War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]A new Royal Malaysian Air Force subtree is coming to the Japanese aircraft tree, with three amazing aircraft arriving in the Line of Contact major update![/p][p][/p][h3]History of the RMAF[/h3][p]The official founding date of the Royal Malaysian Air Force is considered to be June 2nd 1958, when the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force (RFMAF) was established, receiving the royal title in recognition of its achievements. Following the formation of Malaysia in 1963, the country’s air force received its current name, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). With the withdrawal of British troops in the early 1970s, a gradual modernization of the air force began. The most significant transformations occurred in the 1990s, when the combat aircraft fleet was replaced with more modern aircraft, including the British BAE Hawk light attack aircraft, Russian MiG-29N interceptor, and F/A-18D Hornet all-weather strike aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p]In 2007, 18 Russian Su-30MKM fighters were delivered to fulfill the role of multirole combat aircraft. Currently, the Royal Malaysian Air Force continues its modernization programs, striving to balance its combat aircraft fleet.[/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Royal Malaysian Air Force Subtree![/h3][p]In War Thunder, Royal Malaysian Air Force combat aircraft will join the Japanese aircraft tree, offering new capabilities and exciting aircraft combinations across all game modes. We’ll be introducing three Malaysian jet aircraft at the top ranks for Japan, so let’s take a look at what they are![/p][p][/p][h3]MiG-29N (9-12SD)[/h3][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Russian MiG-29s that were modified to meet Malaysian military requirements were designated as the MiG-29N. In War Thunder this multirole fighter, although carrying a substantial arsenal of unguided weapons for engaging ground targets, is primarily focused on air combat. You’ll have access to a helmet-mounted targeting system, jam-resistant R-27 missiles (including those with a SARH seeker) for engaging enemy aircraft beyond visual range, and maneuverable all-aspect R-73E missiles for close-in air combat. With the MiG-29N, the signature speed and maneuverability of the MiG-29 family are at your disposal![/p][p][/p][h3]F/A-18D[/h3][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Meet a two-seat multirole Hornet! This aircraft is comparable in combat effectiveness to the American F/A-18C Late, having excellent maneuverability, up to 10 ARH missiles for long-range air-to-air combat, maneuverable AIM-9L and M missiles for close-range combat, and an impressive arsenal of advanced guided weapons for CAS![/p][p][/p][h3]Su-30MKM[/h3][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]The Su-30MKM is a special export modification of the Russian Su-30 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, featuring canards. This versatile fighter-attack aircraft boasts advanced electronics, thrust vectoring, a high speed, and a wide range of weapons. Among the new features, we’d like to highlight the updated onboard defense suite, which includes laser and missile detection systems, a wide-angle DAMOCLES targeting pod, and a new HUD. The armament includes air-to-air missiles with ARH, SARH, and IR seekers, the highly effective Kh-38MTE combined-guidance air-to-ground missile, the impressive Kh-59 ground-attack missile with TV guidance and inertial correction, the Kh-29 series of laser and TV missiles, guided bombs, and a large arsenal of unguided ordnance.[/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! These three aircraft will be coming to the game in the Line of Contact major update, which is coming very soon. Until then![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that vehicle characteristics are still in development and may change before release.[/p]

[p]Today we’d like to show you two remarkable battleships that will be coming in the Line of Contact major update! Meet the Pacific Theater veteran USS South Dakota (BB-57) and Britain’s finest battleship, the King George V-class HMS Prince of Wales![/p][p][/p][h2]USS South Dakota[/h2][p][/p][p]The American battleship South Dakota (BB-57) is the lead ship of the class, designed to address the primary shortcoming of her North Carolina-class predecessors, that being insufficient protection against 406 mm (16 inch) guns. In order to adhere to the strict 35,000 ton displacement limit, she featured an innovative armor scheme which included a 310 mm thick main armor belt mounted at a 19-degree angle deep within the hull, protected by outer 19 - 32 mm plating that acted as a layer of defense against armor-piercing ballistic caps. USS South Dakota was urgently commissioned on March 20th 1942, after the United States entered the Second World War. She actively participated in combat operations in the Pacific, and during the war her crew was credited with shooting down 64 aircraft, being awarded 13 battle stars. After the war on January 31st, 1947, she was placed in reserve. Later on June 1st, 1962, she was removed from the fleet list, and soon sold for scrap.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In War Thunder, USS South Dakota relies on powerful armament consisting of nine 406 mm main guns in three massive turrets. Secondary armament consists of 127 mm dual-purpose cannons in twin mounts, along with a staggering number of anti-aircraft weaponry, consisting of 40 and 20 mm cannons. USS South Dakota boasts exceptional protection, with the main armor belt featuring a distinctly spaced pattern and strategically angled armor. She also carries a pair of Vought OS2U Kingfishers with small bombs mounted under the wings for reconnaissance. South Dakota is a well-balanced, survivable long-range battleship, whose only drawback is her less-than-stellar speed and slow shell ballistics.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]HMS Prince of Wales[/h2][p][/p][p]King George V-class battleships were built within the strict constraints of the international naval treaties, which limited several aspects of how ships were built. After a long period of “shipbuilding recess”, British designers were faced with the challenge of designing modern battleships within the maximum permitted displacement of 35,000 tons. The main challenge was balancing powerful armament, reliable protection and a high speed. As a result, a controversial but necessary step was taken, which was to arm the ship with 356 mm guns instead of more powerful 381 mm or 406 mm guns, which were considered a weakness compared to ships from other countries. The second ship of the class, HMS Prince of Wales, was laid down in January 1937 and commissioned in March 1941, well into the Second World War. In May 1941, HMS Prince of Wales, along with the battlecruiser HMS Hood, engaged the German battleship Bismarck in the Denmark Strait. In that battle, Hood was destroyed, but Prince of Wales scored several hits on the flagship of the Kriegsmarine, damaging its fuel tanks and influencing the German decision to stop the attack.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? HMS Prince of Wales’ motto is German, “Ich dien” (I serve).[/p][p][/p][p]HMS Prince of Wales’ fate was tragic. In late 1941, she, along with the battlecruiser HMS Repulse, was sent to the Far East to intercept Japanese boats. On December 10th 1941, off the coast of Malaya, both ships, deprived of any air cover, were attacked by Japanese aircraft. After sustaining multiple torpedo and bomb hits, HMS Prince of Wales sank, becoming one of the first battleships sunk solely by air power on the high seas.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In War Thunder, HMS Prince of Wales comes in at rank VI for the British Bluewater fleet. She stands out for her unusual primary battery of four 356 mm guns, mounted in turrets at the front and back, with another turret with two 356 mm guns elevated linearly above the front. Her secondary armament consists of 16 dual-purpose 133 mm guns, while the core of her anti-aircraft battery consists of the famous eight-barreled 40 mm pom-poms, reinforced by 40 mm and 20 mm automatic guns. Her armor is robust, though concentrated in the center of the ship’s profile. Her main armor belt reaches 381 mm, and her armored deck is 152 mm thick. Like other top-tier battleships for Britain, such as HMS Vanguard, HMS Prince of Wales prioritizes armor and increased survivability over firepower. In battle, you’ll often have to get up close to the most armored opponents, working alongside cruisers, or shoot at longer distances to inflict damage from above. However, HMS Prince of Wales is quite capable of becoming a key player in any battle and will delight you with epic moments and incredible survivability![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle's characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

Thanks for all of your submissions last week! For this theme, we’re shifting the spotlight to vehicles built for speed and precision. Light tanks, fighters, helicopters, and coastal craft all excel at striking quickly and staying mobile - so capture a screenshot that shows your agile machines at work! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 202nd edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen202. You have time until the 19th of December 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 an aircraft or helicopter with one engine, a light tank or wheeled vehicle, or a coastal fleet vehicle.
You must add the #WTscreen202 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 201st edition – Personalized Armor![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3619941103
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3618604532
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3620043536

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3619464615
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3620070069
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3618795421

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

[p][/p][p]Wrap up warm and head over to the concert! The Santa troupe will be performing a set in a wide variety of genres, something for everyone! Decorate your vehicles with a decal of your favorite musician, hang up some lights, and make New Year’s battles even more festive![/p][p]And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without some excellent gifts! Four vehicles will be available to unlock, three of which are Rank VI-VII machines. That’s not all though, you’ll be able to win a huge number of prizes with the Festive Cupcake chest too![/p][p][/p]

[p]When: From December 19th (11:00 GMT) until January 8th (11:00 GMT), complete tasks and get rewards![/p]

[p][/p][h2]Participate and get Rewards![/h2][h3]Vehicles[/h3][p]By completing tasks in this event, you’ll be able to earn the following vehicles.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][h3]Christmas Cosmetic Rewards[/h3][p]Decorate your vehicles with Christmas themed decorations, decals, and get yourself a special profile icon too![/p][p] [/p][h3]Complete the Decal Collection![/h3][p]Activate all decal coupons on your account to get a special decal called “Legend of Rock”![/p][p] [/p][p]Learn more about collections on the War Thunder Wiki[/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle Camouflages[/h3][p][/p][p]Among the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:[/p]

• [p]50,000 — 100,000 Silver Lions[/p]
• [p]Silver Lion and research point boosters[/p]
• [p]Random wagers and orders[/p]
• [p]Universal backups (1-3 pcs.)[/p]
• [p]Random camouflage for a vehicle you own[/p]
• [p]1 day of Premium account[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Marks of Distinction[/h3][p]The event vehicles at ranks V-VII and the decals are given as coupons, while the premium rank I vehicle, profile icon, decorations and camouflages will be activated on your account as soon as you unlock them.[/p][p]All event rewards are issued for achieving a certain number of “Marks of Distinction” for each vehicle type in the corresponding mode.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Tasks[/h3][p]To earn one Mark of Distinction for each category, you’ll need to earn 40,000 mission points in random battles of rank III or higher (or from rank I while using event vehicles) in each corresponding game mode. There are also point multipliers based on the rank and mode you play as well, these specifics can be found in the task description. Each Mark of Distinction task is the same, and a new task will begin every two days at 11:00 GMT.[/p][p] [/p][p]If you missed a Mark of Distinction, you can purchase each one for Golden Eagles until January 12th. You can do this in the following menu: Nickname → Achievements → Winter Concert → Tasks for tankers/pilots/sailors. [/p][p][/p][h2]Take a bite of the Festive Cupcake![/h2][p]The Festive Cupcake is coming next week, we’ll tell you more about it soon![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Detailed Terms[/h3]

• [p]The exact terms of each task can be found here: Nickname → Achievements → Winter Concert.[/p]
• [p]To get a Mark of Distinction, you need to complete a task in the corresponding vehicle type in the corresponding game mode. For example, a Mark of Distinction for pilots can only be received by playing Air battles (AB/RB/SB).[/p]
• [p]You can complete tasks in multiplayer battles in all game modes except for “Assault” and “\[Enduring Confrontation] Naval Battles”.[/p]
• [p]You can complete tasks not only in vehicles of Rank III and above, but also in lower rank event vehicles. These are vehicles from large events such as winter and summer marathons, WWII chronicles, BP seasons and crafting marathons. In the stat cards of these vehicles you can find the name of the event in which they first became available.[/p]
• [p]The Mark of Distinction is considered received if the achievement’s color is has turned gold. If you’ve completed the task and it hasn’t turned gold yet, join another battle and afterwards it should turn gold.[/p]
• [p]Missed Marks of Distinction can be purchased for Golden Eagles in the Achievements window until January 12th 2026. Make sure you pick the right achievement category: either for tankers, pilots or sailors.[/p]
• [p]Rewards received in the form of tradable coupons will be available for trading on the Market from January 12th 2026. The time from which the coupon can be traded can be viewed in the coupon description in game. The option of trading each coupon separately depends on the time of its receipt and doesn’t depend on the vehicle type.[/p]
• [p]The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until 12:00 GMT on February 1st 2026. Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.[/p]
• [p]For 8 Marks of Distinction you’ll receive an untradable coupon for a vehicle. Upon activating it, you’ll instantly receive a corresponding vehicle. If you do not wish to use the vehicle and want to sell the coupon on the Market instead, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.[/p]
• [p]For 10 Marks of Distinction, you’ll receive an untradable “Upgrade for coupon” item. You can use it to make the vehicle coupon you received tradable and then sell it on the Market. The date on which a traded coupon becomes available for sale can be seen in its description in the game.[/p]
• [p]PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to exchange decal coupons for similar ones. The exchange is available in the Workshop → Exchange items “Winter Concert” window.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re happy to unveil a new frontrunner for advanced SAM systems. Say hello to the HQ11, currently in service with the PLA![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The HQ11 system was displayed in 2022 at the Zhuhai Air Show, a development of the earlier FM-3000 missile system shown in 2014, presented as a “universal terminal defense system”. The launcher is mounted on an eight-wheeled chassis and is equipped with 8 vertically launched surface-to-air missile containers. Each battery typically includes a command and control vehicle, four launch vehicles and an artillery vehicle. [/p][p][/p][p]The HQ11 differs from previous anti-aircraft systems by its compact and significantly more autonomous design, the use of phased array radar, and significantly increased capabilities for simultaneously engaging multiple targets.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the HQ11![/h3][p]This new top-of-the-line SAM system will soon be the pinnacle of the Chinese anti-aircraft line when it arrives to War Thunder in the Line of Contact major update. Let’s take a look at this anti-air titan in more detail![/p][p][/p][p]China’s new top anti-aircraft vehicle is only a single machine, rather than the Multi-Vehicle SAM System that has become commonplace for other nations. This large four-axle truck houses both the radar and targeting system and the containers for the vertically launched FM-3000 missiles. These missiles are certainly powerful, and feature a combined guidance system. This consists of inertial guidance during the initial and cruise phases of flight, radio command guidance based on radar data, and finally active radar homing during the final interception phase. These missiles are also fairly versatile in regards to altitude and range, with a maximum engagement range of 30 km and a minimum effective range of around 1 km.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As this advanced system rather uniquely combines the radar and launcher on a single vehicle, you can potentially operate the missiles in third-person view (which is not too convenient, but still possible). Though, the primary and most useful interface will be via the typical radar control screen. The advanced phased array radar is responsible for detecting and tracking targets, scanning the surrounding space and updating all the relevant data with high frequency.[/p][p][/p][p]Despite the single vehicle setup, the HQ11 is still huge and fragile. With its launchers and antenna deployed, it’s a very easy vehicle to spot, so what do you do? The ideal position for such a vehicle is behind some form of vertical cover, trees, rocks or buildings. The radar array will still be able to detect targets, and with the help of an ammo box you’ll be able to keep operating effectively and with relative safety. No target will be safe from the HQ11, be it at close range or long range, these advanced missiles will find their target![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The HQ11 will be ready and waiting for you at rank VIII of the Chinese anti-aircraft line in the upcoming Line of Contact major update. Thanks for reading today’s blog, and we’ll see you soon for even more![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle's characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]