armored vehicles but also against low-flying aircraft. In addition to this, its mobility makes this vehicle perform well alone as either a point-capturing vehicle or an ambush ATGM carrier. Don’t forget about its size though! Hiding this thing or trying to avoid getting shot might be a bit tricky, so position wisely.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Thanks for reading folks! The new German Boxer SWaTrInf is going to be joining rank VII in the German ground forces tree in War Thunder’s first 2026 major update. Stay tuned for more news, clear skies and happy hunting everybody![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]A pair of Hungarian Hawks will be making their way to the start of the Italian air tree in the next major update![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The MÁVAG Héja (Hawk) was a development of the Italian Re.2000 and came in two variants. The Héja I was a lightly modified variant, equipped with an 8 mm armored headrest and slightly weaker but more logistically convenient WM K-14A engine. The installation of this new engine necessitated a slight lengthening of the fuselage to accommodate the shift in the center of gravity.[/p][p][/p][p]Based on the operational performance of the Héja I, the Héja II was developed shortly after with some pivotal changes. It was constructed completely in Hungary from the ground up, while still maintaining the basic framework of the Re.2000. This improved variant featured a more powerful WM K-14B engine, and a pair of 12.7 mm Gebauer 1940.M GKM machine guns with a much faster fire rate. The wing fuel tanks were also slightly reduced in size, and a new propeller was installed. In total, 70 Héja I and 204 Héja II fighters were built.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Héja I & II![/h3][p]As promised previously, we’ve been hard at work modeling and developing some domestic Hungarian aircraft to plug the gap at the start of the Hungarian line in the Italian tree. The first aircraft we have to show you are the Héja I and II, developed by Hungary on the framework of the Italian Reggiane Re.2000. Let’s get into them![/p][p][/p][p]The Héja I (Hawk), was a modified version of the Re.2000 exported to Hungary. These aircraft had their engines swapped for the WM K-14A as it was convenient to maintain, though it was slightly less powerful than the original engines. This lighter engine, however, caused a shift in the aircraft’s center of gravity, which resulted in engineers lengthening the fuselage by around 40 cm to accommodate. An 8 mm steel plate was installed behind the pilot as well, increasing survivability but also weight. The Héja I will ultimately be quite familiar and comfortable to fly, maintaining a lot of the core elements of the Re.2000.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Héja II is a much deeper development; while the Héja I was a simple modification, the Héja II was built from the ground up in Hungary. While maintaining the same core design as the Re.2000, it featured several improvements. It received a more powerful WM K-14B engine, redistributed fuel tanks, and swapped out the Italian weaponry with a pair of 12.7 mm Gebauer 1940.M GKM machine guns. These guns still fire the same Italian ammunition, but have a much faster fire rate, increasing their lethality significantly.[/p][p][/p][p]These Hawks represent a key part of Hungary’s aviation history, adding some nice variety to the lower ranks. They’re agile, fast, and effectively armed, making them convenient for new players and veterans alike. They’re also fairly survivable, being full metal designs with pilot armor, allowing you to get away with some glancing hits. The engines do struggle in a climb however, so extra care should be taken to gain altitude before entering into any dogfights, as once that altitude is lost in the heat of battle it will be very difficult to reclaim.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This is just the start, we have even more interesting Hungarian aircraft to show you very soon! Stay tuned and keep checking in, and we’ll be back soon for more. Have a good one![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Please note that the characteristics of these vehicles may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]