War Thunder News

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
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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a successful test period, the aircraft officially entered service with the PAF in March 2007, replacing most of the outdated imported aircraft of the previous century.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.

The Belarusian strategic offensive operation, named after the a general in war of 1812, Prince Pyotr Bagration, successfully ended on August 29th 1944. As part of it, the Wehrmacht suffered its greatest defeat in the entire military history of Germany. Its losses amounted to around 400,000 combat soldiers.

[h2]Get the “Mound of Glory” decal and “Tank Forces General’s Cap (USSR)” decoration![/h2]
Both of these are available for this anniversary.

When: From today until September 2nd (07:00 GMT).

Task: Play 3 battles using USSR vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Mound of Glory” decal.

Task: Win 5 battles using USSR ground vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Tank Forces General’s Cap (USSR)” decoration!

Additional details:

• Your activity must not be below 70%.
  
• You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, and [Assault] mode.
  
• Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Completion of Operation Bagration.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab and the decoration in the “Helmets" tab in the Customization menu.
  

[h2]Bundle discount in the store![/h2]
The Vindictive bundle is available at a 50% discount featuring four Soviet vehicles and a unique title.

When: Available from today until September 2nd (07:00 GMT).

[h3]“Vindictive” Bundle -50%[/h3]

• T-34-85E, 1945 Pack
  
• IS-2 Revenge for the Hero brother Pack
  
• Peshka Pack
  
• IL-2 Avenger Starter Pack
  
• Unique title: “Victory Marshal”
  

Note! You can also get the unique title if you log in to the game from the 29th of August until the 2nd of September and gain three victories, and at the same time you have previously purchased all vehicles which are included in the list above.  

Bonuses will be assigned after the 3rd of September to all users who have fulfilled these conditions.

Note! The offer is available to PC users only.

[h2]Aircraft[/h2]

• AV-8B Plus (Italy) — incorrect ammunition count shown on the HUD has been fixed. (Report).
  

[h2]Interface[/h2]

• A bug that caused the Standard camouflage to be selected even though the Auto selection could have selected a more appropriate camouflage for the current location has been fixed. (Report).
  

[h2]Other[/h2]

• The incorrect zoom effect for ultra-wide monitors such as 32:9 has been fixed. (Report).
  

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.