War Thunder News

The French Milan fighter jet was developed on the basis of the Mirage III by order of Switzerland and first took to the skies on May 29th 1969. Exactly 1 year later, the final version of this aircraft equipped with the Snecma Atar 9K-50 engine passed flight tests.


You can get this fighter jet for 9,090 Golden Eagles.



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When: From May 29th (13:00 GMT) until June 3rd (13:00 GMT).
Where: France > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

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[h3]About this aircraft[/h3]

• The Milan can be tricky to fly, but in the right hands it can be a real treat. It has excellent maneuverability and is capable of reaching incredible speeds. Plus, thanks to its good bomb load and ballistic computer, it can also be used for ground attacks.
  

Meet the Kondor II minesweeper, which is equipped with rapid-firing anti-aircraft guns and a Strela-2M air defense missile launcher! This one’s an interesting addition to the German Coastal fleet research tree, coming soon in the next major update.

[h2]Kondor II: A Minesweeper for Germany at Rank IV[/h2]
Features:

• 3 x twin 25 mm machine guns.
  
• Strela-2M SAM.
  
• Low top speed.
  

Vehicle History
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Project 89 minesweepers have been built in the GDR since the late 60s, and their NATO classification was Kondor. Project 89 ships underwent four modernization programs, the latest and most advanced of which was designated 89.2 UR2 or Kondor II. These included the installation of modern sonar and radar equipment, as well as the Strela-2M anti-aircraft missile system in the FASTA launcher. These ships could operate as part of distant sea and ocean formations and were placed in service with the German Navy until 1995. After decommissioning, some of the Kondor II ships were sold to other countries, including Indonesia, Uruguay and Latvia.
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[h2]Meet the Kondor II![/h2]

The German Kondor II is a representative of a rare class of SAM carriers in the game. Today we’ll be taking a look at this interesting ship coming to Germany’s Coastal fleet tree. Let’s dive in!



Coastal fleet ships are usually smaller, but the Kondor II is a fairy large ship, armed with three twin mounts with 25 mm autocannons and a FASTA 4M2 launcher with Strela-2M anti-aircraft missiles. This ship also has a radar to detect air targets too, and a crew of 29 people.



Interesting: Three Kondor series ships purchased by the Maltese Government were sunk in the most picturesque of places on the island’s coast and are used as tourist spots for divers.

Its length is more than 50 meters and its maximum speed is just 18.5 knots (34 km/h), meaning the Kondor II is primarily a backline fighter. Well hidden behind islands and low cliffs, make sure to use the Kondor II as your team’s main aircraft cover at long distances. This ship can also be used is for artillery ambushes at capture points, where the Kondor II can use its rapid-firing 25 mm cannons!



This unusual anti-aircraft ship is coming to the game in the next major update at rank IV of the German Coastal fleet tree. Until then, keep an eye on our website for more dev blogs that we’re currently cooking!

This deep modernization of the Su-27 jet fighter expands the tactical capabilities of this aircraft in both air battles and in ground battles. The most advanced representative of the Su-27 series will be appearing in the next major update!

[h2]Su-27SM: A Jet Fighter for the USSR at Rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• ARH air-to-air missiles!
  
• 1500 kg bombs.
  
• Kh-29 guided missiles.
  
• Advanced RWR.
  

Vehicle History
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The modernization program for the aging Su-27s in the Russian Air Force fleet was developed at KnAAPO at the end of 2002. This program aimed to qualitatively improve the combat qualities of the aircraft, improve flight performance and expand its capabilities. The Su-27 received a new RWR, an updated weapons control system and an updated radar for operating R-77 missiles, air-to-surface missiles and KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr guided bombs. The first serially modernized Su-27SM were put into service in 2003, where it’s currently in service with the Russian Air Force.
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[h2]Meet the Su-27SM![/h2]

One of the best jet duelists in the game is getting even better. This modern modification of the Su-27 receives R-77 ARH missiles, as well as a competitive set of guided weapons for Ground Battles. Today we’re going to take a look at this jet, so let’s dive in!



It’s first worth saying that this new Russian top tier jet can carry up to 6 x ARH R-77 medium-range missiles, allowing you to begin combat at a significant distance. Together with the R-27T and ET, R-27R and ER missiles that you may already be familiar with, the close-combat R-73 all-aspect missile and a helmet-mounted target designation system makes the Su-27SM perfect all-round for air superiority. A very important update to this aircraft is the advanced RWR an with informative display, where you have complete information about the tactical situation and immediate threats.

For Ground Battles, the Su-27SM has improved dramatically. Firstly, this new aircraft has received the TV guided KAB-500Kr and a completely new, destructive one and a half ton KAB-1500Kr, the largest caliber of Russian bombs of this type in the game. Along with updating the weapons control system, the Su-27SM is armed with up to 4 x Kh-29TE guided missiles, together with air-to-air missiles or other weapons.



The entire diverse arsenal of the first Su-27 is also available to the Su-27SM, including parachute bombs, regular bombs and incendiary bombs, unguided rockets of various sizes and the good old trusty 30 mm GSh-30 cannon. Thanks to this fantastic array of weapons, the Su-27SM has now become the best attack aircraft in the Soviet aviation research tree. 10 hardpoints means you’ll be able to perfectly place selected weapons for air or attack combat, as well as any combination that you need for any style to fit your needs.

In your matches by Alex, Lead Air Designer: “This is an amazing universal aircraft, with excellent dynamics and weapons! In battle, I would advise taking a high position, searching for the enemy, practicing with R-77 missiles and while firing countermeasures, evading a possible oncoming missile attack using “3-9” maneuvers. When approaching the enemy launch R-73 close-range missiles, do not forget to use the helmet-mounted target designation system, especially in maneuverable combat. In ground battles, this aircraft has also become a formidable weapon; you shouldn’t go against air defense without thinking, but the Kh-29 missiles or the new KAB-1500 will not leave the enemy indifferent, even if there was no direct hit.”

That’s the end of today’s blog. You’ll be able to research the incredible Su-27SM that will be arriving in the next major update at the end of the Soviet aviation research tree. Stay tuned to our website see what else is coming!

This is the Canadian Leopard 2A4, specially prepared for combat in Afghanistan. And from today, we’re introducing it in a pack that’s now available to pre-order, giving special bonuses!

[h2]Leopard 2A4M CAN: A Premium MBT for Germany at Rank VII [/h2]

Features:

• Additional composite armor protection.
  
• High resolution thermal imager!
  
• Available modifications in the form of slat armor and/or a camouflage net.
  

Vehicle History
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The Leopard 2A4M CAN modification was developed to modernize 20 Canadian Army Leopard 2A4 tanks for use in combat operations in Afghanistan. They were equipped with additional composite armor packages, placed to protect the front and sides of the turret and hull, plus slat armor at the back of the turret and around the engine compartment to help protect against shaped charge ammunition. In addition to this, the fire control system was modernized with a brand-new thermal imager and commander sight. Due to the extra armor, the weight of the tank increased, which meant that the brakes and suspension were modified as well. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) developed this modification and by 2010 all 20 tanks were modernized. Between 2010 and 2011, 5 Leopard 2A4M CAN tanks were deployed in Afghanistan.
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Pre-order — Leopard 2A4M CAN Pack
69.99

• Leopard 2A4M CAN (Rank 7, Germany)
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Royal Canadian” title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique Lord Strathcona's Horse badge decal
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique forest camouflage
  

[h2]Meet the Leopard 2A4M CAN[/h2]

With the release of the next major War Thunder update, this interesting Canadian modification of the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank will arrive in the game! This variant features additional composite armor modules, an advanced thermal imager and the ability to equip slat armor and a camouflage net. Today we’ll be telling you more about this tank that can be pre-ordered starting from now!



At first glance, you may notice that the Leopard 2A4M CAN has modern modifications from the all so familiar German Leopard! This is true to some extent, as the additional composite armor modules on the Canadian Leopard are an almost exact copy of the types of armor found on the 2A7 series tanks. By order of the Canadian military, Leopard 2A4M CAN tanks are equipped with composite armor modules at the front of the turret and hull, which qualitatively increases its protection against hits from any type of ammunition. With the exception of the typical weaker areas at the front, such as around the sight and turret ring, the Leopard 2A4M CAN is able to withstand most kinetic shells and ATGMs from enemies around its rank to the front.



In addition to this, the underside of this tank has additional mine protection, which means there’s increased protection at the lower frontal part of the hull. Plus, you’re able to equip slat armor as a modification, helping to protect against shaped-charge shells to the sides and rear of the turret and engine compartment. There’s also a camouflage net that breaks the silhouette of the turret, gun mantlet and the gun itself, which looks cool too!

Interesting: The black lines that are scattered on the Leopard 2A4M CAN’s armor are actually Velcro strips for attaching a camouflage net, specially designed to camouflage the tank during missions in Afghanistan.



Additional armor means additional weight and therefore modifications to the braking system and suspension were required to help. Ultimately, it does mean that since this Leopard is heavier, its maximum speed is slightly less. Despite this, the driving characteristics are still great, as it will always be one of the first to reach capture points, and copes well with roads and any poor terrain. In addition to the enhanced armor that the Leopard 2A4M CAN received, there’s also an improved sighting system with a modern high-res thermal imager. However, the gun is the identical 120 mm L/44 cannon found on the 2A4.



That’s today’s blog done! The Leopard 2A4M CAN can be pre-ordered from today and will be available to play in the game when the next major update is released. Pre-ordering this pack will give you special pre-order bonuses as well, to be sure to follow the link to check it out.

USS Des Moines was the lead ship of the Des Moines class of American heavy cruisers, laid down on May 28th 1945. She was the first ship to carry semi-automatic 8-inch Mark 16 guns, and instead of aircraft catapults, Sikorsky HO3S-1 multi-role helicopters could land on her deck.


You can get this heavy cruiser for 8,020 Golden Eagles.



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When: From May 28th (11:00 GMT) until May 31st (07:00 GMT).
Where: USA > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

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[h3]About this heavy cruiser[/h3]

• USS Des Moines is slow and not that durable, but her rate of fire will make you gasp! Its broadside can deal enormous amounts of damage to the enemy. Stay out of range of enemy torpedoes, and take care of yourself — when you see the enemy, greet them with a barrage of shells!