War Thunder News

War Thunder celebrates its 12th birthday on November 1st. It was on this day in 2012 that the game entered open testing. Since then, it has become larger and has grown incredibly in scale and ambition, winning the love of millions of players around the world.

We started the celebrations a week ago with in-game discounts and continued with discounts in the Gaijin Store, which is still ongoing. Now it’s time for the last stage of the celebration! Earn the premium KV-7 in the Dreams Come True event, get some awesome Esports camouflages from Twitch Drops, decorate your vehicles with an anniversary decal, and of course, the much-loved Maus temporarily returns to be researched, typical to our anniversary event.

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[h2]Dreams Come True: KV-7[/h2]
[h3]When: From November 1st (11:00 GMT) until November 13th (11:00 GMT).[/h3]



Take part in the Dreams Come True event to get two decals, a decoration and the KV-7 Soviet experimental premium tank destroyer.

This vehicle first appeared in 1941 and combines the well-protected KV-1 heavy tank chassis with powerful APHE shells from the T-34-76 series of tanks. The KV-7 has three guns — one 76 mm and two 45 mm.

[h3]Learn more about the KV-7 event here[/h3]

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[h2]Twitch Drops and “Chasing the Older Brother” Event with a Chance to Win the IS-7![/h2]
[h3]When: From November 15th (11:00 GMT) until November 18th (11:00 GMT) for the event and Twitch Drops from November 22nd.[/h3]

We wanted to spice it up a bit for you! We’re hosting KV-7 vs KV-7 battles during the “Chasing the Older Brother” event, where you can earn tickets for mission points. Those tickets will go into a draw, and 12 lucky winners will be drawn live on our anniversary stream, with each winning the IS-7, added directly to their account. During the anniversary stream there will also be Twitch Drops to earn some goodies.

[h3]Learn more about this event here[/h3]

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[h2]12th Anniversary Decal![/h2]
[h3]When: From November 1st (11:00 GMT) until November 6th (11:00 GMT).[/h3]

“War Thunder 12 years” decal.

Get War Thunder’s 12th anniversary commemorative decal for playing one battle.

• Task: Play 1 battle with any vehicle at rank III or higher in any game mode to get the “War Thunder 12 years” decal.
  

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[h2]The Maus Returns![/h2]
[h3]When: From November 1st (11:00 GMT) until November 6th (11:00 GMT).[/h3]



According to the glorious tradition, a giant has dropped by to pay us a visit: say hello to the legendary Maus tank. If you don’t yet have this tank, you’ll be able to research and purchase it for Silver Lions between the specified dates.

• To start researching the Maus, you need to have rank V of the German ground forces tree unlocked.
  
• Assign your Research Points from battles or convert research points into the Maus within the specified event time period! If you gained any research, the researchable Maus will not disappear after the event ends, meaning you’ll be able to finish researching it any time later.
  

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[h2]Gaijin Store Sales![/h2]
[h3]When: From October 29th (11:00 GMT) until November 4th (11:00 GMT).[/h3]

• Up to 50% off in the Gaijin Store.
  

[h3]Store Sale[/h3]

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[h2]A series of festive tournaments for the anniversary of War Thunder![/h2]



Take part in tournaments dedicated to War Thunder’s birthday, or watch livestreams on Twitch and get valuable rewards from Twitch Drops!

[h3]Air Superiority 2024[/h3]

[h2]Sound[/h2]

• The overall sound volume has been reduced in accordance with technical requirements of digital distribution services. Please note that it is the general volume levels that were reduced, while the volumes of separate game soundscape elements relative to each other have remained the same.
  

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.

JDS Murasame is the lead ship of a class of destroyers, built for the JMSDF in the late 1950s as successors to the Ayanami class in the antisubmarine warfare role.

[h2]JDS Murasame (DD-107): A Destroyer for Japan at Rank II[/h2]
At a glance:

• Versatile arsenal.
  
• Excellent mobility.
  
• Features torpedoes.
  

Vehicle History
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The Murasame class of destroyers were ordered in the late 1950s as a replacement for the preceding Ayanami class. Construction of the lead ship, JDS Murasame, began in December 1957 with the keel being laid down in the Kobe shipyard. JDS Murasame was launched and subsequently commissioned into service in 1958 and 1959, respectively.

Although initially intended only to serve in the ASW role, JDS Murasame’s potent artillery arsenal also effectively enabled it to perform anti-aircraft duties. As a result, ships of the Murasame class were later on unofficially redesignated to all-purpose destroyers. After entering service, JDS Murasame took part in several oceangoing voyages and military exercises. Later on in her career, JDS Murasame was also used as a test platform for minesweeping equipment before ultimately being decommissioned in March 1988.
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[h2]Meet the JDS Murasame![/h2]

JDS Murasame (DD-107) will be a new early Cold War era destroyer arriving to the starting ranks of the Japanese Bluewater fleet in the Firebirds major update. Being a later successor to the JDS Harukaze already in the gamae, JDS Murasame features a greatly upgraded weapons arsenal while maintaining the good mobility of its predecessor. Sounds interesting to you? Then join us in today’s devblog as we explore the details of this new Japanese vessel coming to the game very soon!



As already mentioned, JDS Murasame is a successor design to some of the early Cold War Japanese destroyers, built for the JMSDF after WWII. Keeping in line with previous designs, shipbuilders placed emphasis on flexibility and JDS Murasame is no exception in this. Its arsenal best reflects this fact as the ship is equipped with three 5’’ (127 mm) Mark 16 cannons of American origin. Representing an upgraded version of the iconic Mk.12 cannon also found on JDS Harukaze, the Mk.16 cannons retain their signature high rate of fire and combine it with a longer barrel and heavier rounds, giving the cannon overall greatly improved ballistic properties and extending its range.

Furthermore, JDS Murasame is also equipped with a more powerful secondary battery consisting of two twin 3’’ (76 mm) cannons. Rounding off this arsenal are also a number of depth charge and torpedo launchers on either side of the ship. Overall, JDS Murasame is well equipped to face virtually any opponent on or above the sea’s surface thanks to its both powerful, but also very flexible weapon loadout.



Interesting: JDS Murasame’s 5’’ primary guns originate from the American carrier USS Midway, where the guns originally formed part of the ship’s arsenal.

However, JDS Murasame doesn’t only boast excellent firepower. In fact, this ship is also a very nimble vessel. Thanks to its powerful machinery, JDS Murasame can attain a top speed of 30 kts (56 km/h), similar to its predecessor. As a result, JDS Murasame can quickly maneuver on the sea, allowing captains to change their tactical approach virtually on the fly. On the other hand, being a light vessel also comes with the inherent drawback of not possessing extensive protection. As a result, JDS Murasame features only limited protection around its vital components which may enable it to absorb some damage from incoming fire, but not nearly enabling it enough to engage in brawls with other vessels.



JDS Murasame will soon reinforce the early ranks of the Japanese navy’s Bluewater fleet in War Thunder, becoming available for research to following the release of the Firebirds major update. In the meantime, be on the lookout for more news regarding the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting captains!

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

Today we’ll be taking a look at the Sabra Mk.I, a tank that was derived from major upgrades made to the Magach 7 tank, featuring add-on armor modules and a new 120 mm gun!

[h2]Sabra Mk.I: A Medium Tank for Israel at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• 120 mm gun similar to the Merkava tanks with a good reload speed!
  
• Effective APFSDS shell.
  
• Decent protection.
  
• Average mobility.
  

Vehicle History
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As part of Magach 7C modernization, Israeli company Israel Military Industries (IMI) developed and created a prototype of the Sabra Mk.I MBT in 2002-2005, coming in as a deep and comprehensive modernization of the Magach series of tanks. The main differences of the project were a new 120 mm smoothbore gun, a set of add-on armor elements for the hull and turret, a new fire control system and an electromechanical turret drive. The Sabra program was proposed to Turkey as a possible modernization program for their fleet of M60 tanks. However, the Turkish had counter-proposals that led to further modifications and the construction of a second prototype under the designation Sabra Mk.II.
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[h2]Meet the Sabra Mk.I![/h2]

The Israeli Sabra Mk.I is quite literally the ultimate Magach and will provide an interesting alternative when placed in some high-ranking ground force lineups. It features a very similar gun as the Merkava Mk.3 but at a lower Battle Rating, so let’s take a closer look!



Further development of the Magach 7C led engineers to create the Sabra tank. Just by looks, the turret has a familiar silhouette with add-on armor modules, but most importantly there’s a new gun. This 120 mm smoothbore gun is a very close relative of some of the higher-ranking Merkava tanks and can fire three types of ammunition, including HEATFS, HE-TF and an M322 APFSDS round.

The Sabra’s armor is made using the same technology found on the Magach 7C — it consists of modules of combined armor welded onto the standard steel armor of the M60. However, the layout and composition of this add-on armor differs from the Magach. Some differences include more protection at the front of the turret by the gun mantlet, the upper plate and turret sides. How effective is it though? It’s capable of stopping HEAT based rounds, however kinetic shells will pierce straight through without a problem. Besides this, the dense layout and poor location of ammunition stored internally definitely decrease the survivability of the Sabra once it has been penetrated.



Despite all the above mentioned changes, the engine of the Sabra Mk.I is the same as the Magach 7C. In terms of maneuverability, both tanks are almost identical, meaning the overall mobility of the Sabra is somewhat poor. Don’t fret though, as there’s one more positive. The reload speed of the gun can be as low as 6 seconds on an Ace crew — something the Magach can’t do!



That’s it for today’s blog. The Sabra Mk.I will arrive at rank VII in the Israel ground forces tree in the Firebirds major update and is sure to provide extra firepower thanks to its 120 mm gun. Be sure to check out the news for more dev blogs that we’re currently cooking!

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

In this month’s Pages of History, you’ll be at the center of events that took place in different theaters of war. Belarus, the Philippines, Egypt and Hungary: take part in battles with the vehicles corresponding to these historic battles and receive prizes. 

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From November 1st until November 30th, you’ll be offered 8 tasks consecutively. Completing each will reward you with a trophy, and completing all of them will earn you a unique player icon.

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[h3]Marmaduke Pattle[/h3]
Marmaduke “Pat” Pattle was a South African-born British pilot and one of the Allies’ most successful aces. In less than a year of combat, he is credited with shooting down more than fifty enemy aircraft, most of them while he was piloting a Hawker Hurricane. He fought in North Africa and Greece, leading No. 80 Squadron, which included the famous writer Roald Dahl. Pattle was killed on 20th April 1941 in an air battle near Athens with German Bf 110s.

You can immediately purchase this profile icon for Golden Eagles until December 3rd, 11:30 GMT without completing tasks. To find it, go to your Nickname → Achievements → Pages of History.

[h2]Trophy reward for each task[/h2]

Completing each individual task will give you a trophy with one of the following rewards:

• 20-50% RP booster for 3-10 battles;
  
• 20-50% SL booster for 3-10 battles;
  
• 3-5 universal backups;
  
• Premium account for 1 day;
  
• A random camouflage for ground vehicles (out of the selection of camouflages currently obtainable in game for completing tasks, or purchasing with Golden Eagles).
  

[h2]Other terms[/h2]

• Tasks are available from 11:00 GMT until 11:30 GMT on the final day of each task.
  
• Tasks can be completed in random battles except for “Assault” mode.
  

[h2]November 1st — November 4th[/h2]
[h3]Barbara Line[/h3]
On October 6th 1943, the Allies broke through Germany’s first line of defense in central Italy, but their further advance was hampered by the poor condition of local roads, which made supply difficult. Therefore, the assault on the Barbara Line, the second in a row, did not begin until November 2nd, but was completed within 24 hours. German troops retreated back to the Gustav Line.

[h2]November 5th — November 8th[/h2]
[h3]First Flight of the Hawker Hurricane[/h3]
On November 6th 1935, the single-seat Hawker Hurricane fighter took to the air for the first time. Almost 15,000 units of this aircraft were produced, and in the Battle of Britain, it was Hurricane pilots who achieved more than half of all aerial victories over the Luftwaffe.

[h2]November 9th — November 12th[/h2]
[h3]Battle of Taranto[/h3]
On November 12th 1940, Britain raided the Italian naval base at Taranto. It was the first naval battle in which aircraft launched from ships attacked other ships. Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers from the carrier HMS Illustrious used specially modified torpedos to hit the Italian fleet in the shallow bay. Italy lost half the battleships in the harbor.

[h2]November 13th — November 15th[/h2]
[h3]Klinsko-Solnechnogorsk Defensive Operation[/h3]
After the end of the autumn thaw, the Wehrmacht resumed its advance on Moscow, and on November 15th 1941, Soviet troops began a defensive operation near Klin and Solnechnogorsk. During the fierce battles, German forces approached Moscow to a distance of only 14 km, but the Red Army managed to hold them back, and then seize the strategic initiative and go on the offensive along the same line.

[h2]November 16th — November 19th[/h2]
[h3]Operation Crusader[/h3]
On November 18th 1941, the British Empire launched an offensive on the North African front. After initial setbacks, the Allies managed to break through the Axis defenses, and on 28th November the New Zealand Division rejoined the defenders of the besieged Tobruk, and by the end of the year the German and Italian forces had retreated from the region. The success of the operation was Britain's first major victory against the Wehrmacht.

[h2]November 19th — November 22nd[/h2]
[h3]Operation Uranus[/h3]
The Stalingrad strategic offensive operation, codenamed Operation Uranus, began on November 19th 1943. By November 22nd, hundreds of thousands of Axis troops were encircled east of the Don, and the encirclement tightened steadily until all Axis forces had surrendered by early February.

[h2]November 23rd — November 26th[/h2]
[h3]Formation of the “Normandie-Niemen” fighter regiment[/h3]
The French Normandie Squadron in the service of the Soviet Union was formed on November 25th 1942, by order of Charles de Gaulle. In 1943, it was transformed into a regiment. Normandie fought on the Eastern Front until the end of the war, participating in the Battle of Kursk and the Belorussian Operation. During Operation Gumbinnen, the regiment shot down 41 German aircraft without suffering a single loss. On November 28th 1944, for its services in crossing the Neman River in Lithuania, the regiment was named Normandie-Niemen.

[h2]November 27th — November 30th[/h2]
[h3]Operation Tariq al-Qods[/h3]
Operation Road to Jerusalem was conducted in Iran from November 29th to December 7th, 1981. At midnight on November 29th, Iranian forces launched an attack on the Iraqi-held city of Bostan and captured it by morning — the first city recaptured by Iran since the beginning of the war. By the end of the operation, Iran had held off an Iraqi counterattack and liberated about 70 villages in Khuzestan Province.