The Yak-38 was a Soviet strike fighter with VTOL capabilities, developed in the early 1970’s by the Yakovlev design bureau for use aboard Kiev-class aircraft carriers. Soon, two of the more widespread variants of this highly interesting aircraft will join the top ranks of the Soviet aviation tree in the next major War Thunder update. “New Power”!

In War Thunder, the Yak-38 and its later modification is the Soviet response to the Harrier jet - also arriving in the game as part of the upcoming ‘New Power’ update and covered in a previous devblog. Unlike the Harrier however, the Yak-38 incorporates even more unorthodox design choices and offers its future pilots a greater selection of secondary weapons, which when coupled with its VTOL capabilities make it a true force to be reckoned with on the battlefield!



Among the most notable differences which distinguish the Soviet Yak-38M from the Harrier is the fact that the Yak-38M is powered by up to three jet engines, compared to the Harrier’s one. The main engine is a Tumansky R-28-300 turbofan engine, generating 7,300 kgf of thrust and powering the aircraft’s two rear thrust nozzles. The other two engines are a pair of Kolesov RD-38 turbojet engines, mounted vertically behind the cockpit and generating 3,250 kgf of thrust each.

The latter engines are used by the aircraft solely for VTOL maneuvering, whereas the Tumansky engine is used both for VTOL as well as generating thrust for forward movement. Pilots can easily observe this engineering symphony during VTOL maneuvers as large hatches open up on both the ventral and dorsal side of the aircraft allowing air to flow through the two vertically mounted engines, while the rear thrust nozzles get pointed downward, enabling hovering. Overall, the Yak-38M can reach a top speed of around 1,150 km/h in normal flight while also being able to get up to 450 km/h in hover mode.



Having established that the Yak-38M is no slouch when it comes to its flight characteristics, it’s also worth noting that the aircraft has access to a fairly powerful weapons arsenal too! The aircraft can be equipped with a range of unguided bombs and rockets, additional gunpods as well as guided munitions in the shape of the infamous R-60 AAM and Kh-23M AGM. This allows it to tackle a wide range of combat missions, from ground support to combat air patrol, with relative ease.



While the Yak-38M will be available to all pilots as the new top aircraft of the Yakovlev line in the Soviet aviation tree, the earlier Yak-38 modification will be exclusive to a special bundle available in our online store. Although the differences between the two aircraft are minimal, the Yak-38 most notably offers its prospective owners additional rewards thanks to its premium status as well as instant access to the new VTOL mechanics for pilots particularly eager to try them out!

The Yak-38 and Yak-38M are arriving in War Thunder as part of the upcoming update ‘New Power’ and will soon find their place at the top ranks of the Soviet aviation tree. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to the news as we continue unveiling what other exciting new additions await you in the update ‘New Power’ - coming very soon! We’ll see you in the next one, pilots.

Imperatritsa Mariya was one of the first dreadnought battleships that entered service with the Russian Empire before the outbreak of the First World War. Meet the top ship in the Russian Navy line in the War Thunder "New Power" update!

The battleship Imperatritsa Mariya will appear in our game with the release of the New Power update at rank V of the USSR Navy research tree. In terms of the approach to the composition of artillery and armor, the battleship is a classic dreadnought, but the layout with a flat deck, four three-gun turrets on a longitudinal axis and an almost complete absence of superstructures significantly distinguish the Mariya from her peers.

The main caliber on the ship is four three-gun turrets with 305mm cannons, all the turrets can fire simultaneously at one target from the left or right side. In addition to a massive one-second salvo, the Russian battleship is distinguished by the truly devastating semi-armor-piercing shells for the main caliber with a mass of 471 kg and an explosive mass over 55 kg! Imperatritsa Mariya has an impressive secondary caliber - 20 130mm cannons, 10 on each side. The main armament of the battleship is supplemented by four single-tube torpedo tubes with a supply of torpedoes. But the anti-aircraft armament of the Imperatritsa Mariya leaves much to be desired - you will have only four 75mm unitary loading cannons, one on the roof of each gun turret. Of course, such a battery is not capable of effectively fighting enemy aircraft.





Meet the Imperatritsa Mariya in the upcoming War Thunder update “New Power” along with battleships from other gaming nations - the big ships are coming!

Check out the full Dev Blog article here!

The Celere Sahariano was a late war experimental Italian medium tank, developed in response to the highly mobile British cruiser tanks encountered in the deserts of North Africa. Although the war ended before the Celere Sahariano could enter production, it will soon reinforce the lower ranks of the Italian ground forces tree in the upcoming “New Power” War Thunder update!

In War Thunder, the Celere Sahariano will be a new premium medium tank arriving to the lower ranks of the Italian ground forces tree with the release of the upcoming major update. Unlike most other Italian tracked fighting vehicles found at this rank, the Celere Sahariano combines superb mobility with a small profile and quick firing cannon, making for an excellent low rank scout and representing a good alternative to some of the heavier frontline fighters found at the same rank.





The Celere Sahariano will soon be arriving in War Thunder and will reinforce the Italian ground forces tree as a new medium tank of the lower ranks, available to tankers with the release of the upcoming update. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to the news to catch all the latest developments in the next major update “New Power”, coming to the game in the near future. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

Check out the full Dev Blog article here!

The 11th of November has a special place in the Polish People's hearts. On this date, Poland celebrates the anniversary of regaining independence! 102 years ago, on November the 11th 1918, after 123 years, Poland reappeared on European maps. To celebrate this anniversary, we have prepared a special event!

Participate in 3 battles using vehicles from the British tech tree of rank 2 or above and with an activity of 60% or more to receive the decal “Polish Hussars Helmet”.


Polish Hussars Helmet

• The tasks can be completed in random battles except Enduring Confrontation and Assault missions
  
• To follow your progress just click on your Nickname → Achievements → Independence Day of Poland.

Purchase a Premium Lanovsky's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt for the US Tech Tree.
Note! Aircraft will only be available for purchase until the 13th of November (11:00 GMT)!

The PTZ-89 is a Chinese tank destroyer, developed during the 1980’s in an effort to produce a combat vehicle capable of defeating some of the most common second generation MBT’s at the time. Soon, this deadly marksman will join the top ranks of the Chinese ground forces tree with the release of the upcoming major update "New Power"!

In War Thunder, the PTZ-89 will be a new tank destroyer arriving to the game as part of the upcoming “New Power” update, subsequently also becoming the new crowning jewel of the Chinese tank destroyer line. Being a domestic Chinese tank design, the PTZ-89 places emphasis on firepower and mobility, relying on its devastating cannon to knock out its opponents and quickly changing positions to avoid detection by its enemies!





The PTZ-89 is soon arriving to rank VI of the Chinese ground forces tree, with the release of the upcoming War Thunder “New Power” update. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news for all the latest developments surrounding the next major update coming to the game very soon. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

Check our the full Dev Blog article here!

• Client crash when allocating mines as a priority target for any of the ship weapon groups has been fixed.

The current provided changelog reflects the major changes within the game as part of this Update. Some updates, additions and fixes may not be listed in the provided notes. War Thunder is constantly improving and specific fixes may be implemented without the client being updated.

The M1128 Stryker MGS is an American wheeled AFV, developed in the early 2000’s as a bridge gap between existing heavier and lighter combat vehicles. Soon, the highly anticipated Stryker MGS will make its way to the top ranks of the American ground forces tree, arriving in War Thunder as part of the upcoming “New Power” major update!

In War Thunder, the long-awaited M1128 Stryker MGS will finally make its way to the top ranks of the American ground forces tree with the release of the next major update “New Power” coming in the near future. With the arrival of the M1128 Stryker, American tankers will also receive access to a highly mobile and well-armed AFV, comparable to some of its counterparts found in other nations’ trees, such as the Centauro or Type 16 MCV!





The M1128 Stryker MGS is arriving in the top rank of the American ground forces tree with the release of the next major update, soon coming to War Thunder. In the meantime, stay tuned to the news as we continue revealing more new and exciting content awaiting you in War Thunder’s upcoming “New Power” update! Until then, happy hunting tankers!

Check out the full Dev Blog article here!

The T-90A was an upgraded T-72B series tank, with significantly improved combat characteristics. You've waited for it for a long time - the new top of the Soviet lineup finally arrives in War Thunder!

T-90A, main battle tank, USSR, rank VII
➕ Superior firepower
➕ Good protection
➕ Electro-optical active protection system
➕ ATGM’s, powerful APFSDS and proximity fuse rounds to destroy helicopters
➕ Improved engine
➖ Slow reverse speed
➖ Weak protection on the sides of the hull, compared to the top version of the T-72B3



So, the T-90A finally comes to War Thunder! The new top tank in the USSR tech tree, the top of the T-72 tank line at the moment. Along with the recently added T-72B3, the T-90A is a completely modern main battle tank, with all the necessary combat characteristics for the most demanding commanders. The tank has good mobility, thanks to the 1000 horsepower engine, though still having low reverse speed, similar to other “seventy-seconds”.

The T-90A has an upgraded welded turret compared to the basic T-72 model, additionally protected by Kontakt-5 ERA units. As a result, the turret's durability has increased, but the traditional vulnerable zone in the area of ​​the gun embrasure remains. Protection here is lower than on the turret sides, but not as weak as in other Soviet tanks in higher ranks. Similar to the later models of the T-72 family, the upper frontal part of the hull contains a combined protection plate with built-in reactive "Contact-5" armor and is capable of withstanding nearly all shells hitting the front of the hull.

The gun does not differ from the previous T-72B3, but the range of available ammo is wider. In addition to high-speed ATGM’s and a good AP round, the tank has a new APFSDS shell and a programmable proximity fuse “Ainet” round - the right choice for dealing with enemy helicopters. For night battles and poor visibility conditions, the tank is equipped with an excellent second-generation thermal imager.



What makes the T-90A unique is the electro-optical jammer and laser/IR warning system. Two groups of radiation warning sensors are installed on the tank turret - coarse detection sensors in the lateral directions and the rear hemisphere, as well as sensors for precise detection of radiation sources in the front projection of the turret. These sensors provide the commander with information about the direction from which the irradiator (rangefinder, guiding beam) operates on the tank. If the missile has already been fired at your tank, the optical jammer is used - the powerful infrared lights of the Shtora system transmit coded pulsed-infrared jamming to the missile control coordinator.


[/quote]
Interesting: The T-90A is well known for the red “eyes” of the Shtora complex IR-lights. In fact, in combat mode, the emission of these lights is not visible with the naked eye, it can only be seen on television and photo shots. Tankers, knowing how beautiful the T-90A is with its predatory "eyes", remove the IR filters before parades and showing the tank to the public.[/quote]

The system works only against ATGM’s with an automatic guidance system with optical feedback, for example TOW, HOT, Konkurs, Ataka, and others. Shtora does not jam missiles with laser and laser-beam guidance, but their launch may be detected by a laser radiation sensor. The same IR-lights can also work as IR illuminators for night vision devices, however, simultaneously unmasking the tank in the infrared spectrum. The sector of action of the Shtora lights is about 40 degrees in azimuth from the axis of the gun, the vertical vector is only 4.5 degrees.



Smart weapons in War Thunder are getting smarter! Try the T-90A in top battles with the release of the War Thunder “New Power” update and master high technologies before your opponents. See you!

USS North Dakota was the second of two American Delaware-class battleships, built by the US Navy in the late 1900’s as a response to the appearance of dreadnought-type battleships. Arriving with the release of the “New Power” major update, USS North Dakota will become one of the first American battleships available to captains in War Thunder!

Briefly: Heavily armed and well-protected, USS North Dakota is a typical battleship of its era and the first ship of its class to become available to American captains in the game.

USS North Dakota, battleship, rank V, USA
Pros
➕ Heavy-duty firepower
➕ Good armor protection
➕ Large complement
Cons
➖ Low mobility
➖ Lackluster AA



In War Thunder, USS North Dakota will be the first battleship to join the ranks of the American naval research tree and also among the first vessels of this type to make its way into the game. Embodying all aspects for which these highly anticipated ironclads are known for, USS North Dakota will surely send some mighty shockwaves upon appearing in War Thunder naval battles in the very near future!

One of more characteristic features which define a battleship is, of course, its large-calibre primary battery, and boy, does USS North Dakota manage to impress in this regard! Possessing a primary arsenal consisting of a total of 10 x 12’’ (305 mm) cannons, split into five twin turrets, USS North Dakota promises to pack one of the heaviest broadsides among the first wave of battleships arriving with the upcoming update.



In addition to all the large-calibre artillery, USS North Dakota also comes fitted with seven 5’’ (127 mm) secondary battery cannons, mounted in casemates on either side of the ship’s hull. Furthermore, four 3’’ (76 mm) cannons make up the warship’s AA arsenal, while USS North Dakota also has a small trick up its sleeve in the shape of a pair of fixed underwater torpedo launchers on the ship’s bow. However, due to a lack of short range automatic weapons, USS North Dakota is a more than inviting target for pilots, looking to bag a juicy score!

During regular gun engagements with other warships however, USS North Dakota promises good survivability, mainly thanks to its thick armor protection as well as large complement. Specifically, the 1,384 crewmembers operate a warship whose vital components are protected by a 279 mm strong belt. Furthermore, the conning tower and turrets are encased in 292 and up to 305 mm of armor plating, respectively.



On the flip side of the coin, possessing great firepower and protection usually comes to the detriment of mobility and USS North Dakota is no exception in this regard. Despite being powered by a steam turbine, generating 33,875 horsepower, USS North Dakota can only reach a rather pedestrian 21.8 kts (40.4 km/h) top speed. As a result, captains are best advised to stay clear of confined fighting areas and instead focus on providing deadly long-range fire support for their allies from more open waters.

USS North Dakota arrives in War Thunder with the release of the “New Power” major update and will become available to all captains as one of the first battleships in the US naval tree. In the meantime, keep a close watch on the news horizon as we continue unveiling what the “New Power” major update has in store for you. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting captains!

Settsu was the second of two Kawachi-class dreadnoughts built for the Imperial Japanese Navy after the Russo-Japanese War of the early 1900’s. Being the first true dreadnought built by Japan, this formidable warship will also soon become the first battleship to arrive in the ranks of the IJN in War Thunder as part of the next major update “New Power”!

Briefly: The first dreadnought type warship built by Japan, boasting excellent protection and firepower, but lackluster mobility and anti-air defence.

Settsu, battleship, Japan, V rank.
Pros
➕ Numerous large-calibre cannons
➕ Strong armor protection
➕ Torpedoes
Cons
➖ Lacking AA protection



In War Thunder, Settsu will be the first battleship to arrive to the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Navy in War Thunder, following the release of the next major update. Similarly to other ships of this class, Settsu features extremely good protection and devastating firepower with the tradeoff being lackluster mobility.

Settsu’s primary armament consists of twelve 12’’ (305 mm) cannons, split between six twin turrets, spread out in a hexagonal arrangement over the ship’s main deck.



In addition to the primary guns, Settsu also boasts a respectable secondary arsenal. The former consists of a total of ten 6’’ (152 mm) casemate guns on either side of the hull as well as eight 4.7’’ (120 mm) guns, of which half are situated in fore and aft casemates while the other half is located on the main deck. Lastly, Settsu is also outfitted with four 3’’ (80 mm) cannons comprising its anti-air battery as well as three 457 mm torpedo launchers; one on either side of the hull as well as one mounted on the ship’s stern.

Being a battleship, it should come as no surprise that the Settsu is extremely well protected. In fact, Settsu’s armored belt goes up to 305 mm in thickness, while the turrets and conning tower are encased in 279 and 254 mm of steel, respectively. This brings Settsu’s protection in line with other ships of this type, meaning that captains will be well-protected from incoming enemy fire from all but the largest of calibers.



Naturally, in order to include all this tremendous firepower and armor on Settsu’s design, Japanese shipbuilders had to make some concessions in mobility. As a result, despite being powered by a 25,000 horsepower propulsion system, Settsu can only reach a rather modest top speed of 21 kts (39 km/h). This, coupled with the lacking anti-air protection leaves Settsu largely vulnerable against air attack and smaller vessels, performing a torpedo attack. Consequently, aspiring captains of this warship will need to plan their movements in advance and seek the company of allies if they wish to avoid being turned into an expensive man-made coral reef.

Settsu will be arriving as part of the next major update coming to War Thunder and will become one of the first battleships available to captains in naval battles. In the meantime, keep a close watch on the news to stay updated on all the latest developments on the upcoming “New Power” update. Until then, calm seas captains!