The Mirage F1C represents the next step in the evolution of the legendary French Mirage series of jet fighters, following the introduction of the earliest models at the start of the 1960s. Veteran French pilots may look forward to the arrival of this even more capable Mirage variant with the “Wind of Change” major update coming to War Thunder!

Briefly: A further development of the Mirage jet fighter, featuring a more powerful engine and, contrary to the original aircraft, a swept wing design.

Features:

• New swept wing design
  
• Potent air-to-air missiles
  
• Effective radar
  
• Huge bomb load
  
• Lacks more advanced weaponry for strike missions

In War Thunder, the Mirage F1C will be the new top jet fighter awaiting seasoned French aviators in the next major update coming soon to the game. Unlike its delta wing-predecessors, the Mirage F1C features a new swept wing design as well as an advanced radar and highly efficient air-to-air missiles. Sounds enticing enough already? Let’s take a more detailed look!



The first and most noticeable difference pilots will encounter on the new Mirage is the missing delta wing design - a distinct feature of the original aircraft. Instead, the Mirage F1C is outfitted with a more traditional swept wing design. The second and main difference is an effective radar and advanced air-to-air missiles. The Mirage F1 radar is capable of detecting targets against the ground, as well as at distances up to 6,000 metres up. The advanced radar is complemented by excellent air-to-air missiles, which include both the familiar Matra 530 and Magic 1, as well as the new Super Matra 530F medium-range missiles with an semi-active radar seeker. The new Mirage with 5 suspension points is capable of carrying missiles for both close combat and for attacking distant targets, and the new radar allows effective locking on targets at all practical heights - both above and below the aircraft. The fast-firing 30mm DEFA cannons that come by default on the Mirage F1C will help it stay armed even when the missiles are depleted.

Additionally, pilots can also configure the Mirage F1C to conduct strike missions thanks to the aircraft’s ability to mount not only bombs up to 3x2,000 lbs, but also unguided SNEB rockets with a decent penetrating power and DEFA 553 gunpods.



The Mirage F1C is lined up to land in player hangars with the arrival of the next major update and will soon become the new apex predator of the French aviation tree at Rank VII. In the meantime, keep a close watch on the news as we continue unveiling what exciting new features and additions await you in the “Wind of Change” upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots!

Together with texture upscaling and new surface rendering options, the new version of the War Thunder graphic engine brings numerous minor features and improvements. Meet new visuals coming soon in the “Wind of Change” update!

The effect from a shock wave from tank gun firing and exploding bombs and shells is now visible on vegetation and trees, as well as on the effects of fire and smoke. For example, when firing a tank gun, you will notice grass bending along the blast wave. A HE round explosion near a burning vehicle will change the direction and speed of the smoke and flame particles. Aircraft bombs, when detonated, cause the surrounding trees and bushes to bend under the action of the blast wave - the more explosive the bomb, the stronger the effect!

We have also improved the effects of shots and hits. After an explosion of a tank shell, you will now see the effects of fragments hitting the elements of the game environment around the impact point. Shockwave impulse from gunshots and explosions now make leaves from trees around to drop to the ground.

Together with the constantly directed wind and the one-directional bending of the grass caused by it, the game locations will now feature areas with changing intensity and direction of the wind. Gusts of wind affect objects in the game environment - waves of vibrations from a dynamically changing wind pass through the grass and trees.


War Thunder locations for mixed battles will now have the GPU-generated grass filler that does not affect the performance. The new grass exists alongside the regular one, enhancing the view of the ground, creating a juicy filling layer between the soil and tall grass. If a player prefers to disable the regular grass to improve the game performance, the land on locations will not be bare even on the low graphic settings. However, the GPU grass could also be disabled in the tank sniper sight, the same way as the regular grass, in order to avoid affecting the gameplay. It is worth noting, that the GPU grass is completely subject to physical phenomena that affect ordinary vegetation - it squishes under the tracks of tanks, swayed by the wind and bent down by the shock waves of close explosions and tank gun shots. Like the GPU objects you already know, the new grass will work for all game clients - both on PC and consoles.


We continue to improve the visual effects of fires, flames and explosions. Now shadows from dynamic effects have appeared on the ground and assets of the game environment, organically fitting them into the overall picture of the game. The shadows from the large-scale effects are most noticeable, such as an explosion of an aircraft on the ground, the destruction of a building in a cloud of dust and debris, and massive smoke from a burned tank.


The “Wind of Change” update brings a number of cosmetic micro-effects that improve the overall perception of the game world: floating litter on city streets, falling leaves in forests, wind-blown dust on sandy locations, sparks next to fires burning in locations. These effects are enabled only when the player enters their area of ​​effect and has little to no effect on game performance.

The Merkava Mk.4B is the latest and most advanced variant of the famous Israeli main battle tank, entering production in the early 2000s. Soon, both the Merkava Mk.4B as well as the upgraded Mk.4M version will be arriving to War Thunder as the top vehicles of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree awaiting tankers in the next major update “Wind of Change''!

Briefly: The most advanced iteration of the Merkava MBT, featuring a novel active protection system, capable of intercepting certain incoming projectiles.

Features:

• Strengthened armor
  
• Improved mobility
  
• Powerful 120mm cannon

In War Thunder, the Merkava Mk.4B will mirror its real-life counterpart by becoming the top vehicle available to tankers in the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving as part of the next major update “Wind of Change''. Joining the fight in both its base model as well as in the upgraded Mk.4M variant, tankers in War Thunder may look forward to the arrival of a highly capable Israeli MBT to top ranked battles!

Veteran tankers in War Thunder are well familiarized with the Merkava series of MBTs as they are a common appearance in high ranked battles. Known for their exceptional survivability and respectable offensive capabilities, the new Merkava Mk.4B continues building upon these basic design principles established with the very first vehicle of the series. As a result, the Merkava Mk.4B inherits its predecessor's MG253 120mm smoothbore cannon along with access to highly potent kinetic and chemical ammunition choices. Furthermore, the vehicle also retains its signature comprehensive machine gun arsenal as found on previous models, albeit reduced by turret-mounted one rifle-caliber MG.



While the Merkava Mk.4B retains its lethal firepower, the changes it received to its protection are far more significant. For starters, the vehicle retains the strong modular composite armor found on the Merkava Mk.3D. However, the shape has been optimized to increase its effectiveness even further. As a result, the turret of the Merkava has become more rounded, particularly at the front section, thus virtually eliminating certain weak points found on previous variants.

Furthermore, the Merkava Mk.4M is equipped with the novel ‘Trophy’ active protection system with so-called ‘hard-kill’ ability. This means that the system is able to detect slow incoming projectiles, such as missiles, and launch a tight spread of small projectiles in its direction in an effort to destroy the incoming threat before it makes contact with the vehicle.



As the changes implemented on the Merkava Mk.4B also increased its mass once again, engineers fitted the vehicle with a more powerful 1,500 horsepower diesel engine, bringing it roughly on par with most other nations’ MBTs found in the game. As a result, not only does the Merkava Mk.4B compensate for its increased mass, but it’s also able to attain a higher top speed, going up to 64 km/h on paved roads.

The Merkava Mk.4B and Mk.4M will await all tankers at the top rank of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving to War Thunder as part of the next major update “Wind of Change''. In the meantime, keep a weather eye on the news as we continue showcasing more exciting new additions and features awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

In the upcoming “Wind of Change” update, we will introduce hard-kill active protection systems for War Thunder armored vehicles!

The hard-kill active protection is a system that hits against incoming projectiles fired at your vehicle, thus eliminating or significantly reducing the damaging effect. Usually, such a system includes sensors to detect approaching threats, a computing unit that analyzes the data received from sensors and permits threat neutralization, as well as a set of counter-munitions that intercept the incoming projectile. As soon as the sensors detect a projectile aimed at the vehicle, counter-ammunition is fired in its direction to destroy the enemy projectile by a directed pattern of shrapnel.

The first serial hard-kill APS was the Soviet "Drozd", which began to be used on tanks of the T-55 series. It was also planned to be used with the T-62 tanks, as well as T-80U and T-84 tanks for testing purposes of the modified APS units. Later, the hard-kill active protection was used by the Israeli armed forces on their Merkava Mk.4M main battle tanks. At present, various models of such systems are widely used on other models of vehicles worldwide.



The first tanks equipped with hard-kill active protection systems in the War Thunder “Wind of Change” update will be the Soviet T-55AMD-1 with the “Drozd” APS, the British Challenger Black Night with “Iron Fist”, and the Israeli Merkava Mk.4M and its advanced “Trophy” APS. Depending on the model, the characteristics of the hard-kill APS differ in the sector of radar and counter-munitions, the threat response time, and the ability to intercept anti-tank rounds at high speeds. For example, the earlier APS units are able to effectively counteract the relatively slow anti-tank guided missiles and shape-charged rounds in the end of their trajectory. Up-to-date hard-kill units are capable of counteracting even high-velocity kinetic ammunition, including APFSDS rounds fired from long distances.

In the game interface, the effective sector of the APS locator and the remaining number of counter-munitions are displayed in the lower left corner of the vehicle's combat interface, on the indicator of the current position and received damage. Counter-ammunition, as well as regular ammunition, can be replenished at captured points during battle. To train out combat scenarios for using hard-kill APS, a marked zone appears in the test drive that is fired by an AI tank. Try the new protection options, learn your equipment and master it in battles!

The PUMA is the successor to the well-known German Marder series of combat vehicles and represents the most advanced IFV currently in service with the Bundeswehr. Soon, tankers will have the chance to take command of the PUMA as it arrives to the top ranks of the German ground forces tree as part of the next major update ‘Wind of Change’!

Features:

• Excellent mobility
  
• Punchy 30mm cannon
  
• Active protection system

In War Thunder, the PUMA will be a new light vehicle joining the top ranks of the German ground forces tree as part of the upcoming update ‘Wind of Change’. While bearing a familiar name to most seasoned German tankers, you can rest assured that this feline predator doesn’t come with outdated 1940s tech!

Being the successor to the popular Marder infantry fighting vehicle, which arrived to War Thunder in previous updates, the PUMA builds upon some general characteristics shared with its predecessor while combining them with certain upgrades. For example, PUMA’s primary armament is represented by the 30 mm Mk 30-2/ABM autocannon. Despite its lower rate of fire compared to the Marder’s 20 mm cannon, the PUMA’s gun is not only of higher caliber but is also capable of firing more advanced ammunition. As a result, the sub-caliber rounds make the PUMA deadlier when facing more heavily armored opponents, while access to timed fuze airburst shells allow the PUMA to pose a substantial threat to enemy helicopters even at a distance. Unlike the Marder however, tankers don’t get access to an ATGM launcher on the PUMA, thus limiting the latter’s effectiveness at long distance engagements.



However, what the PUMA might lack in offensive capabilities, it certainly does make up for in protection. Despite the PUMA still being a light combat vehicle, it’s equipped with reactive armor blocks fitted to the vehicle’s sides, in turn boosting its protection against chemical anti-tank munitions. Furthermore, PUMA’s ‘MUSS’ active protection system provides a protective sphere around the vehicle against incoming missiles. The system works in a similar fashion to the familiar ‘Shtora’ system found on the Soviet T-90A MBT. Namely, it blocks the guidance signal of incoming missiles, thus confusing the projectile and making it miss its mark. Contrary to the Soviet system however, tankers won’t need to point in the direction of the incoming threat however. Instead, the system is fully automatic and constantly surveys the 360 degrees of the vehicle’s surroundings. This handy feature will especially help shield the PUMA from ATGMs fired by helicopters, as this is typically their weapon of choice.

One aspect in which the PUMA truly excels is mobility. In fact, the PUMA is powered by a 1,088 horsepower diesel engine, giving the vehicle an excellent 25.3 hp/t power-to-weight ratio. As a result, not only can the PUMA reach a top speed of 70 km/h under ideal conditions, but it can also navigate even the harshest terrain types with relative ease. Using its excellent mobility to the full extent is recommended as the PUMA is a comparably large vehicle with a tall profile. Therefore avoiding enemy detection is of paramount importance to ensure the PUMA can deliver deadly blows to the hostile ranks!



The PUMA will be available to all War Thunder tankers after it arrives to rank VI of the German ground forces tree as part of the next major update. In the meantime, stay sharp as we continue releasing more news articles covering the exciting new additions awaiting you in the upcoming update ‘Wind of Change’. Good hunting, tankers!

• Stormer HVM — incorrect scoring of the “Fire arrows” award for destroying aircraft has been corrected.
  
• M3 Bradley, M3A3 Bradley — a bug with incorrect declination angle of the ATGM launcher in RB has been fixed..
  
• SMK — incorrect armour values in the info card have been fixed.
  
• Sho`t Kal Dalet — name of the coaxial machine gun has been corrected in x-ray mode.

• Downloading additional content will no longer be interrupted when joining battle.
  
• Israeli Air Force decals can be used on Israeli aircraft only.

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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 Machbet is an advanced Israeli anti-aircraft vehicle, developed by upgrading the IDF’s existing M163 VADS with Stinger missiles. Soon, the Machbet will become available to tankers as the top SPAA unit of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving in the game as part of the next major War Thunder update!

Briefly: An further development of the M163 VADS in service with the IDF, upgraded to carry Stinger missiles.
Features:

• Deadly 20mm ‘Vulcan” cannon
  
• Stinger missiles
  
• Thermal imager
  
• Lightly armored
  
• Mediocre mobility

In War Thunder, the Machbet will be the top SPAA vehicle awaiting tankers in the new and upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving to the game as part of the next major update. Based on the fearsome M163 VADS, the Machbet further improves the Vulcan’s capabilities by augmenting its weapons arsenal with a Stinger missile launcher, thus more than doubling the vehicle’s effective range against aircraft.

As previously mentioned, the Machbet is based on the M163 VADS, already familiar to some more seasoned War Thunder tankers. As such, the Machbet inherited its relative’s primary armament - the M168 ‘Vulcan’ 20mm rotary cannon - which is both highly regarded by tankers and feared by pilots for its impressive rate of fire and excellent ballistic properties.



However, as the Vulcan’s range is rather limited to just over 2 km and this being further compounded by the speed at which jet aircraft can enter and exit this effective range, Israeli engineers choose to upgrade the vehicle with a quadruple SAM launcher, firing the FIM-92 Stinger missiles. As a result, the Machbet is not only capable of engaging hostile aircraft within the range of its 20mm cannon, but it can further extend its protective sphere to around 5.5 km thanks to the addition of the missiles. Another advantage of the Stinger missiles is that tankers don’t need to manually guide the missile to the target, as their IR-guidance automates this process. Instead, tankers just need to acquire the target, lock in on it and fire! Simple as that.

While the Machbet features a handy upgrade to its firepower, the remaining characteristics of the vehicle remain virtually identical to the familiar M163. As a result, the Machbet matches the M163’s mobility by being able to attain a top speed of around 68 km/h on paved roads, while its overall mobility remains somewhat lackluster in more demanding terrain types. Furthermore, by relying on the same M113 chassis as the M163, the Machbet is rather susceptible to hostile fire due to its only light armor. In effect, this means that the Machbet is only resistant to rifle-caliber fire and shrapnel while anything heavier than that is capable of seriously damaging or even outright destroying the vehicle. Therefore, aspiring commanders of this machine are well advised to stay away from the frontline and take up a defensive position in the second line while keeping the skies clear of hostile birds of prey.



The Machbet will be available to all tankers as the top SPAA unit of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving to War Thunder as part of the next major update. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to the news in order to keep up with the latest developments surrounding the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

Kongō was a Japanese battleship originally built by the Vickers company in Great Britain and represents the lead ship of a series of advanced capital ships built for the Imperial Japanese Navy prior to the outbreak of WWI. Soon, captains in War Thunder will spot this legendary Japanese warship as it arrives in game with the next major update!

Briefly: A British-built Japanese WWI-era battleship outfitted with an impressive weapons arsenal and capable of attaining a very high top speed.
Features:

• Excellent mobility
  
• Powerful main battery guns
  
• Scout planes
  
• Vulnerable high-calibre fire
  
• Poor long-range AA capability

In War Thunder, the battleship Kongō will be a new top-of-the line heavy warship soon joining the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Navy with the arrival of the next major update. Incredibly fast for its class of warship and packing a heavy punch, Kongō will become a valuable asset to any Japanese captain’s naval battle lineup in the upcoming update!

Japanese engineers opted to fit the Kongō with eight massive 14’’ (356 mm) cannons, split between four twin turrets. To complement this powerful primary battery, Kongō’s secondary arsenal consists of eight 6’’(152 mm) cannons mounted in four casemates on either side of the ship’s hull and situated just above the main armor belt. As a result, Kongō is capable of taking on even the most heavily armed and armored battleships of other nations currently present in the game.



Aside from the impressive arsenal Kongō can bring to bear on surface targets, the ship also features an equally expansive suite of dual-purpose weapons. Because Kongō will arrive to the game in its 1944 configuration, the ship’s dual-purpose and anti-aircraft arsenal have been substantially bolstered. Therefore, aspiring captains of Kongō will have an additional six twin 5’’ (127 mm) dual purpose cannons as well as a mind-boggling 100 25 mm AA cannons at their disposal. While such a large number of guns will make it very difficult for pilots and captains of smaller vessels to get too close to Kongō, the ship will remain somewhat exposed to high-altitude attacks due to the limited effectiveness of its dual-purpose weapons.

Fun Fact: Upon entering service, Kongō was among the most advanced warships in the world, rightfully earning its name ‘Indestructible Diamond’ in Japanese.

Despite being somewhat vulnerable to high-altitude attacks, this by no means should imply that the Kongō is a sitting duck. Despite being a battleship, Kongō is in fact able to attain a very impressive speed of 30 knots (59 km/h) thanks to its turbines generating a power output of 136,000 hp. As a result, Kongō can not only quickly reposition itself during a battle, but it can also effectively dodge enemy fire at long range. However, as some enemy fire will inevitably find its target, its danger posed to Kongō is greatly reduced thanks to an 203 mm thick armored belt, 254 mm strong turrets and up to 127 mm of deck armour. However, it's worth noting that despite this Kongō is still susceptible to battleship fire, since its armor can not shield the ship from high-calibre cannons.



Kongō will soon join the top rank of the Japanese naval tree in War Thunder with the arrival of the next major update coming soon. In the meantime, be sure to pay close attention to the news as we continue revealing what other exciting new additions await you in the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting captains!

The LAV-AD is an American SPAA unit, developed on the basis of the highly versatile Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) chassis in the late 1980s. Featuring a devastating arsenal and superb mobility, the LAV-AD will soon join the fight in top ranked ground battles, arriving in War Thunder as part of the next major update “Wind of Change”!

Briefly: An air defence variant of the American LAV combat vehicle, featuring a hybrid arsenal consisting of a 25 mm Gatling cannon and both guided and unguided weapons.

Features:

• High fire rate 25 mm cannon
  
• Stinger missiles
  
• Hydra-70 rockets
  
• Excellent mobility
  
• Amphibious capabilities
  
• Light protection

In War Thunder, the LAV-AD will be a new SPAA unit awaiting veteran tankers at rank VI of the American ground forces tree in the next major update. The LAV-AD certainly isn’t the first SPAA vehicle in War Thunder to feature a hybrid weapons arsenal consisting of, say, a conventional gun and missiles. At the same time however, the LAV-AD will be the first to also throw unguided rockets into the mix, but more on that in a moment. For now, it’s important to note that the LAV-AD’s primary weapon is the GAU-12 ‘Equalizer’ 25mm cannon. Being a Gatling-style rotary gun, the cannon can achieve a rate of fire of 2,200 rounds/min, making it ideally suited to virtually erase any hostile air threats out of existence, particularly helicopters, up to a range of around 4,000 metres. However, to hit even more distant targets or fast-moving jets, the LAV-AD also has access to IR-guided Stinger missiles fired from two quadruple launchers situated on top of the vehicle’s turret.



So far however, the LAV-AD might just sound like an ordinary high-tier SPAA unit which can be found in virtually all nations’ top ranks. However, as mentioned before, the LAV-AD does come with one unique feature not found on similar vehicles in the game currently. Namely, we’re talking about the LAV-AD’s ability to replace one of its Stinger launchers with a rocket pod, thus allowing the vehicle to also launch 19 Hydra-70 unguided rockets. Although originally conceived as a means to extend the LAV’s effective range against helicopters, in our game, tankers are more likely to use the Hydra-70’s good ballistic properties and predictable trajectory to engage hostile armored units. This feature will especially come in handy when the rapid-firing 25mm cannon isn’t powerful enough to fend off a heavily armored threat, such as an MBT.

Another excellent feature of the LAV chassis in general is it’s super mobility, as expected from a light wheeled chassis. Being powered by a 275 horsepower diesel engine, the LAV-AD can reach a top speed of 62.2 mph (100 km/h) on paved roads, with its overall mobility decreasing slightly in off-road conditions. Furthermore, as the LAV chassis is built for the USMC, engineers also gave it amphibious capabilities. In turn, this gives War Thunder tankers more tactical options on battlefields with deep bodies of water, allowing them to potentially strike the enemy from an unexpected position!



The LAV-AD is arriving to the top ranks of the American ground forces tree as part of the next major update “Wind of Change” coming to War Thunder. In the meantime, keep your sights lined up on the news as we continue revealing more details about new additions and features awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

Several updates ago, we introduced Sweden as a playable nation in War Thunder. Initially giving players the opportunity to take control of some unique Swedish aircraft, it was shortly afterwards also expanded by a full ground forces tree allowing tankers to command a whole host of new and exotic combat vehicles used by Sweden. Coming as part of the next major update “Wind of Change”, we’re pleased to announce that Sweden will also be receiving its own helicopter tree, containing several vehicles from a more than 65 year period in which the nation used helicopters as part of its armed forces!

Since Sweden didn’t produce domestic attack helicopter designs, its forces used foreign helicopters, some of which will already be familiar to seasoned pilots in War Thunder. Among the ranks, pilots will encounter domestic versions of some familiar faces, such as French Alouettes, the Italian AB 205, German Bo 105, as well as helicopters being tested and considered for an import, such as American AH-64 Apache. Having such a broad selection of different designs means that each Swedish helicopter will offer unique tactical opportunities. Regardless of whether you fancy delivering surgical strikes against enemy forces and audaciously capturing strategic points with a Bo 105 or if you simply seek to wreak havoc among enemy ranks with a heavily armed Apache, the Swedish helicopter tree has something for you.