One of the new Squadron Vehicles arriving in the Leviathans major update is the advanced Draken of the Danish Air Force!

At a glance:

• AIM-9N air-to-air missiles
  
• RWR
  
• Up to 4500 kg of bombs
  
• New sight with ballistic computer
  
• No radar

Vehicle History
In the late 1960s, the Danish Air Force decided to replace the aging F-100D, needing a versatile fighter capable of effectively operating against both air and ground targets. The choice fell on the Swedish J35F Draken, however the base model did not meet Danish requirements, so a modification called the Saab 35XD (designated as the F-35) was developed. This new variant had reinforced wings, increased ammunition, two 30 mm cannons, reinforced landing gear, a large internal fuel supply and the ability to mount external fuel tanks. The radar equipment was considered unnecessary and dismantled, as the focus was on strike capabilities and transforming the design to the needs of a tactical aircraft.

In the 1980s, Danish F-35s underwent modernization under the WDNS (Weapon Delivery and Navigation System) program, which aimed to install a modern sighting and navigation system. These new fighters received a new sight, a laser rangefinder, and an AN/ALR-69 RWR. The final stage of modernization was completed in 1986.




The Danish Saab F-35 multirole fighter is coming to the game in the Leviathans major update as a new Squadron Vehicle for Sweden’s aviation tree! This aircraft has an advanced RWR, close range air-to-air missiles, and a wide range of ground attack capabilities. Let’s take a look.




Danish Drakens were upgraded under the Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS) program with modern electronics. Inside the nose cone is an AN/ALR-69 RWR, which provides you with comprehensive information about the current combat situation and immediate threats with clear identification on the display. In the cockpit is a new Sikte S-7B sight with a ballistic computer. Since the Saab F-35 was primarily intended for ground attacks, this aircraft has no radar. However, despite this, it does have two AIM-9N Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for air combat! These missiles have quite good overloads and controlled flight time, but acquiring the target is only possible in the rear hemisphere.

The Saab F-35 is the most attack-oriented Draken in Sweden’s aircraft tree. The reinforced wing allows for up to 4,500 kg payload, including 250, 500 and 1000 lb bombs, FFAR, CRV7 and Hydra-70 rockets.




Like other Squadron Vehicles, you can get the Saab F-35 through acquiring enough squadron activity points or buying it straight away with Golden Eagles. The Danish Draken is a neat addition to several lineups for Ground Battles, and its exceptional maneuverability and high maximum speed will come in handy in Air Battles!



That’s all for now! We’re finishing up the Leviathans major update — it’s coming soon!

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

Meet a new top ranked helicopter for China, the export Z-10ME is coming to the research tree! Plus the Z-10A, which will join as a new Squadron Vehicle.

At a glance:

• DIRCM for the Z-10ME
  
• Additional armor plating
  
• Increased ammunition count (ME version)

Vehicle History
By the late 2010s, the PLA began to modernize some of the older Z-10s in service to upgrade them to the current technological standard. This configuration generally corresponded to the original design of the helicopter, including armor and laser warning receivers.

Several dozen helicopters have been modernized to the Z-10A standard and previously produced helicopters are being modified to this type as well.




Helicopter fans can look forward to the arrival of the Chinese Z-10ME coming to the game in the next major update, introducing several handy upgrades not found on the early production versions! The Z-10ME and Z-10A Squadron Vehicle will soon rightfully claim their place as the apex predator among the Chinese attack helicopters in War Thunder, so let’s dive into the details, shall we?




The Z-10ME will be the new top-of-the-line modification of the Z-10 attack helicopter which incorporates all the latest improvements. Namely, new engines, a new radar on top of the rotor, additional flares, composite applique armor has been installed around the cockpit and engine nacelles for improved protection. Upward mounted exhausts have also been fitted to reduce the IR signature of the vehicle — a feature especially handy in reducing visibility on thermal image devices and to lower the chances of a successful IR missile lock-on. The Z-10ME will also receive the DIRCM system protecting from missiles with IR seekers. Additionally, the cannon turret has also been upgraded and now features 350 rounds of ammunition, further extending the Z-10ME’s combat capabilities!

In addition to the Z-10ME, the next major update will also introduce an additional variant of China’s most modern attack helicopter — the Z-10A! Coming to War Thunder as a Squadron Vehicle, the Z-10A can be earned through accruing squadron activity points or it can be purchased with Golden Eagles. The difference between this modification and the familiar Z-10 is additional armor for the cockpit and engines, as well as updated onboard electronics.




The Z-10ME and Z-10A will soon be arriving to the hangars of War Thunder pilots with the release of the next major update. Until then, keep a close eye on the news for fresh information regarding War Thunder’s next major update. Clear skies and good hunting, pilots!

Please note that these vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before they are added to the game.

The MiG-21 jet fighter made its first flight 70 years ago on June 15th, 1955! The MiG-21 became the most mass-produced second generation jet fighter and the most widespread supersonic aircraft. Almost 11,500 were produced, many of which are still in service today.

When: From June 16th (11:00 GMT) until June 19th (11:00 GMT)

The following aircraft are available at a 30% discount:

• USSR: MiG-21S (R-13-300) (Rank VI) for 6237 Golden Eagles

  

• Germany: MiG-21 SPS-K (Rank VI)* for 6489 Golden Eagles

  

* this aircraft is only available for purchase for Golden Eagles during this promotion.

When: From June 16th (11:00 GMT) until June 19th (11:00 GMT)

PC players will be able to purchase the following packs at a 30% discount in the Gaijin store: To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!

• Germany: MiG-21 “Lazur-M” (Rank VII)

  

• Great Britain: MiG-21 Bison (Rank VIII)

  

• China: J-7D (Rank VII)

  

On June 15th 1909, the battleship Petropavlovsk was laid down at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg. In 1921, it was named “Marat” in honor of French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat. During the Second World War, Marat participated in the defense of Leningrad, firing almost two thousand 305 mm shells.

Marat returns to the game for 8380 Golden Eagles! Note: Until June 19th (10:00 GMT), it will be sold at a 30% discount for 5866 Golden Eagles.

[carousel][/carousel]

When: From June 16th (10:00 GMT)
Where: USSR > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

About this battleship

• Marat (rank V) features twelve 305 mm main guns, ready to inflict devastating damage to enemies. For defense against aircraft, Marat comes with various cannons and machine guns in 27 turrets.

Thank you once again for your incredible submissions! This coming week, we’ll be focusing on the quiet moments before the storm! You’ll be capturing missions set at sunrise, where soft morning light and long shadows set the stage for the battle to come. Any vehicle type is welcome—just be sure it’s ready to roll out under a golden sky. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!


Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen176. You have time until the 20th of June 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.

• Your screenshot should be taken in morning light and can include any vehicle.
  
• You must add the #WTscreen176 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
  
• Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.

[/b]

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.

[/list]


https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3496521333
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3494914941
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3494789417

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3495061925
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3494630490
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3495915459

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

On June 15th 1936, the Vickers Wellington made its maiden flight. This was the most widely produced British bomber and was used throughout the Second World War, with more than 11,000 units being built. Wellingtons were used for night bombing, submarine hunting, mine clearing and as carriers of airborne radio detection and guidance systems.

This Wellington (rank II) is available for 1,000 Golden Eagles.

When: From June 13th (13:00 GMT) until June 16th (13:00 GMT).
Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

About this aircraft

• The Wellington Mk Ic was captured and tested by the Luftwaffe. This bomber is great at high altitudes and can take eighteen 250 lb or nine 500 lb bombs into battle. For defensive weaponry, it has 7.7 mm machine guns in the nose, at the sides and at the back of the plane.

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The first attempt to create a unified German fleet was made on June 14th 1848 against the backdrop of the Danish-German War. The attempt was not very successful, and Germany lost the war. After the dissolution of the fleet, some of the ships went to Prussia, and on the basis of the Prussian Navy, the naval forces of the German Empire were formed in 1871. The modern German Navy continues to celebrate this day on June 14th.

Both are available at a 30% discount: the T31 (rank III) costs 3528 Golden Eagles and the Z20 Karl Galster (rank III) costs 4263 Golden Eagles!

When: From June 13th (11:00 GMT) until June 16th (11:00).
Where: Germany > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

• The T31 was built in Elbing, East Prussia and commissioned in 1944. In June of that year, she covered Finnish forces during the Soviet offensive in Karelia but was sunk in a skirmish with Soviet boats. The T31 is equipped with 37 mm anti-aircraft guns to combat air attacks, and her main armament consists of rapid-fire 105 mm guns in four turrets.

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• The Z20 Karl Galster is named after Lieutenant Commander Karl Galster, who commanded the S-22 destroyer during the First World War. Z20 was used extensively throughout the Second World War and survived until the end, where it was then transferred to the USSR, receiving the name “Prochny”. This is a very speedy ship, its secondary caliber is represented by 37 mm automatic guns — ready to take on both enemy aircraft and fast boats. Larger ships can be taken care of with the powerful 128 mm main guns.

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This decal is available for German Navy Day.


“Emblem of the German Navy Engineering School” decal

When: From June 13th (11:00 GMT) until June 16th (11:00).
Task: Play 3 battles using German ships at rank III or higher to receive the “Emblem of the German Navy Engineering School” decal.

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 → German Navy Day.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Germany → Navy” tab in the Customization menu.

Today we have three new premium packs to show you, each containing three vehicles.

These packs offer a versatile selection of ground vehicles, all similar to existing tech tree vehicles but with some interesting cosmetic variations. They don’t intend to represent one single vehicle and are instead more of a collective inspiration drawn from elements of several historical photos. Let’s start!

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!

34.99

• Sherman (Hell) (Rank III, USA)
  
• Hellcat (Hell) (Rank III, USA)
  
• Skink (Hell) (Rank III, USA)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title “Hell on Wheels”
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “67th Armor Regiment Insignia” decal
  

Headlining the American pack is one of the most versatile tanks of the war, the Sherman 76 Easy Eight! This variant features a camo netting, constructed by weaving fabric through barbed wire. Under this netting is an array of jerry cans and sandbags, both offering a very small amount of extra protection. 

One of America’s most capable light vehicles, the Hellcat will be joining the pack! This variant contains some light camo netting and is covered in satchels and canisters, along with an additional light machinegun on the turret. This M18 was inspired by late-war Hellcats, which often carried many storage elements on the exterior. A small sign is also included on the turret, this was attached to an M18 when the tank was delivered to the front, in order to quickly get crews accustomed to this new vehicle.

Rounding off the lineup is the ever capable Skink wielding four fast-firing 20 mm guns! Complete with additional track armor and wooden planks on the sides, often applied to Shermans. Featuring a totally enclosed turret, the Skink excels in the anti-air role as it can avoid being strafed by the vast majority of aircraft.

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
34.99

• IS-1 ('45) (Rank III, USSR)
  
• T-34-85 ('45) (Rank III, USSR)
  
• Hanomag ('45) (Rank III, USSR)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title “Born to win”
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “In May 45” decal
  

Kicking off the USSR pack is the T-34-85, in very unique attire. This T-34 is protected by light anti-HEAT shields salvaged from German tanks. While these field modifications were rare, several examples of T-34s fielding skirt armor from destroyed StuGs and similar tank destroyers could be seen in the latter stages of the war. 

This IS-1 comes complete with extra track armor on the sides of the turret as well as the lower plate — often a common weak spot. One of the main highlights of this tank is a camo netting fitted on the front of the hull and sides, plus on the gun barrel. There is also a Soviet army helmet ontop of the headlight at the front!

Supporting the lineup is a captured Sd.Kfz 251/21. This trophy vehicle is new to the game, swapping out the standard 15 mm guns with three 20 mm cannons instead. These trade off some velocity and penetration power with significantly higher damage for the HE round to aircraft, making it a fairly special edition for the USSR.

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
34.99

• Firefly (Overlord) (Rank III, Great Britain)
  
• Avenger (Overlord) (Rank III, Great Britain)
  
• Crusader AA (Overlord) (Rank III, Great Britain)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title “Fear Naught”
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Echoes of Overlord” decal
  

The spearhead of the British lineup is the classic Sherman VC Firefly. This variant features additional track armor, including tracks from the destroyed German tanks, on the hull along with many extra cosmetic elements, complete with two-tone camo netting covering the hull and turret, perfect for concealed sniping and defensive positions. One of the crew members has left his glasses on the gun mantlet, hopefully it wasn’t the gunner!

Supporting the Firefly is the versatile Avenger, which also includes a similar type of camo netting. This variant has many additional cosmetic features inspired by several photos of British tanks. And guess what, there’s even a kettle — all the more reason to play this tank!

The anti-air vehicle of the group is the Crusader AA Mk.II, very mobile and reactive and fairly well protected from most aircraft as well thanks to its enclosed turret. This variant is also nicely camouflaged and customized, and was inspired by the many Crusader SPAA units operational in Normandy.

---

That’s all for today, thank you very much for reading! These packs can be pre-ordered starting today from the Gaijin store. Stay tuned for even more news, and we’ll see you very soon!

The War Thunder Championships Series (WTCS) continues! After TITAN and the victory for AVReS, it’s time for you to take part in the second Major Event of the year: Armored Apex! Here, you’ll use legendary vehicles like the M1A2 Abrams or the T-80BVM on famous maps like Normandy or Advance to the Rhine. Armored Apex, the second major event, is a qualifying tournament, which allows you to score points for the 2025 WTCS season in a 4v4 RB Tank format!

Without further ado, let’s check out the lineup, maps, date and prizes for this second Major!

After each Open qualifier, four teams will qualify for the Play-Off phases. For more information, be sure to check out the War Thunder Esports in 2025: The Beginning Of A New Era news that describes everything in detail.

• Open Qualifier I: June 14th-15th at 15:00 GMT

• Open Qualifier II: June 21st-22nd at 15:00 GMT

• Play-Offs: June 28th-29th & July 5th-6th at 15:00 GMT

Here’s the line-up that will be used for Open Qualifier I & II. It will be exactly the same for the Play-off phases.

Please note that there will be no map bans during the Open Qualifiers. All maps will be selected randomly. However, for the 8 Qualified teams, a map ban will be set up for the Play-offs.

For each Open Qualifier, there’s a total of 86,400 Golden Eagles, plus Research Point & Silver Lion boosters and Premium Account time!

Here’s a detailed list of the Major’s prizes:

When: Each stream will start from 14:45 GMT

Open Qualifier I Stream: June 14th-15th
Open Qualifier II Stream: June 21st-22nd

During the live broadcasts throughout the two weekends of the Open Qualifier matches, you can receive boosters and premium account time from Twitch Drops. Make sure to stay tuned for the Twitch drops prizes during the Finals!

There’s a variety of broadcasts in different languages to give you the best experience in English, Russian, German, Polish and French.

Login to your Twitch account → link your Gaijin account → click “Allow” to be able to receive Twitch Drops!

During the WTCS Armored Apex Major, join the Official War Thunder Esports Discord server to hang out with like-minded competitive players and take part in major giveaways that include the following packs:

• Leopard 2 (OTCo) Pack

• RAH-66 Comanche Pack

• F-2A ADTW Pack

• Leopard 2A4 Pack

The Esports team wishes you the best of luck for the qualification phases. May the force be with you!

• Unique decal: "Thunder Tactiks"
  

• Unique camouflage: Bf 109 F-4 "Thunder Tactics"
  

• Unique camouflage: Sd.Kfz.234/2 "Thunder Tactics"
  

• 300 Golden Eagles

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.

Today we’re taking a look at the Israeli SPYDER AIO, a rapid-deployment air defense system designed to counter all types of modern aerial threats.

At a glance:

• Python-5 and Derby missiles

• High-speed radar scanning

• Effective short and long range air defense

• Good mobility

Vehicle History
The SPYDER AIO (All-In-One) is an Israeli mobile air defense system jointly developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries to provide rapid, autonomous protection against a wide range of aerial threats, ranging from planes, helicopters to UAVs and even precision-guided munitions. It evolved from the original SPYDER (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) system, which was designed in the early 2000s to meet the needs of modern, mobile, and multi-layered air defense.

The system has attracted interest globally and has since been adopted by the armed forces of several countries including Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, the UAE, Morocco and others. The AIO variant integrates all system components — radar, command and control, and missile launchers — onto a single vehicle for enhanced mobility and quicker deployment. The SPYDER AIO was designed to launch both Python-5 and Derby missiles, offering both short and medium-range interception capabilities.

The SPYDER AIO is arriving to War Thunder as part of the Leviathans major update to reinforce the top rank of the Israeli ground forces tree with one of the most advanced air defense systems to date. Featuring a selection of two missile types and a highly capable radar system, the Spyder is set to become the new guardian angel when playing the Israel ground forces tree. Ready to find out more? Let’s take a look at the details.

In most cases, modern missile-based air defense systems consist of several units with distinct roles, working together. In the case of the SPYDER AIO, Israeli engineers integrated all functions into a single, highly mobile platform, thus creating a highly potent all-in-one solution. The SPYDER’s signature strength lies undoubtedly in its electronic equipment and most prominently, in its advanced radar system. Consisting of a fixed four phased antenna array, the SPYDER can scan the surrounding airspace at smaller intervals. This, coupled with thermal imaging, enables the Spyder AIO to detect aerial threats well ahead of time and in all weather conditions, before they become an acute danger to allies on the ground.

Detecting a foe is one thing, but dealing with them effectively is a whole different one. Fortunately however, the SPYDER has access to two types of advanced missile systems — the Python-5 and Derby. The Derby will be familiar if you’ve played Israel before, but the Python-5 is brand-new to the game! Each missile system is tailored to a different engagement type, yet both feature fire-and-forget capability, meaning you can focus solely on coordinating the order of engagement of hostile air threats. Both missiles are roughly identical in range, but complement each other in different combat situations. The Derby being an ARH missile is immune to flares and IRCMs, and can also capture targets in the frontal hemisphere from greater ranges. The Python-5 with IR guidance does not trigger RWR (except for the most advanced ones that feature MAWS with optical sensors for detecting rocket engine flares) and are immune to “notching”. Therefore it’s reasonable to fire at targets that pose the biggest threat with both types of missiles at once.


That’s it for this one! The SPYDER AIO will soon become available to all players at the top rank of the Israeli ground forces trees with the release of the Leviathans major update! In the meantime, be sure to keep an eye out on the news for what is coming next. Until then, happy hunting and see you soon in the next devblog!

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