IN SHORT: premium rank V tanks, the closest relatives of the legendary Abrams – high survivability, excellent mobility, and a fine cannon. They speed up the research of any US tank between ranks I and VI, get you tons of Silver Lions, and are a lot of fun to play!

Two new and magnificent rank V tanks are coming to War Thunder! It’s a story of a competition between two companies – Chrysler and General Motors – in creating a new main battle tank for the American army, which would soon become known around the world as the M1 Abrams.

In War Thunder, both tanks are very similar to each other. The XM-1 is a premium rank V tank with composite armor and side skirts. Though its armour is inferior to the armour of the M1 Abrams, it provides decent protection against any type of ammo at the top ranks.





The 1500-horsepower engine – a diesel engine on the XM-1 (GM) and gas-turbine on the XM-1 (C) – allows the tank to reach up to 75 km/h. The tank gets up to speed very quickly and is a pleasure to drive. The XM-1 (GM) version differs in its slightly higher maximum speed and hydraulic suspension, which gives the tank new opportunities in some combat situations.

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

In short: a perfectly protected premium rank V armoured vehicle based on the Centurion Mk 5 with a steel scoop and a powerful cannon, with each shot roughly 5 (five!) times more powerful than standard HESH shells.

The Centurion AVRE is an engineering vehicle based on a tank, equipped with a bulldozer scoop, reactive armour and a special cannon designed to destroy buildings and fortifications – with almost 16 kilograms of explosives in every shot!

In the 1960s, the British army felt the need for a modern multi-functional engineering vehicle. They chose the Centurion Mk 5 main battle tank base to replace the outdated engineering tank, which used a Churchill chassis. Since the engineering vehicle’s tasks were rather specific, the Centurion chassis was given special equipment: the tank received a bulldozer scoop, a device was mounted above the scoop for laying fascines, the altered rear armour plate was equipped with a tow hitch, and a seat was installed next to the driver’s seat for a new, fifth crew member – a navigator. The engineering vehicle, which was called the Centurion AVRE (abbreviated from Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) was designed to carry a special engineering gun capable of destroying fortifications, pillboxes and other fortified defensive positions. That gun was the short-barreled L9, a 165 mm caliber cannon with low recoil. The vehicle received an ammunition complement of 53 shots with high-explosive squash head (HESH) shells with huge destructive force – each charge contained almost 16 kilograms of explosives. The Centurion AVRE became the standard engineering vehicle for the British Army and participated in several armed conflicts, including the 1991 Gulf War. In the 80’s, Centurion AVRE’s were modernized, receiving additional armour including ROMOR reactive armour - this modification was used in operation “Desert Storm”. The vehicle was retired in 1993.





The explosive mass in the engineering Centurion’s HESH shells is 15.7 kgs, which is 5 times more than in the 120 mm HESH shells of other tanks. While other tanks at higher ranks have superior defense against hits from ATGMs and HE shells, a good old demolition bomb can do a lot of damage. A hit with armour penetration is fatal for any target on the battlefield. A hit without penetration can deal critical damage to the enemy tank’s tracks, engine or gun. With a little finesse, the low velocity of the shell will allow you to even fire from behind low cover or terrain. This is an entirely new and unusual take on tank battles in the higher ranks!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The P-40F is a later modification of the well-known American Warhawk which strived to address some of the underlying performance issues of the earlier variants by featuring a more powerful engine. After a more than successful campaign in the Mediterranean theatre, the P-40F is now ready to once more compete for total aerial supremacy in War Thunder’s upcoming update 1.79!

In short: we have created completely new models for the P-40 fighters in our game and have also added a P-40F variant with a new powerful engine and a "toothy" camouflage!

Although early P-40s were equipped with one of the most powerful inline engines available to the American aircraft industry at the time, it quickly became apparent that even that wasn’t enough. Due to its advanced and robust design, it’s no secret that the P-40 was a relatively heavy aircraft for its type, resulting in power-to-weight issues which would never be fully solved. Nonetheless, Curtiss engineers continued tweaking and improving the design in all aspects, trying to lessen the drawbacks of a high weight and insufficient power.





If you wanted to take your P-40 out for a spin again, but just never got around to actually doing it, then be sure to take advantage of the opportunity that update 1.79 gives you. Dust off that plane that’s been sitting in the back of your hangar for far too long and prepare to see it in a whole new light! Stay tuned to the news to find out more about the latest developments regarding War Thunder’s next major update. Until then!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

Take part in a battle in the sky over Stalingrad in the updated enduring confrontation mode for 64 players - a familiar to pilots mode with prolonged fighting and the possibility of unlimited numbers of respawns. You can join the [Enduring Confrontation] battle even after the mission has already started.

Event will be available both in RB and SB modes.

For the first time in realistic mode the logic for the front line has been updated, combat and cargo convoys will appear more often and a new “Air Supremacy” mission is available. More information regarding the improvements in [Enduring Confrontation] can be read in the Development Blog.


USSR: I-15bis, Zhukovsky's I-153-M62, I-153 M-62, I-153P, I-16 type 10, I-16 type 18, IL-2 (1941), IL-2 (1942), LaGG-3-4, LaGG-3-8, LaGG-3-11, LaGG-3-23, La-5, Pe-2-1, Pe-2-31, MiG-3-15 (BK), SB 2M-100, SB 2M-103 MV-3, SB 2M-103, SB 2M-103U, SB 2M-103U MV-3, SB 2M-105, Su-2 MV-5, Su-2 M-82, Su-2 TSS-1, Yak-1, Yak-7B, IL-4, Ar-2, P-40E-1 (USSR), Hurricane Mk IIB (USSR)

Germany: Bf 109 E-3, Bf 109 E-4, Bf 109 E-7/U2, Bf 109 F-2, Bf 109 F-4, Bf 110 C-4, Do 17 E-1, Hs 129B-2, Hs 129B-2 (Romania), Ju 87 B-2, Ju 87 D-3, G.50 serie 2, G.50 AS serie 7, C.200 serie 7, C.202, S.M.79 AS, He 111 H-3, Ju 88 A-1, Ju 88 A-4, S.M.79 serie 8, S.M.79 AS, S.M.79 bis/N

Italy: G.50 serie 2, G.50 AS serie 7, C.200 serie 3, C.200 serie 7, C.202, S.M.79 serie 8, S.M.79 AS, S.M.79 bis/N

The setup can be changed, so please keep a close eye on the list of the available vehicles in the event description.

The War Thunder Team

The T-64BV is a new researchable modification for the T-64B tanks, which adds a reactive set in War Thunder update 1.79. Pimp the tank! In short: a new modification for the T-64B which makes your favourite tank even cooler! The Kontakt ERA set adds excellent defense to the hull and turret against ATGMs and HE shells.

In the early 1960s, the USSR held successful tests of reactive armour against explosive force, and by the early 1980s, a unified set of reactive add-on armour called Kontakt was ready to boost the defenses of the current tank fleet, and for installation on new vehicle models. Among the tanks which successfully completed state tests of the new reactive configuration was the medium T-64B tank, which was later modernized and given a new designation: the T-64BV.





The upgrades to the T-64BV version will be implemented in the form of a researchable modification for the T-64B tank in War Thunder update 1.79. After researching this modification, the tank’s appearance will change, but any camouflage, decals or decorative items installed will remain.

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

Briefly: The last series modification of the famous Corsair designed for the French navy, able to carry a variety of US and French-made bombs and rockets. Hey, tankers! How are you down there?

After the end of the Second World War, aircraft manufacturer Chance Vought continued perfecting its carrier-based Corsair fighter-bombers. Corsair fighters had already proved to be excellent attack planes during the war, and Chance Vought engineers wanted to improve the plane’s ability to destroy ground targets at low altitudes.





The French F4U-7 Corsair is an excellent fighter plane and incredibly dangerous for ground targets. It will be terrorizing enemies in the air and on the ground when it arrives in War Thunder update 1.79!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog Article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The Type 90 is a Japanese third generation main battle tank, developed in the late ‘80s as a replacement to the outdated Type 61 and Type 74. Coming with update 1.79, fans of Japanese ground vehicles may expect the arrival of the long-awaited Type 90 to the top ranking battles of War Thunder!

In War Thunder, the Type 90 will become available to all players as a new top tier vehicle of rank VI of the Japanese ground forces tree. Bringing with it a whole host of modern upgrades over its predecessors, the Type 90 will give Japanese tankers the opportunity to experience first hand what top tier combat is all about. Developed primarily as a counter to the T-72, it was clear from the start that the Type 90 had to be well armed in order to succeed in this endeavour. Featuring a similar gun as found on the Leopard 2K already in game, future Type 90 drivers can come to expect nothing short of superb ballistic properties of this tried and tested cannon. A good cannon, backed up by an autoloading mechanism in combination with a stabilizer gives Type 90 drivers the freedom of choice when considering how to deal with the threat at hand. Whether it be picking off targets from extreme range, close quarter brawling or high-speed maneuvering engagements, the Type 90 is suited for almost all combat scenarios and can quickly adapt to sudden changes on the battlefield.





Although the Type 90 never underwent a real trial by fire in its service life, War Thunder players will have the chance to pit it against some of its contemporaries in update 1.79. Stay tuned to the news to find out more about the next upcoming update for War Thunder. Until then!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article here!

On the 8th of May, 1945, the Allied forces who fought World War II in the West celebrated “VE Day” or “Victory in Europe Day”. Cities in most of the Allied nations, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, raised flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine.

Finally, on the 8th of May, German troops throughout Europe laid down their arms: Grand Admiral Donitz surrendered to General Eisenhower and the Western allied command in Reims, France; In Prague, Germans surrendered to their Soviet counterparts, after the latter had lost more than 8,000 soldiers, the Germans many more; in Copenhagen and Oslo; at Karlshorst, near Berlin; in northern Latvia; on the Channel Island of Sark — the German surrender was completed in a final cease-fire. More surrender documents were signed in Berlin and in Eastern Germany.

Participate in the commemorative events dedicated to VE Day. Get a decoration and decals. Fight for the unique RBT-5 and the I-301 premium fighter in the special tournament series. Be sure to take advantage of discounts and offers in the game and in the store.

For more information, including on events and specials, read the full article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

For the May holiday weekend, we invite all players that left an application for the Naval Forces testing into the latest sea battles with new cruisers!

Note! Temporary access to the fleet event will be given only to those players that left applications up until 07:00 GMT on the 28th of April. Access will only be given for the time of this test, to gain full access to all tests you need to be one of the owners of naval packs.

Light cruisers will have the highest calibre weapons among vessels in War Thunder at the moment surpassing destroyers in armament, defensive capabilities, and survivability. They retain good mobility in the battlefield. allowing them to dodge torpedoes or take up a better firing position. The light cruisers' powerful weapons can turn the tide of battle in a single salvo, so considerable responsibility for the outcome of a battle is placed on the shoulders of the commander of these ships.

For more information, read the full article here!

Condottieri A-class light cruisers were the first Italian cruisers to be built after the First World War. In the 1930s, these heavily armoured scouts were designed in response to the new French destroyers; the Jaguar, the Lion, and the Aigle. With an excellent maximum speed of 37 knots, the Italian light cruisers also boasted much more powerful armament and 24mm belt armor. The primary armament included eight 152 mm guns (four turrets with two in each), as well as six 100 mm long-range cannons, two twin 533 mm torpedo tubes and mines. The anti-air armament comprised two 40 mm autocannons and eight large-calibre Breda Mod 31 13.2 mm machine guns in four twin mounts.





For War Thunder, we have recreated one of the cruisers from this illustrious series, the Bartolomeo Colleoni, named after a famous Italian condottiero from the 15th century. The ship was built in 1931, and at the start of the Second World War, she formed the 2nd Cruiser Division in the 2nd Squadron together with the other “condottiero” cruiser in the series. Deployment highlighted serious navigability issues, which meant that the light cruisers were unable to chase down enemy destroyers, and the armour and survivability of the “condottieri” was markedly lower than that of standard cruisers. Nevertheless, the Italian light cruisers developed the idea of the first French light cruisers and created a new concept of ships of this type in global shipbuilding, with subsequent light cruiser projects using the experience of the Italian engineers to improve their designs.


A British light cruiser, HMS Enterprise was put into service in 1926, becoming the second and last E-class (Emerald) combat ship in the British Crown's forces. The light cruisers in this series were conceived as mobile and relatively well armoured ships for conducting reconnaissance among squadrons of battleships, escorting convoys, and leading groups of small mine and torpedo ships. Based on these objectives, particular attention was paid at the design stage to the light cruisers' seaworthiness. In fact, E-class cruisers became some of the fastest cruisers of the time, though by the start of the Second World War they were showing their age in comparison to the naval fleets from other nations.



What set the Enterprise apart from her sister E-class ship, was her experimental mount for two large-calibre weapons. The Enterprise light cruiser can reach 33 knots and has good armour up to 3“ (75mm) around the engine and boiler sections, 2” (50mm) of belt armour, and 1” (25mm) hull side and deck plating. The cruiser's main armament includes seven 6” (152mm) guns, two in a twin turret and another five in single mounts. HMS Enterprise's auxiliary armament consists of three 4” (102mm) weapons for anti-air defense, two quadruple 40mm anti-air guns, six twin and six single 20mm mounts. In addition, the cruiser also has two twin torpedo racks and a simple release rack for depth charges.





The first two models of light cruisers presented are the British HMS Enterprise, an Emerald-class light cruiser, and the Italian Giussano-class light cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni. The HMS Enterprise is capable of speeds up to 33 knots, boasts good armour, and is armed with seven 152mm main cannons, as well as anti-aircraft cannons, machine guns, and even torpedo tubes. The Bartolomeo Colleoni is slightly faster at 37 knots and surpasses the HMS Enterprise in armament, as it offers eight 152mm main cannons plus six additional 100mm long range cannons. Its protective capabilities, however, are considerably weaker, with only up to 24mm of hull armour in comparison to the 75mm offered by the British ship. Captains of the Bartolomeo Colleoni will also have to keep an extra eye on the sky, considering the noticeably weaker anti-air defense compared to the HMS Enterprise. The latter, however, still remains susceptible to attacks from daring torpedo bombers, given that the British ship will need more time to maneuver than the faster Italian.

In War Thunder Naval Battles, light cruisers are well placed at distance from smaller enemy vessels, as in such conditions, they can inflict severe damage to the enemy fleet while sustaining fire even from two destroyers simultaneously. In close combat, armour-piercing shells can deal devastating damage to light cruisers, and they always need to keep an eye out for enemy torpedo boats sneaking dangerously close. Played strategically, light cruisers protected by destroyers and patrol ships will be able to assert dominance over an entire sea sector, securing strategic positions and blocking enemies from advancing through an area of strategic interest.

The War Thunder Team