War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re looking at the prototype of the most modern wheeled tank destroyer of the Italian Army: the Centauro II (P)![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Development of the Centauro II (P) wheeled tank destroyer began in 2011 as a response to the identified shortcomings of the previous model in modern warfare and asymmetric conflicts. The key drivers for the new vehicle’s development were the outdated electronic architecture of the baseline Centauro, which was incompatible with the SICCONA network-centric command and control system, and the insufficient level of protection revealed during operations in Iraq, Kosovo, and Somalia.[/p][p][/p][p]Structurally, the Centauro II (P) represents a major modernization, incorporating technologies developed on the Freccia armored fighting vehicle. The vehicle features a completely redesigned hull with a V-shaped bottom for improved protection against mines and IEDs, a new layout with isolated fuel and ammunition compartments, and a modern surveillance suite and electronic countermeasure system. The primary armament is a 120 mm smoothbore cannon with an autoloader, housed in a new turret with improved armor and ammunition isolated from the crew.[/p][p][/p][p]The first prototype was presented in 2016, and a pre-production batch of 11 vehicles has been built to date, each of which serves to test and refine the final configuration of future production vehicles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Centauro II (P)![/h3][p]Meet the working prototype of Italy’s latest wheeled tank destroyer, the Centauro II (P), which  incorporates all of the latest global technological tank improvements for vehicles of this class. Let’s get acquainted with the second-generation Centauro and explore what sets it apart from the previous design![/p][p][/p][p]Compared to the first series, the Centauro II (P) has undergone significant exterior changes. It received a new HITFACT Mk II turret, with the most significant and valuable change being its division into a crew compartment for the commander, gunner and loader, and compartments away from the crew. In addition to this, the automatic loader and 6-round first-stage ammunition stowage are now located behind an armored bulkhead at the rear of the turret. The reload speed is now independent of crew skill thanks to the autoloader![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The compartment that houses the autoloader and ready-to-load ammunition features blowout panels, increasing the Centauro II (P)’s survivability. The main gun is generally similar to the 120 mm cannon found on the first-generation of vehicles, although it’s a bit lighter. It now can fire the excellent DM53 APFSDS round with over 620 mm penetration![/p][p][/p][p]Moving onto the hull now, which has also been transformed! It now has a trapezoidal shape and reinforced underbody armor for protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. The hull also features spaced armor protection against anti-tank grenades. However in reality, the Centauro II (P)’s armor can only reliably withstand machine gun rounds. Most autocannons can penetrate the armor, as well as all armor-piercing tank shells and ATGMs of course.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Centauro series is renowned for its excellent speed, despite its increased weight of 30 tons, the second series here is no exception. The Centauro II (P) features a more powerful 720 HP turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a respectable power-to-weight ratio and quickly accelerating the vehicle to speeds exceeding 100 km/h.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]One of the Centauro II (P)’s significant drawbacks is its size, particularly its height. The roof of the already tall turret houses two machine guns, one rifle-caliber and one 12.7 mm in a remote-controlled mount, as well as a cylinder-shaped panoramic sight. Concealing the Centauro II (P) will be difficult, and the turret’s slightly awkward positioning toward the rear must also be taken into account, as it limits the gun’s depression angle.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s the Centauro II (P) for you! This fast and lethal vehicle is waiting for you at rank VIII of the Italian light tank line, coming in War Thunder’s first major update of 2026. We’ll continue to share more dev blogs and other information on our website, so be sure to check it out![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The JAS39D is a later modification of the Swedish Gripen, incorporating the upgrades from the JAS39C with a twin-seater cockpit to facilitate training missions while not compromising on combat capability.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]As the Cold War ended, Sweden’s military doctrine gradually began shifting from strict neutrality toward increased international cooperation and NATO interoperability. This transition drove the development of the modernized Saab JAS 39C variant, which incorporated in-flight refueling capability, upgraded avionics, improved radar as well as compatibility with NATO weapons and communication systems. Parallel to the development of the C modification, Saab also began work on a two-seat counterpart, the JAS 39D, which was intended to replace the earlier B model.[/p][p][/p][p]While primarily intended for operational conversion training, the JAS39D retained full combat capability, allowing it to perform air defense, strike, and reconnaissance missions alongside single-seat aircraft. Because of the second cockpit, it carried slightly less internal fuel than the JAS39C, but it gained value in complex mission profiles where a weapons systems officer could manage sensors, electronic warfare, and communications. Overall, around 30 JAS39D’s have been produced, serving not only with Sweden, but also several other countries’ air forces such as Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand and South Africa.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the JAS39D![/h3][p]In today’s devblog, we would like to showcase a unique modification of the JAS39 stemming from the later generations of this incredibly capable Swedish multirole jet fighter. Being developed in parallel to the JAS39C which seasoned Swedish pilots are most familiar with, the JAS39D expands the Gripen family in War Thunder by introducing a special twin-seater version as a new squadron aircraft available in the Ninth Wave major update. That being said, let’s dive right into the details![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The JAS39D represents a further development of the successful Gripen series of Swedish jet fighters. Equipped with the same RM12 afterburning turbofan engine powering the earlier Gripen fighters, the slightly heavier twin-seater JAS39D promises very comparable flight characteristics shaped by excellent maneuverability and lightning fast top speeds reaching up to Mach 2. As such, the JAS39D can easily be thrown into dogfights with most other contemporary jet fighters found at the top ranks![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Where the JAS39D truly shines however, is in its expanded selection of onboard weapons and systems compared to the earlier modifications of the Gripen. Unlike the early A modification, the JAS39D takes advantage of its system upgrades and offers an expanded selection of advanced weapons, chiefly among them the Rb99 (AIM-120) ARH missile. While this enables the JAS39D to strike aerial opponents from a long distance, ground targets will also have a hard time evading the Gripen’s precision strikes thanks to a greatly expanded selection of guided missiles and bombs of various calibers. In short, the JAS39D retains its versatility thanks to its multirole design while only sacrificing a small reduction to its range due to the twin seater cockpit reducing the onboard fuel tank size. The JAS39C’s 27 mm autocannon was also sacrificed to house the second pilot seat.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The JAS39D will soon be making its way to War Thunder as part of the Ninth Wave major update. Pilots will be able to obtain the new Swedish top dog 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![/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]Please welcome two more unique Hungarian aircraft! The WM-21 light-reconnaissance bomber and the WM-23 prototype fighter, arriving in War Thunder in the Ninth Wave major update.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Developed in Hungary based on the earlier WM-16 model, the WM-21 Sólyom (“Falcon”) was a two-seat biplane intended for short-range reconnaissance and cooperation with ground forces. Its prototype first took to the air in 1937. Serial production of the WM-21 was established at several Hungarian enterprises, and by 1944, 128 machines had been built, of which 80 were used as trainers after retirement from active service. The aircraft saw their first combat use in April 1941 during the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia. With the start of the war against the USSR, the WM-21 biplanes were actively used for reconnaissance and close support of Hungarian troops in Ukraine.[/p][p][/p][p]The WM-23 Ezüst Nyil (“Silver Arrow”) fighter was developed by the Hungarian company Weiss Manfred based on the German Heinkel He 112. In the late 1930s, Hungary purchased a license to produce the He 112, and engineers began creating their own modification, adapted for Hungarian engines and armament. The first and only prototype took to the air on February 23, 1940. Testing of the aircraft continued for about a year and revealed a number of problems. During another test flight, the right aileron failed, leading to a serious crash. The damaged prototype was not restored, and the program was closed.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the WM-21 and WM-23![/h3][p]While we’re still finishing work on the major update, we’d like to introduce you to a pair of interesting aircraft that’ll be arriving in the Hungarian branch in the Italian aircraft tree. In the spotlight today are the WM-21 Sólyom and WM-23 Ezüst Nyil![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The WM-21 will arrive at the very start of the line in Rank I. This early Hungarian “Falcon” is a light-reconnaissance bomber, equipped with fast firing rifle caliber machine guns and 12 small 10 kg bombs. While relatively slow and hefty for a bi-plane, its strong machine guns will still allow it to pose a threat to early aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The WM-23 is a more serious contender, arriving at Rank II. This all-metal monoplane was an attempt to adapt the German He 112 to Hungarian engines and armament. It features a top speed of over 500 km/h and a pair of rapid fire 12.7 mm Gebauer machine guns supplemented by a pair of 8.56 mm caliber machine guns in the wings. It’s fast, agile, and can climb well, making it a powerful new contender for the lower ranks.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s all for today, keep an eye out for these distinctive Hungarian machines in the Ninth Wave major update, where they’ll make for an excellent start to the Italian tree. Until then, keep an eye on the news while we wrap up the work on the major update![/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

We enjoyed reviewing all of your recent submissions last week! This competition is back to being focused on action and results of combat. You can capture the final moments of a dogfight in the skies, a graveyard of tanks at a capture point, or battleships slugging it out with each other! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 214th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen214. You have time until the 13th of March 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 must include a damaged or destroyed vehicle.
You must add the #WTscreen214 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 213th edition – Pioneers of Battle![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3675777449
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3675912942
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3676498457

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3677246812
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3676673655
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3677036088

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

[p][/p][p]It’s time for the very first Pro league Playoff of the 2026 season! The top 8 qualified teams are ready to battle in this new chapter of competition, setting the tone for the year ahead. With everything on the line from the start, each squad will be fighting to secure their position and prove they belong among the elite.[/p][p][/p][p]This opening showdown will be played in intense 4v4 Mixed mode, where versatility, coordination, and adaptability will be the keys to victory. Who will rise above the rest and make a powerful statement in this first playoff of 2026.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Qualified Teams[/h2][p][/p][p] [/p][h2]Live streams with Twitch Drops![/h2][p] [/p][p]Watch the event on March 7th-8th and March 14th-15th starting 14:40 GMT on the official English, German, French, Polish and Russian War Thunder Esports channels and receive:[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Weekend 1: March 7th-8th[/h3]

• [p]1 Day of Premium[/p]
• [p]5 universal Backups[/p]
• [p]“Tiger Attack” decal[/p]
• [p]T25 “Mad Cat” camouflage[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Weekend 2: March 14th-15th[/h3]

• [p]1 Day of Premium[/p]
• [p]5 universal Backups[/p]
• [p]“Azure Dragon” decal[/p]
• [p]J10 “Dark Fang” camouflage[/p]

[p] [/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]You can also watch the event live on our YouTube channel War Thunder Esports![/p][p][/p][p]You’ll also find highlights and replays of all the matches there.[/p][p][/p][p]During WTCS 2026 Major I, join the Official War Thunder Esports Discord server to connect with fellow competitive players and take part in exclusive giveaways featuring the following packs:[/p]

• [p]BMPT-72 "Terminator-2" Pack[/p]
• [p]Su-30 MKK Pack[/p]
• [p]Type 61 (B) Pack[/p]
• [p]Hawk 209 Pack[/p]

[p][/p][p]Don’t miss your chance to win these incredible rewards while engaging with the competitive community![/p][p][/p][p]Make sure to follow us on our social media channels to stay updated with match schedules, highlights, exclusive content, and future events on X and Instagram[/p][p][/p][p]Join the community, support your favorite team, and be part of the action throughout the entire 2026 season![/p]