War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Technical Problems on the Servers (March 17th)[/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone, at the moment there are ongoing connection issues due to a DDoS attack. We're currently working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone, on March 18th from 08:00 GMT, the War Thunder game servers may be unavailable due to the release of the Ninth Wave major update![/p][h3][/h3]

[p]Scheduled maintenance has been postponed due to critical errors being discovered. The time in the maintenance has been updated to reflect the new timeframe.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Be sure to catch up on what content is coming in this update by looking at our dev blogs while you wait for your game to download. The major update announcement and full major changelog will be published when the update is released and ready to play.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for your understanding.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The BTR-3 is a Ukrainian 8×8 armored personnel carrier developed in the early 2000s in an effort to maintain domestic military production following the collapse of the USSR.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, much of the defence industry in Ukraine found itself under pressure as the established domestic procurement base for military equipment vanished virtually overnight. In an effort to counter this as well as to modernize its own forces, several Ukrainian design bureaus and arms manufacturers started a joint venture to design a new armored personnel carrier based on a concept of an extensively redesigned BTR-80 chassis which incorporated modern propulsion and electronic systems.[/p][p][/p][p]The result of this undertaking became the BTR-3, which also quickly captured the attention of foreign operators due to its combination of advanced system integration and lower cost compared to similar Western designs. Among one of the earliest and most prominent adopters of the BTR-3 was the Thai armed forces. Procuring over 200 vehicles by the end of the 2000s in an effort to replace aging U.S. equipment, Thailand quickly rose to become the worldwide largest operator of the type.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the BTR-3E1![/h3][p]The BTR-3E1 will soon make its appearance in War Thunder ground battles after arriving to the game as part of the Ninth Wave major update. As such, it’s set to reinforce the higher ranks of the Japanese ground forces tree by introducing a modern light vehicle to the Thai subtree which, as we will lay out in this devblog, packs quite a serious punch! Ready to find out more? Then let’s dive straight into the details![/p][p][/p][p]Although sharing a degree of visual commonality with the Soviet BTR-80 series of APCs, the BTR-3 is in fact an entirely unique combat vehicle. Coming to War Thunder in one of its most recent modifications, the BTR-3E1 offers excellent speed at the expense of only limited protection. However, its diesel engine ensures that commanders can practically dodge detection as well as incoming fire when they put the pedal to the metal to achieve the vehicle’s top speed of around 100 km/h on paved roads. Oh and have we mentioned its amphibious capabilities? That’s right, the BTR-3E1 can also utilize deep bodies of water to launch surprise attacks from directions the enemy may not expect them from![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]While mobility can somewhat compensate for light protection, the best defense is often a strong offense some tacticians may argue. And in this aspect, the BTR-3E1 has its aspiring commanders covered. Being fitted with the BM-3M Shturm turret, the BTR-3E1 packs a powerful 30 mm autocannon as its primary weapon. Additionally, the BTR is also fitted with a twin ATGM launcher fielding the Barrier tandem charge missiles, as well as a coaxial automatic 30 mm grenade launcher. Rounded off with advanced fire control and optical systems, the BTR-3E1 is perfectly equipped to deliver quick and precise blows to unaware opponents as well as disappearing again in an instant. As such, it makes for a perfect choice for tank commanders who value speed and agility on the highly dynamic modern battlefield.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet the BTR-3E1 as it arrives at the higher ranks of the Japanese ground forces tree with the release of the Ninth Wave major War Thunder update. Until then, happy hunting tankers![/p][p][/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]China’s new top tier aircraft is the J-15T carrier-based multirole jet fighter with long-range PL-12A missiles and a huge arsenal of guided weapons![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]With the arrival of China’s first aircraft carriers, the J-15 carrier-based fighter occupied a unique niche as a heavy ship-based interceptor. Its main advantages were its large payload and unified flight characteristics with the J-11B family of fighters, simplifying pilot training and enabling the formation of an elite group of carrier-based pilots. Decades of operational experience revealed the need for further improvements, particularly in the context of the new Type 003 aircraft carrier with an electromagnetic catapult.[/p][p][/p][p]In December 2021, the J-15T was officially unveiled to the public. Its key feature is its ability to operate from both ski-jump carriers and the latest catapult-based carriers. In addition to adapting to new takeoff conditions, the J-15T underwent extensive modernization of its avionics, which also opened the door to the use of more advanced weapons. The J-15T is expected to replace earlier J-15 variants in service by the late 2020s.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the J-15T![/h3][p]A new top-tier jet coming in the Ninth Wave major update is the Chinese J-15T carrier-based multirole fighter, a fast and maneuverable modern aircraft equipped with one of the best active phased array radars in the game and carrying advanced weapons into battle! Let’s check it out![/p][p][/p][p]Externally, the new J-15T resembles the Russian Su-33, which served as the basis for the 15-series fighters, but in many ways it is a completely new aircraft. The heart of the J-15T’s electronics is an advanced active phased array radar with a target recognition system, providing the pilot with maximum tactical situational awareness even at long ranges. Powered by a pair of domestically produced Chinese WS-10B engines, each producing nearly 14,000 kgf of afterburning thrust, the J-15T boasts excellent performance and can reach speeds in excess of Mach 2 at high altitude![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: In China, the J-15T is nicknamed Feisha (“Flying Shark”).[/p][p][/p][p]The J-15T’s armament is another clear advantage of this new aircraft. Its 12 hardpoints allow you to combine weapons to suit any scenario. For example, for long-range air combat, the J-15T can carry up to 10 PL-12 or new PL-12A missiles with extended guiding time and satellite guidance. When approaching adversaries, it’s best to use PL-8B all-aspect missiles, likely familiar to even the most experienced Chinese pilots.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The J-15T’s use isn’t limited to air combat. You’ll have access to a vast arsenal of unguided and guided weapons, including KD-88 and KD-88A guided missiles and several types of laser- and satellite-guided bombs, as well as the advanced LS-6 (IR) with an IR seeker. Furthermore, as a carrier-based aircraft, the J-15T can also be armed with anti-ship guided missiles, which is an exotic option for higher-ranking aircraft! The J-15T's forward armament is the 30 mm autocannon with a 150-round ammo count. Its countermeasure launch system is another holdover: 48 large-caliber countermeasures, which may not be sufficient for a sustained engagement, so make sure to make them count.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The J-15T will be available at Rank IX of the Chinese Air Force research tree and will be the most advanced combat aircraft of this in-game nation when the Ninth Wave major update is released. You’ll be able to use this aircraft in combat very soon; we look forward to the release of the major update with you![/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 main holiday of Irish culture and the memory of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, is celebrated on March 17th. Originally a missionary’s day of remembrance, it became widely recognized as a secular holiday at the end of the second millennium. It is celebrated worldwide, one example of this is the river in Chicago that has been dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day since 1962![/p][p] [/p][h2]LÉ Orla is available at a 30% discount for 4,263 Golden Eagles![/h2][h3][/h3]

[p]When: From March 16th (11:00 GMT) until March 20th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Great Britain > Coastal fleet > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]About this boat[/p]

• [p]LÉ Orla (rank IV) relies on a reliable 76 mm automatic cannon, assisted by two rapid-fire 20 mm autocannons. This corvette is ready to give aircraft that get too close a hard time, provide cover for allies, and defend strategic points![/p]

[p][/p][h2]Open the “St. Patrick’s Day” trophy![/h2][p] [/p]

[p]When: From March 16th (11:00 GMT) until March 20th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Task: Earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you used British vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “St. Patrick’s Day” trophy![/p]

[p][/p][p]Inside this trophy, you’ll receive one of four decals that were previously available for this event so you can complete your collection:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]These decals are located in the “Holiday” vehicle appearance section.[/p][p] [/p][p]If you already have all four decals, you’ll receive a trophy and get one of the following when opening it:[/p]

• [p]20-50% Research Point booster for 3-10 battles[/p]
• [p]20-50% Silver Lion booster for 3-10 battles[/p]
• [p]3-5 universal backups[/p]
• [p]1 day of Premium account[/p]

[p] [/p]

[p]Please note: After finishing the task, you need to collect the reward manually.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Additional details:[/p]

• [p]You can complete the task in random battles, except for \[Assault] mode.[/p]
• [p]Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → St. Patrick’s Day.[/p]

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