War Thunder News

In the upcoming Dance of Dragons major update, closed testing of the French Coastal fleet will begin. And today, we’ll be showing you what awaits its first testers!

As with other naval powers, the development of France’s coastal fleet in the 20th century was driven by the ever-changing demands for coastal defense, control of sea routes, and ensuring the security of national interests. And sometimes, extraordinary solutions were adopted to address these challenges.



With the introduction of France’s coastal fleet tree, the first boats will be agile light motor torpedo ones, including the successful VTB-8, VTB-9, and VTB-11 series. Naval enthusiasts will find the Vedette 40k VTB-19 particularly interesting, as it was a boat that served under three different flags: France, Britain, and Germany, each time equipped with different armaments and equipment. Another intriguing boat is the Arras sub-chaser disguised as a merchant ship, or as the French often called this class, “Aviso”. This relatively slow boat with artillery armament is almost like a mini destroyer! Additional similar boats will be added to the French coastal fleet line in the future.

There’s also several imported boats that testers can look forward to. These are mainly of British origin, such as the MTB Vosper torpedo boat and the iconic transport converted for landing support tasks, the LCG(M), familiar from footage of the Normandy landings. One of France’s top light ships will be the versatile P-730 Combattante, armed with a 40 mm automatic cannon and four SS.11 guided missiles!



Closed testing of the French Coastal fleet will begin on the first day of the major update release. All owners of the VLT-2 pack will immediately gain access to research all of the boats available, as well as receive a unique commemorative decal for participating in the testing. Be sure to pick up the pack yourself, get some crew points and get ready to welcome the new French Coastal fleet tree with well-prepared, seasoned crews! You’ll also be able to get testing access through in-game achievements, which we’ll go through the details a little closer to the release.

[h2]VLT-2 Pack[/h2]
Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
This pack includes

• VLT-2 (Rank IV, France)
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• French Coastal fleet access
  

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

In today’s blog, we’ll be taking a look at the rather interesting P-16, an experimental Swiss attack jet aircraft that has been modeled by War Thunder players!

[h2]P-16: A Premium Strike Aircraft for Germany at Rank VI[/h2]

At a glance:

• Excellent low-speed control!
  
• Light in weight with a variety of ordnance that can fit onto 4 wing hardpoints.
  
• Sidewinder AIM-9B air-to-air missiles.
  
• Model created by a War Thunder player!
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
In 1948, the Swiss Air Force announced a competition to develop a jet fighter capable of performing ground-attack missions and taking off from unpaved airfields. Two Swiss companies took part in the competition: EFW (Eidgenössische Flugzeugwerke Emmen) with a project for four-engine tailless aircraft and FFA (Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke AG) with the more conservative P-16 project. The P-16 was a single-seat, low-wing monoplane with a short wing and a British Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire turbojet engine; for takeoff from unprepared terrain, the aircraft was equipped with twin landing gear wheels and a brake parachute. The first prototype, P-16-01, took to the air on April 25th 1955. The second prototype exceeded the speed of sound the following year. By 1958, four prototypes had been built, two of which had a more powerful version of the engine and showed acceptable flight characteristics.

In March 1958, the Swiss government, inspired by the test results, ordered 100 P-16 aircraft. However, the third prototype soon crashed due to problems with the hydraulic system. The production order was canceled. FFA made the necessary adjustments to the design and built two more prototypes on its own initiative, but the Swiss Air Force no longer showed interest in them. In the end, the Air Force purchased British Hawker Hunters.
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[h2]Pre-order – FFA P-16 Pack[/h2]
Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
Price: 59.99

• FFA P-16 strike aircraft
• (Rank VI, Germany);
  
• Premium account for 15 days;
  
• 2000 Golden Eagles;
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Slashing Pike" title;
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Swiss Guard” decal.
  

* - available after the next major update.


[h2]Meet the P-16![/h2]

We’ve got a rare guest to show you in this dev blog: a combat aircraft that comes from Switzerland, the P-16! And today, we’re going to be telling you all about this experimental strike aircraft and its unique features coming to the game in the Dance of Dragons major update, available for pre-order starting today. Let’s take a look!



The P-16 was conceived as an aircraft that could be capable of taking off from unprepared, short airfields in the mountains. Because of this, its designers aimed to make it as compact as possible in size; it features short wings that have a large area and a high-thrust engine. In terms of being able to control the P-16, it’s easy — this is because although it cannot reach the speed of sound, it can get close to it, giving it good control at low speeds. Being great in dogfights, the P-16 is best used turning at extremely low altitudes and speeds, where other jet aircraft would risk stalling and crashing. But thanks to the P-16 working magic, it can stay in the air and maintain control with the flaps down!



Moving onto the weaponry of this Swiss aircraft. The P-16 features AIM-9B air-to-air missiles plus two high velocity HS 825 30 mm cannons located at the center of the fuselage (the same cannons used on the Italian Sagittario 2 and Ariete). Despite only having a total ammunition count of 240, these cannons are capable of taking down enemy aircraft with one or two hits. Let’s take a look at the P-16’s payload for attacking ground targets, which is rather impressive considering the size of this aircraft. On four hardpoints under the wings, the P-16 can carry bombs of various sizes up to 2,000 lb, or even napalm bombs too. This aircraft can also carry a total of 48 R80 SURA rockets, or 44 SNEB rockets that are located in a special retractable launcher under the fuselage. Even when carrying a maximum payload, the P-16 is still capable of effectively attacking ground targets thanks to its excellent control at low altitudes!

This amazing aircraft was created as part of the revenue share program by War Thunder players Vitaly “NovA29R” Vostokov (aircraft model) and Vladimir “Reg25RUS” Stanislavsky (cockpit model). The development team would like to express their gratitude to the Air Force Center in Dübendorf for providing access to the only remaining example of the aircraft, as well as to the members of the Swiss War Thunder community for taking photos of the aircraft and providing other materials that helped in the creation of the model!

That’s today’s blog! The premium P-16 can be purchased starting today as a pre-order pack for the German aircraft tree and will be available in the Dance of Dragons major update. Until then, keep an eye out for other vehicles on the way. Happy battles ahead!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.

Today we’ll be looking at the JF-17, a fourth generation jet fighter, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, originally to replace the dated fleets of F-104 and Mirage fighters in the PAF’s fleet.

[h2]JF-17: A Squadron Vehicle Jet Fighter for China at Rank VIII[/h2]

At a glance:

• Excellent flight characteristics: Mach 1.6 capable at higher alts.
  
• Versatile arsenal: guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, regular bombs & rockets.
  
• Modern radar.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
For a long time, the Pakistan Air Force has been an operator of western fighter jets, such as the American F-104 and French Mirage. In the wake of the Indo-Pakistan War however, the PAF increasingly resorted to adopting Chinese aircraft into service due to western sanctions. Soon after, Pakistani and Chinese engineers began work developing a new fighter on the basis of the J-7, which featured a new engine, side air intakes and improved radar. The project received the name “Saber II”, with Grumman aircraft joining the project later on. However, Pakistan ended up procuring the F-16A which shifted focus away from the project. Nevertheless, Grumman and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation continued work on the project, modifying the original design and renaming the project to “Super-7”. However, Grumman soon pulled out of the project.

In the mid 1990s, work resumed on the Super-7 with Pakistan planning to adopt the aircraft as a support fighter for the F-16. With further design changes following in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the JF-17 as it eventually became known, undertook its maiden flight in August 2003. Following a successful test period, the aircraft officially entered service with the PAF in March 2007, replacing most of the outdated imported aircraft of the previous century. The JF-17 serves with the PAF to this day and has taken part in several military operations since its entry into service.
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[h2]Meet the JF-17![/h2]

The JF-17 will soon be joining the top ranks of the Chinese aircraft tree as a new squadron vehicle coming in the Dance of Dragons major War Thunder update. Representing a joint development between Pakistan and China, the JF-17 is developed on the basis of the Chinese J-7 fighter, but incorporates many upgrades and design changes which greatly elevate the aircraft’s combat performance. Let’s dive into the full details!



Designed to complement the F-16A in service with the PAF, the JF-17 is a modern, fourth generation fighter, featuring all the bells and whistles fans of modern combat aircraft expect from this kind of aircraft. For instance, the JF-17 is powered by the extremely powerful Klimov RD-93 turbofan engine, powering the Soviet MiG-29 series of fighters. As a result, the aircraft can reach top speeds of Mach 1.6 at higher altitudes, while also boasting excellent acceleration and maneuverability — features particularly useful in intense dogfights. Complementing the aircraft’s excellent flight characteristics are also a modern radar system as well as radar and missile approach warning systems closely integrated with the aircraft’s countermeasures.



Did you know? “JF-17” stands for “Joint Fighter-17”, signifying the joint development of this aircraft by Pakistan and China.

In terms of the JF-17’s offensive capabilities, this aircraft is equipped with a dual 23 mm universal cannon with 200 rounds of ammunition and features up to seven hardpoints which can outfit with various ordnance options. The choices range from short-range IR PL-5EII missiles over BVR SD-10(A) radar guided missiles to new to the game BRM-1 laser-guided ASMs and a variety of guided bombs, including GBU-10, GBU-12, GBU-16, as well as Chinese GB500 and GB250. As for conventional ordnance, there’s Hydra rockets and several types of bombs, including 2,000 lbs. In short, the JF-17 is best equipped for multirole, making it an ideal choice for pilots in both air and combined arms battles at the top ranks.



The JF-17 will soon be making its way to War Thunder as part of the Dance of Dragons major update. You’ll be able to obtain this new top ranking Chinese aircraft either through squadron activity or by purchasing it with Golden Eagles. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.

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The next major update for War Thunder — 'Dance of Dragons'!

Meet the new Steel Baron naval event. In this one, you can get the British HMS Barham, themed decals and a profile icon of Vice-Admiral Arthur Craig Waller, who commanded this ship in the Battle of Jutland!

[h3]When: From September 5th (11:00 GMT) until September 23rd (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Naval Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards![/h3]

[h2]HMS Barham — an event vehicle Battleship for Great Britain at Rank VI[/h2]

Charles Middleton, 1st Baron Barham, was a prominent British politician and admiral in the 18th and 19th century. Several ships were named in his honor, including the Queen Elizabeth-class battleship HMS Barham, which fought in both world wars. She was the squadron flagship at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, and at the beginning of World War II, she took part in the Dakar operation and the evacuation of the Allies from Crete.



[h3]HMS Barham bicolor deforming camouflage[/h3]


Also among the event prizes is a trophy, where you can obtain one of the following:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• SL and RP Boosters
  
• Random wagers and orders
  
• Universal backups (1 - 3 of)
  
• Random camouflage for purchased vehicles of any type
  
• 1 day of premium account
  

[h2]How to get all rewards[/h2]
Each stage can be obtained for 45,000 mission points, where every new stage obtained will give you a new reward.

[h3]Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Steel Baron” and click the “Get Reward” button.[/h3]

You’re able to earn mission points in Naval Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade and Realistic Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game.  

You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

[h3]Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on September 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th and 21st.[/h3]

[h2]Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages[/h2]

• For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 3 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 6 Stages: “Arthur Craig Waller” profile icon
  
• For 7 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 8 Stages: non-tradable coupon for HMS Barham
  
• For 9 Stages: unique bicolor deforming camouflage and four random modifications for HMS Barham
  

Please note: You’ll only be able to receive the random modifications if you have HMS Barham activated on your account.

[h2]Discounts on purchasing stages using Golden Eagles[/h2]
Incomplete stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re significantly close to completing a stage, its price will now be significantly reduced.

Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price for unlocking this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need to pay 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time!


[h2]The Upgrade for a coupon [/h2]
When you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for HMS Barham where using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from September 5th (11:00 GMT) until September 23rd (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

The "Coupon Upgrade" item is valid until 11:00 GMT on August 29th. Until then, you can use it for its intended purpose or exchange it for War Bonds, otherwise it will disappear from your inventory.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon HMS Barham (Great Britain)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until 11:00 GMT on September 26th. Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.

You can track the progress of completing stages and receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Steel Baron. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, until September 26th from the Achievements window, you can purchase each stage with Golden Eagles which will give you the corresponding rewards.