War Thunder News

Today we’re pleased to welcome a trio of new WW2 premium vehicles, all coming as part of a single pack. Two premium Tiger tanks and a premium Ostwind II SPAA! 

[h2]The unique Tiger Ost, Tiger West and Ostwind Ost at Rank III[/h2]

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Please note: This pack will be available in the Gaijin Store when the Storm Warning major update releases.

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[h3]The Bundle[/h3]
A concept we’ve been considering for a while now is the idea of collection packs — a premium bundle that contains multiple vehicles along with other goodies. The benefit of a pack like this is that it comes as a lineup, which is overall more useful than a single vehicle, giving those who pick it up more options in battle and the potential of earning more Research Points with multiple spawns. Plus, it’s a good pick if you haven’t played Germany yet!

[h3]The Beasts from the East and West[/h3]
The two premium Tiger H1 models represent the battlefields of the Eastern and Western fronts, incorporating aesthetic elements inspired by each theater. 





The Tiger from the east has clearly seen a lot of action and is much more rugged and rural, with some extra track armor on the frontal hull and bundles of sticks strapped to the sides. These function more for improvised camouflage rather than protection however, and won’t offer much of any extra survivability from conventional rounds. The extra track armor can prove effective when angled however, and will make this eastern Tiger more effective for closer range engagements.



The western Tiger though is much more comfortable among the verdant fields and hedgerows of the Western Front. It features an extensive camo net which disguises its silhouette nicely at the longer ranges especially against aircraft! This Tiger (while versatile in its own right) is more suited for waiting in ambush and sniping from long distances, where its extra concealment really comes into play.





Importantly, as these two Tigers depict customized, battle-hardened vehicles, they have both received an additional modification — the anti-infantry mortars on the top of the hull which often got in the way of the cannon have been removed. This doesn’t give them any additional gun depression over the basic variant overall, but does mean that these two can achieve maximum gun depression over the corners of the hull!



[h3]Protecting the Skies[/h3]

Accompanying these big cats is a premium Ostwind II, complete with special camo netting of its own along with wider Ostketten tracks to improve its maneuverability! We considered going for a more classic option such as the regular Ostwind or Wirbelwind, but wanted to stick with the Ostwind II despite it being a prototype, as it would better match the Battle Ratings of the Tigers and make the overall lineup more functional — plus this way it could be more effectively used in higher tier lineups as well.



We hope this new bundle will give a nice head start for budding tank commanders keen on progressing through the German tree, as well as offering a comfortable lineup for players looking to get more Silver Lions, or who just love driving Tigers! 

That’s all for today, make sure to pick up the pack when it releases with the Storm Warning major update! Until then stay tuned as we have a lot more to show you yet!

Today we’re announcing the Panzerhaubitze 2000, one of the world’s most modern howitzers coming to the game for two nations at once.

[h2]PzH 2000: A Tank Destroyer for Germany at Rank V
PzH 2000HU: A Premium Tank Destroyer for Italy at Rank V (Pack, with the release of the major update)[/h2]
At a glance:

• Powerful 155 mm L52 gun!
  
• Good mobility.
  
• Poor gun depression.
  
• Lightly armored.
  

Vehicle History
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The Panzerhaubitze 2000 dates back to the SP70 program set up in the early 70’s in collaboration with Germany, Great Britain and Italy. This program aimed to replace the aging M109 howitzers in service with the three countries with a more modern vehicle featuring a longer and more powerful 155 mm howitzer. The project however was canceled in 1986 due to design issues, and the participating companies went separate ways. Great Britain went on to design and produce the AS-90, and Germany the Panzerhaubitze 2000. In 1987, design work began on the Panzerhaubitze 2000 by Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and was completed by 1995, with the vehicle entering service with the German Army in 1998.

Hungary put in an order for 24 brand-new Panzerhaubitze 2000’s in 2018 and received the first two in August 2022. By the summer of 2024, 23 have been delivered. These vehicles replaced the aging Soviet D-20 152 mm artillery systems that were in service with Hungary previously.
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[h2]Introducing the Panzerhaubitze 2000![/h2]

In the Storm Warning major update, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 will be joining Germany in the main tech tree, and Italy as a premium Hungarian variant with unique camouflage netting. A 155 mm gun and devastating HE shells is all you need to obliterate any enemy! Let’s take a closer look.



Did you know? “Panzerhaubitze 2000” directly translates to “Armored howitzer 2000”!

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 can be considered one of, if not the best howitzer in the world (it is also the most expensive artillery system!), this is thanks to its devastating 155 mm L52 howitzer that’s approximately 8 meters in length. The strength of this gun is its ballistics — it can fire HE shells with a high muzzle velocity, capable of hitting enemy vehicles at outstanding ranges. For long distances, a handy laser rangefinder can be used in conjunction with the main gun to provide pinpoint accurate fire. Just ensure that you aim the shells at weaker areas of enemy armor so that it can cause as much HE damage as possible.



Interesting: In 2019, the Panzerhaubitze 2000’s 155 mm L52 gun set a range record by firing a shell at a distance of 67 km!

Weighing approximately 58 tons, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 can reach an excellent top speed of 60 km/h on road thanks to its 1,000 HP engine. You’ll be able to use this speed to your advantage by taking tactical positions early, or by performing quick, aggressive maneuvers at the closer ranges.



Having an excellent gun and mobility comes with a downside though, and that’s its armor and crew compartment. The Panzerhaubitze 2000 has thin steel armor all around and additional armor on the roof (known as “Hedgehog Armor”) which is enough to withstand light or heavy machine gun fire, but any hit from a main tank gun will penetrate it with ease. After penetration, the 5 crew members, consisting of a commander, gunner, driver and two loaders can easily be knocked out due to the size of the vehicle and compact layout of the crew and ammo. Keep this in mind while traversing around the map!



That’s it for this one! The Panzerhaubitze 2000 is going to provide Germany and Italy with some awesome firepower in the Storm Warning major update. Be sure to pick up the premium Hungarian variant for Italy that comes with a cool camouflage net. Keep an eye on the news for other dev blogs and see you soon!

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

The Dassault Rafale jet fighter is coming to the game as a new top aircraft for the French aircraft tree!

[h2]Rafale C F3: A Jet Fighter for France at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:

• Powerful engines and excellent controllability.
  
• Large number of guided bombs.
  
• MICA-EM air-to-air missiles.
  
• No air brake.
  

Vehicle History
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The Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter was accepted into service with the French Air Force in 2005, and in early 2014, the French Ministry of Defense announced funding for the F3 modernization program. The main goals of this upgrade were to increase the aircraft’s combat ability and overall capabilities. The Rafale received a new radar, more advanced communication and surveillance systems, the ability to use Damocles and TALIOS targeting pods, and an expanded range of weapons. Tests of the upgraded aircraft began in April 2014, with the first test flights taking place in December of the same year. In October 2018, the French Air Force accepted the Rafale F3-R into service, and by 2030, all operational aircraft will be modernized to this standard. The first combat use of the Dassault Rafale C (F3-R) occurred in September 2020, when a pair of aircraft struck ISIS positions. Additionally, the F3-R modification has been exported to Greece and Croatia.
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[h2]Introducing the Rafale C F3![/h2]

Arriving at the end of the line for the French aircraft tree is a very famous and modern aircraft: the Dassault Rafale! Coming in the Storm Warning major update, this aircraft features excellent characteristics and a large arsenal of weapons. Let’s dive into the details!



The Rafale, along with the other top fighters, is a very technologically advanced aircraft that has its own unique elements. For example, this aircraft has access to MICA-EM ARH missiles, which are among the best long-range missiles in the game. In addition to this, the Rafale has just 2 missiles for short range engagements — already well-known to French pilots, the Matra R550 Magic 2. Another unique aspect is in the Rafale’s countermeasure loadout — it only has 32 large caliber countermeasures, but additionally a large amount of chaff!

Interesting: “Rafale”, when written in French as “Rafale de vent”, is translated into “Gust of Wind”!



In addition to regular bombs for destroying ground targets, the Rafale features both the Paveway series of guided bombs (GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-22 and GBU-24), familiar from other aircraft, and the AASM HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) bombs, new to War Thunder! This new addition includes the SBU 38 guided bomb (GNSS guidance), SBU 54 (Laser+IOG+GNSS guidance), and the most advanced version, the SBU 64 (IR+IOG+GNSS). Guidance for these new bombs is handled by the DAMOCLES targeting pod, familiar from the advanced Mirage 2000 aircraft.



In terms of speed, the Rafale features a pair of SNECMA M88-2 engines, producing a total thrust of almost 14,000 kgf and a maximum speed of over 1,800 km/h at very high altitudes when using the afterburner. The delta wing design and canards make the Rafale very controllable at any speed and altitude, allowing it to perform sharp maneuvers, while the powerful engines can quickly replenish energy losses.

That’s it for this blog! The Rafale C F3 will be waiting for you in the Storm Warning major update, where very soon it will have its say in both Air and Ground Battles — until then though, keep an eye out for more dev blogs!

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

Today, pre-orders for the American RDF/LT light tank with a 75 mm autocannon and the Russian BMD-4M airborne light tank have started in the store!



[h2]RDF/LT: Rapid Brutality[/h2]
[h3]RDF/LT: A Premium Light Tank for the USA at Rank VII [/h3]
At a glance:

• 75 mm automatic cannon.
  
• 1.5 second reload!
  
• Decent maneuverability.
  
• Thin armor.
  

Vehicle History
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Based on the developments of the promising HSTV-L, in October 1980 AAI Corporation presented a prototype for the RDF/LT light tank, featuring a new engine and hull, reducing the combat weight to the allowed amount for transportation by helicopter. Several prototypes were made, but the vehicle was never accepted in serial production.
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[h2]Pre-order - RDF/LT Pack[/h2]
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
The Kit Includes:

• RDF/LT (Rank VII, USA)
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Rapid Deploy" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Ares" decal
  

[h2]Introducing the RDF/LT![/h2]
Coming in with a reload time of just 1.5 seconds, the RDF/LT is a close relative of the US HSTV-L light tank, which both feature a 75 mm automatic cannon. This cannon has very good vertical aiming angles and can fire both APFSDS for use against ground vehicles and HE-VT shells for use against helicopters.



The RDF/LT has a new lightweight hull and new engine, giving it decent maneuverability even off-road. Ideal for aggressive and “getting in the enemy’s faces” combat, focus on disabling the enemy’s gun and tracks, and finishing them off with a few shots to the side to knock out the crew or explode the ammunition. Then onto the next!



[h2]BMD-4M: Utility Monster[/h2]
[h3]BMD-4M: A Premium Light Tank for the USSR at Rank VI[/h3]
At a glance:

• 100 mm cannon-launcher.
  
• 30 mm autocannon.
  
• Good speed.
  
• Additional armor package.
  

Vehicle History
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The BMD-4M (“Airborne Combat Vehicle”) was a further development of the BMD-4. This vehicle was 80% unified with the BMP-3, received a new chassis and a set of add-on armor. This modification is produced at the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant and is currently in service with the Russian Army.
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[h2]Pre-order - BMD-4M Pack[/h2]
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
The Kit Includes:

• BMD-4M (Rank VI, USSR)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 2000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: "No one but us" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Landing BMD-4M" decal
  

[h2]Introducing the BMD-4M![/h2]
The BMD-4M is one of the most modern modifications but remains largely unchanged in terms of weaponry compared to the BMD-4, instead featuring a new 500 HP engine. This vehicle has an interesting weapons layout: a 100 mm cannon that can fire shells and even launch guided missiles, complemented by a 30 mm automatic cannon, good against helicopters and light ground vehicles.



For the chassis, the BMD-4M has additional armor protection thanks to add-on armor plates. This slightly increases the weight of the vehicle and also means it is not amphibious, instead coming with the trade-off of better protection against shrapnel, machine gun fire and autocannons. Being able to support allied MBTs or act alone, the BMD-4M has everything needed for different combat situations in battle.

Today we’ll be taking a look at the American-made M44 self-propelled howitzer, making its way to several nations in the “Storm Warning” major update!

[h2]M44: A Tank Destroyer for the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Italy and France at Rank III[/h2]
At a glance:

• 155 mm howitzer with powerful HE shells!
  
• Excellent gun traverse speed, can react to new threats quickly.
  
• Limited horizontal aiming angles.
  
• Weakly armored and open topped.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
The American M44 self-propelled howitzer emerged in the early 1950s as part of a program to develop a new 155 mm self-propelled gun to replace the outdated M41 howitzer platform. During production, the initial vehicle designated as the T99E1 revealed several shortcomings that required a redesign. The updated model featured a new fighting compartment with a modified howitzer. By 1954, the U.S. Army decided to focus on exporting the M44 to other countries. The M44 later ended up in service with Germany, the UK, Italy, Turkey, Belgium and Japan.
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[h2]Introducing the M44![/h2]

The M44 self-propelled howitzer will be coming to a handful of nations in the Storm Warning major update! This surprisingly fast vehicle equipped with a hefty 155 mm gun will be a great addition to rank III lineups. Despite its drawbacks, it will always be able to effectively combat the toughest vehicles in the bracket. Let’s take a closer look at this new beast!



Mounted on the chassis of the Walker Bulldog light tank, the M44 is quite fast for a vehicle of this type. It’s able to reach speeds up to 56 km/h on roads, and can maneuver and cruise effectively off-road as well. The 155 mm howitzer is placed in an open mount and can traverse a max of 30 degrees horizontally each side, with 5 degrees of gun depression. The primary round available is the classic M107 HE shell, familiar to many of you who may play howitzer type vehicles. It can also fire a large smoke shell as well, but won’t have access to proximity HE.

Fun Fact: The M44 uses an inverted version of the chassis found on the M41 Walker Bulldog. The rear road wheels became idlers, while the drive wheels were relocated near the engine compartment.



One primary drawback of course is the thin armor and open crew compartment, making the M44 highly vulnerable to ground vehicles and aircraft. Plus, the reload speed is a bit of a limiting factor. Try to stick close to some form of vertical cover like buildings or large rocks — this will provide protection when retreating to reload, and make you harder to spot from the air. Thanks to the high mobility, an aggressive close-range play-style is definitely possible, but significantly riskier due to the reload and limited traverse angles. Despite the fragility however, the M44 is still a powerful and versatile howitzer platform, giving it a unique play-style at the lower ranks!



That’s it for this one! The M44 will be arriving to War Thunder in the Storm Warning major update at rank III, becoming available for the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Italy and France. Make sure to stay tuned for more news on upcoming vehicles and features. We’ll see you soon!

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