War Thunder News

On September 11th 1944, the Red Army’s ground forces broke through German defenses in the Eastern Carpathians. After the end of WWII, this date began to be celebrated in the USSR as Tanker’s Day.

[h2]Get the “Golden HE” decoration![/h2]
Available for Tanker’s Day.

“Golden HE” decoration

When: From today until September 9th (07:00 GMT).
Task: Win 5 battles using Soviet ground vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Golden HE” 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 → Tanker’s Day.
  
• You can find the decoration in the “Other” tab in the Customization menu.
  

[h2]30% Discount on Soviet tanks in the Gaijin Store![/h2]
Also in honor of this day, there’s a 30% discount on all Soviet tanks in the Gaijin store, except for the T-80U-E1.

When: From today until September 9th (07:00 GMT).

This is the PUMA VJTF, the most advanced modification of Germany’s latest IFV currently fielded by the Bundeswehr. Featuring upgraded firepower, the PUMA VJTF will soon join the top ranks of the German ground forces tree!

[h2]PUMA VJTF: A Light Tank for Germany at Rank VII[/h2]

At a glance:

• Excellent mobility!
  
• Addition of Spike-LR missiles.
  
• Active protection system.
  
• Powerful 30 mm autocannon!
  

Vehicle History
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In the late 2010s, the Bundeswehr sought to upgrade its PUMA IFVs to the latest technological standard. In 2021, the official approval for the modernization of 40 PUMAs was obtained. The new variant would feature the implementation of the Spike-LR ATGM and enhanced communication systems among other upgrades with a target deployment date for the vehicles being set for 2023. The vehicles form two platoons of the Bundeswehr and are dedicated to the German element forming the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force 2023 (VJTF). Future plans include the modernization of all PUMAs in the Bundeswehr’s stock to be upgraded to this standard.
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[h2]Meet the PUMA VJTF![/h2]

The PUMA is currently the most advanced IFV available to Germany, both in real life as well as in War Thunder. This is soon to change however in the Dance of Dragons major update! With the introduction of the PUMA VJTF, the German ground forces tree will gain access to the most advanced modification of the PUMA to date, most prominently featuring additional firepower. Let’s check out today’s devblog!



Representing one of the most modern German combat vehicles available in the game at the moment, the arrival of the PUMA VJTF will bring with it a new top dog to the German ground forces tree! Inheriting much of what the standard variant of the PUMA is already well known for, this upgraded variant of the vehicle most notably features upgrades to its firepower — more specifically, the addition of a twin barrel MELLS launcher. These represent the German designation of the Spike-LR, already familiar to top rank battles. The addition of these missiles further increase the PUMA’s combat effectiveness as the ATGMs extend its reach, allowing it to strike even heavily armored MBTs at great distances. Additionally, thanks to the missile’s fire-and-forget targeting system, you might even dare to engage incoming enemy aircraft and helicopters if you’re feeling lucky!

Did you know? The PUMA armored infantry vehicle program was formerly known as Igel — a Hedgehog in German.



Apart from the addition of a Spike launcher, the PUMA VJTF remains quite similar to the base model, retaining its sleek profile, excellent mobility and advanced active protection system. However, if you’re going to be playing this vehicle, be aware of its shortcomings, mainly found in its armor, being only light protection when excluding the ERA elements found integrated within the hull of the PUMA’s sides.



The most advanced modification of the PUMA IFV will soon be coming to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update at rank VII in the German ground forces tree. In the meantime, stay sharp as we continue releasing more news articles covering the exciting new additions awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, good hunting tankers!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Video produced on the dev server. Final results may differ.

Our 2024 Roadmap included several interface improvements, and one of them was new reticles for modern tanks with improved elements of the tank’s gun sight systems. Today, we’re pleased to present it to you, not just in an updated form, but in a deeply customized form as well. This new feature will come to the game in the Dance of Dragons major update — let’s take a look!

A new option called “Sight settings” has been added to the Ground vehicle Battle Settings. When clicking on this button, you can create your own configuration of interface elements displayed in the gunner’s sight. Configurations that you create can be saved to individual vehicles or to every vehicle at a selected rank of a specific nation at once so that you don’t have to create a sight for each vehicle one by one. Plus, you can also use any sight on any vehicle in the game (yes, that means you can use the modern US sight on a T-34 if you want!).

The following elements can be customized:

• Grid sight. You can either select it from the grids already available in the game, or install a custom sight downloaded to the /UserSights/ folder located in the game directory
  
• Rangefinder indicator
  
• Turret rotation indicator
  
• Sight field of view indicator at maximum zoom
  
• Shot readiness indicator (shows readiness status and reload time)
  

Interface elements that do not affect aiming can be easily and conveniently dragged around the screen with your mouse cursor. Each element can be viewed in different modes: day, night, with a night vision device or with a thermal imager.

Learn how to install and create sights

This is just the first version of the customizable aiming sights that will be coming to the game in the Dance of Dragons major update. New elements and additional settings may be added in the future. In the meantime, tell us what you think about this new feature on the official forum or on our social networks!

Today, pre-orders for this special variant of the AV-8B Harrier VTOL strike aircraft with thermal imaging have started!

[h2]AV-8B Night Attack: A Premium Naval Strike Aircraft for the USA at Rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• A huge variety of weaponry, including JDAMs!
  
• Thermal imaging!
  
• VTOL capability but relatively slow speed.
  
• Fantastic versatility in both air and ground battles.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
In 1989 to support the U.S. Marine Corps during both day and night, a special version of the VTOL AV-8B Harrier was developed, NA standing for Night Attack. This version differed from earlier modifications with the addition of the NAVFLIR (Navigation Forward-Looking Infrared) system, the cockpit was configured for night vision goggles, and an upgraded Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine was installed. This modification also involved upgrading existing AV-8B models to the AV-8B Night Attack standard. Still in service with the U.S. Marine Corps today, this variant participated in most military operations involving marine aviation from the late 20th to the early 21st century.
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Pre-order - AV-8B Night Attack Pack
Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
69.99

• AV-8B Night Attack (Rank 7, USA)
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "True Action Hero" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: "VMA-223 insignia" decal
  

This offer is not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any military branch

[h2]Introducing the AV-8B Night Attack! [/h2]

Say hello to this special variant of the much loved Harrier, one of the most effective strike platforms for ground battles — the Night Attack (NA) variant, designed to support U.S. Marine Corps around the clock, night and day! This unique variant will be coming to the game when the Dance of Dragons major update is released, but today pre-orders for a special bundle containing the aircraft, unique pre-order bonuses and Golden Eagles and Premium time have started. Let’s take a look!



Representing one of the most advanced variants of the carrier based Harrier, the AV-8B (NA) will be quite familiar to those already accustomed with top-tier American or British aircraft. The real key feature of this variant is its thermal imaging mode, available even without a targeting pod — although it will only point forward. The Night Attack variant comes equipped with the F402 engine (the U.S. designation for the Rolls-Royce Pegasus) with familiar thrust vectoring capabilities. This aircraft is excellent for ground striking thanks to its great bomb load and wide array of ordnance. Make sure to take care though when approaching the battlefield as its speed is still relatively low, you’ll have to utilize its high maneuverability and large supply of countermeasures — 180 of them to be precise!



With the right pilot behind the controls, the AV-8B (NA) is a truly formidable force in ground battles, where its VTOL capabilities really come into play, sort of becoming a cross between a typical strike aircraft and an attack helicopter. It can hover behind terrain and surprise enemies, and swiftly rearm close to the battlefield from helipads.

At the core of any AV-8B loadout is the classic 25 mm GAU-12/U cannon. Much like the AV-8B Plus, the AV-8B (NA) has no in-built gun, only being able to carry one under the fuselage. As this variant is at a lower rank and battle rating, it lacks radar guided missiles and the top tier AIM-9M. However, it can still carry four of the highly maneuverable AIM-9L missiles, which are more than sufficient for any dogfight at its rank, as well as easily combating enemy helicopters. 



Thanks to its onboard electronics, the AV-8B (NA) excels with unguided weapons, being able to carry a wealth of free fall, drag and napalm bombs, along with Zuni and Mighty Mouse unguided rockets. Although, the real highlight is of course the guided weaponry! You can choose from precision guided bombs like the GBU-12 (up to ten) or the GBU-16 (up to four) which require the LITENING II targeting pod. The major update will also be introducing GPS-guided bombs, with this Harrier being able to equip up to 10 GBU-38 JDAMs. And finally, it can also equip some excellent air-to-ground missiles! Up to 4 AGM-65G or the new AGM-65E2 missiles can be carried, making this Harrier exceptionally versatile.



The pre-order for the AV-8B Night Attack pack is only available for a few more days, give it a look and pick it up for some exclusive cosmetic content, along with Premium time and a lot of Golden Eagles. Don’t miss out!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Unrivaled in its time and one of the first representatives of a class of fast battleships, HMS Barham is the main reward for the Steel Baron naval event!

[h2]HMS Barham: An Event Vehicle Battleship for Great Britain at Rank VI[/h2]
At a glance:

• Deadly 381 mm guns!
  
• Good armor protection.
  
• One of the best top speeds amongst British battleships.
  
• Very weak AA defense, just two 76 mm cannons.
  

[h3]Vehicle History[/h3]
[expand]
Queen Elizabeth-class battleships were revolutionary for their time, with two key differences making them unrivaled in combat performance for many years. Firstly, the most powerful main battery with a rate of fire of two rounds per minute, which allowed them to destroy any potential enemy, and secondly the power plant with oil boilers, which provided these ships with high speed. The armor also took a step forward compared to other British ships, and the class was considered so successful that the Admiralty suspended the production of battlecruisers in favor of building another Queen Elizabeth-class battleship.

HMS Barham was launched in the autumn of 1914 and commissioned a year later. Barham took part in the famous Battle of Jutland as part of the 5th Battleship Squadron, attached to Beatty’s battlecruisers. During the interwar period, HMS Barham carried out patrols and took part in exercises. She also took part in active military operations during WWII from the first days after its outbreak, mainly in the Mediterranean. On November 24th 1941, while escorting a Maltese convoy, HMS Barham was torpedoed by German submarine U-331. Three torpedoes hit Barham, causing a fire and detonation on board. The moment of the tragic death of hundreds of sailors and the sinking of HMS Barham as a result of a huge explosion was captured on newsreel footage filmed from battleship HMS Valiant.
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[h2]Meet HMS Barham![/h2]
Meet the main reward for the Steel Baron naval event, which was probably the best battleship in the world at the time of its inception, the mighty HMS Barham! This battleship features powerful armament and a good top speed, all coming to rank VI in the British Bluewater fleet tree. Let’s take a closer look.

Like the other four Queen Elizabeth-class ships, HMS Barham is armed with 8 x 381 mm (15 inch) guns in four turrets, with a rate of fire of two rounds per minute. In terms of auxiliary caliber weapons, HMS Barham features 14 x 152 mm (6 inch) guns in single-barrel mounts, with seven per side. As you may have already figured out, this is one of the most powerful ships in the game, capable of sinking any enemy ship with a few accurate salvos. The main caliber guns have shells that weigh a massive 871 kg, the SAPCBC and APC, both great for dealing with thick enemy battleship armor, with the APC featuring good post-pen effects.



For armor, HMS Barham is well-protected. The thickness of the armor belt and front turret reaches 330 mm, which, together with the well-protected barbettes and large crew size make HMS Barham very survivable and capable of quickly eliminating fires and leaks. One signature feature of the Queen Elizabeth-class battleships is their oil boilers, which allow them to accelerate to 24 knots (44 km/h). This is very good compared to other Royal Navy battleships and one of the best among other early battleships in other nations.



HMS Barham has a few disadvantages though, one of which includes its weak AA capability. Only 2 x 76 mm guns are defending Barham from aircraft which are unlikely to be of much use against a good pilot. Another disadvantage is her very slow horizontal aiming speeds of the main turrets, meaning HMS Barham won’t be able to react quickly and attack ships that are firing at her from several directions. Keep your distance to ensure that you have the widest possible view of the open sea, and plan your route in advance. And lastly, if you do need to get involved in close-range combat, four 533 mm underwater torpedo tubes with 20 torpedoes are there to help.



HMS Barham is the main reward in the Steel Baron event that started today. Check out the link below for all the terms and how to participate in this event to earn yourself this awesome battleship!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STEEL BARON EVENT HERE