Meet the Churchill AVRE “Petard”, a special modification of the well-known Churchill heavy-tank developed to support infantry units in breaking through heavily fortified positions. Featuring a special high-caliber mortar, this heavy-duty vehicle can be obtained in the Operation Overlord event!


Features:

• Destructive 230 mm mortar!
  
• Excellent armor protection.
  
• Sluggish mobility.
  
• Limited range on the mortar and low muzzle velocity.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In 1942, the British army began developing a new heavy assault vehicle that was intended to provide critical support to engineers during combat as part of the Hobart’s Funnies series. After evaluating several potential chassis, tank designers ultimately settled on the Churchill heavy tank as being the ideal option due to its extensive protection, roomy interior and ability to fit side doors for quick access to and from the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle’s standard primary armament was swapped out with a special 230 mm mortar, capable of blasting away heavy fortifications. After successful testing, the Churchill AVRE "Petard" entered production in January 1943, being converted from standard Mk. III and Mk. IV Churchill tanks. Making its debut during the Normandy landings, the Churchill AVRE "Petard" remained in service for the remainder of the war with over 750 vehicles being produced.
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The Churchill AVRE "Petard" is another one of Britain’s interesting vehicles from the Hobart’s Funnies series of vehicles, designed with specific tasks in mind. This one is for demolishing fortified positions, but of course in War Thunder you’ll be able to have fun taking out enemy vehicles in whatever way possible! Let’s take a look at it.




Generally the AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) concept is not new to the game. Unlike the Centurion AVRE for example, the Churchill AVRE "Petard" first appeared in WWII due to need of specially designed engineering vehicles. The main aspect of this vehicle is its huge 230 mm spigot mortar, designed to demolish defensive fortification lines with a special demolition charge that weighs 18 kg and contains an explosive mass of 8 kg. Thanks to this, a hit with this projectile is almost guaranteed to inflict a huge amount of damage to enemy targets, blasting them to smithereens and back to the hangar!

Interesting: The Churchill AVRE “Petard” was first used on D-Day, 6th June 1944 and was part of Hobart’s Funnies vehicles. These tanks were designed by British engineer Percy Hobart specifically to support troops on D-Day. Some other vehicles in this series include the Crab Sherman, Amphibious Sherman, Bobbin Churchill carpet layer, Churchill Fascine carrier, Churchill Bridge Layer and Churchill Ramp Carrier.

You can get Percy Hobart’s profile icon in June’s Pages of History. Check it out here!


Percy Hobart




While incredibly destructive, the mortar is not only difficult to aim due to its low muzzle velocity, but also has severely limited range as it can only engage targets up to just over 150 meters. Combining this with typical mobility found on the Churchill tanks, you’re limited to close quarter brawls and urban fighting.

On the other hand, the Churchill’s excellent protection will prove as a valuable asset for this type of fighting, allowing you to spearhead an attack and break through the enemy’s lines with good old brute force and sheer determination.




This brilliant and rather entertaining vehicle which many of you have been waiting eagerly for is at last coming to War Thunder as part of the Operation Overlord event. How can you earn this fun vehicle? Play in this event, gain mission points, complete 6 stages and it’s yours!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OPERATION OVERLORD EVENT HERE

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the Desert Warrior, a modified export variant of the British Warrior purchased and used by Kuwait to this day. Coming soon in the Seek & Destroy major update!


Features:

• Stabilized 25 mm Bushmaster cannon!
  
• 2 x TOW launchers.
  
• Good ammunition range.
  
• Good mobility.
  
• Light armor.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
Following the Warrior’s introduction into the British Army, GKN Defence, the designers of the Warrior, were looking to export their vehicle to other countries. To attract potential customers, they opted to modify the Warrior to increase its outreach and interest, naming it the Desert Warrior. This new vehicle featured better internal cooling for the hotter desert climates, optimized areas for the desert sand, as well as a Delco turret featuring a stabilized 25 mm Bushmaster and TOW ATGMs on each side of the turret. In 1992 Kuwait gained interest in this new vehicle and put it up for trials against other similar vehicles. Following trials, Kuwait purchased around 250 Desert Warriors in 1993, where they have been serving in the Kuwait Army since 1995 until present day.
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This is the Desert Warrior, a modified Warrior featuring a Delco turret with a rapid-firing stabilized 25 mm Bushmaster cannon and two TOW launchers. Built for the hot desert climate, the Desert Warrior is going to provide Great Britain with an neat little all-round IFV at the higher ranks when it arrives in the next major update. Let’s dive into the details!




The Desert Warrior came about when UK company GKN Defence were looking to find ways to export the Warrior to other countries. Kuwait were the only ones who purchased this vehicle, which takes the all-so familiar Warrior and looks to improve it further: first up is the firepower! Instead of the regular Warrior turret featuring a slow-firing 30 mm RARDEN, the Desert Warrior features a Delco turret with a 25 mm Bushmaster cannon, TOW launchers, and a 7.62 machine gun. Unlike the Warrior, this turret is fully-stabilized and can fire a range of good ammunition, including the M919 APFSDS round for the gun, found on the M3A3 Bradley.

Interesting: The Kuwait Army gave the Desert Warrior the nickname of “Fahris”, which can be roughly translated into several names such as Knight, Horseman, or Cavalier!




Next up, instead of the MILAN ATGM, there’s two deployable TOW launchers on the side of the turret which can launch TOW-2s, TOW-2Bs and the tandem-charge TOW-2A. These are three excellent ammunition choices to take out a range of enemies, whether they’re a tough nut or are lurking behind ridgelines. Additionally, the gunner’s thermal sight is GEN 2, perfect for homing-in on enemies at distances in all types of weather.

In terms of mobility, there’s not much difference between the Desert Warrior and Warrior. Infact, they both use the same Perkins V-8 engine, outputting up to 550 HP, plus a max speed of 75 km/h forward. In addition to this, this vehicle can also reverse at the same speed as it can drive forwards, which is perfect for map traversal and getting to good areas to hunker down and launch attacks from unsuspecting positions. This, combined with a relatively low mass, means driving on rougher surfaces such as mud, sand and snow will be a smooth experience overall. We must also not forget about the Desert Warrior’s ability to scout targets and launch a Scout UAV that overall, combined with all of the above can help you and your team win battles!



An IFV typically means thinner protection, and the Desert Warrior is no exception. This vehicle features light aluminum alloy armor, which is enough to protect against smaller caliber guns, but won’t stop larger caliber weapons and fragmentation from explosions that will cause maximum damage to internal components. Bare this in mind when driving around the map!

In your matches by magazine2, Community Manager: “Use your speed to your advantage, flank enemies and utilize your TOW missiles and great firepower well. Once researched, be sure to take the TOW-2B to use against enemies that you can’t hit if they’re hiding, they can be useful for sure, and the TOW-2A for anything else. Enjoy!”

The Desert Warrior will be sure to provide excellent firepower and overall utility to the British ground forces tree in several lineups. Flank, shoot & scoot and have a fun in this new light tank. That’s it for this one, keep an eye out for other dev blogs that we’re currently preparing. Until then, have fun!

Pre-orders for the new T-80U-E1 Soviet premium that features a high-resolution thermal imager, are starting today!


Features:

• Very good frontal protection.
  
• Great mobility.
  
• GEN 2 thermal imager!
  
• Anti-tank guided missiles.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The Object 219AS-1 project appeared due to needs to improve T-80BV tanks. It involved improving the tank’s chassis to the level of the T-80U modification, as well as using the T-80UD modification’s fighting compartment with an improved sighting system, a Belarusian-made thermal imaging sight and a French Thales camera. The Object 219AS-1 successfully passed tests in 2003 and received the name T-80U-E1. The overhaul of early variants of the T-80 to the T-80U-E1 standard was carried out by Omsk Transport Engineering Plant.
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Pre-order - T-80U-E1 Pack
69.99

• T-80U-E1 (Rank 7, USSR)
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Honour and glory" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Flying tank” decal
  

Today, we’re starting pre-orders for the T-80U-E1 — a premium variant of one of the best Soviet top-tier tanks, which features excellent armor, good mobility, a large selection of ammunition, and is also equipped with an advanced high-resolution thermal imager. Let’s take a look!

What type of T-80 variant is this? The T-80U-E1 derived from a program that aimed to modernize T-80BV tanks to the level of the T-80U series. An important difference of this particular modification was the GEN 2 “Plisa” thermal imaging sight with a French thermal camera. Thanks to this, the gunner has excellent visibility in any weather and at any time of the day, plus the ability to clearly distinguish enemy heat signatures over long distances!

The combined armor of the T-80U-E1 is further strengthened by Kontakt-5 ERA blocks integrated into it. This means that it not only can resist hits from HEAT shells and ATGMs, but can also resists hits from kinetic shells too. In fact from the front, the T-80U-E1 can only be penetrated by the most advanced armor-piercing shells into weakened areas such as the driver’s view port and around the gun mantlet.



Like all later T-80s, the T-80U-E1 combines the best driving characteristics of all Soviet and Russian tanks in the game. The improved gas turbine engine provides high power density, meaning this tank can accelerate quickly and maintains high speed, even on surfaces such as mud, sand and snow. The reverse speed, although better than the T-72 series, is clearly insufficient for reversing back quickly behind obstacles. Keep this drawback to Soviet tanks into account when playing, especially if you usually play tanks at this tier that have better reverse speeds.

Interesting: The T-80U-E1, like some other later modifications of the T-80, received the nickname “flying tank” in the press due to its spectacular ski jumps during displays and tank shows.



As with all T-80s, the main armament of the T-80U-E1 is the 125 mm cannon, which can fire one of the best high-tier rounds in the game, the 3BM46 APFSDS. This gun can also fire ATGMs from the barrel, specifically the 9M119M1 that has a tandem warhead, useful against moving targets at long distances, as well as against helicopters at a distance of up to 5 km. Lastly, the option to use HE rounds with a good explosive charge is available to use against lightly armored vehicles if needed!

That’s this blog done! Be sure to pre-order the T-80U-E1 to receive this tank as well as special pre-order bonuses. This tank will be available with the release of the next major update, coming soon. Until then, happy hunting!

HMS Queen Mary is a one-off British battlecruiser design built in the leadup to WWI. Coming as part of the Seek & Destroy major update, HMS Queen Mary will soon reinforce the top ranks of the British Bluewater fleet with the introduction of a powerful new battlecruiser!


Features:

• Powerful primary battery!
  
• Mediocre protection.
  
• Exceptional mobility.
  
• No anti-air protection.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
HMS Queen Mary was laid down in March 1911 under the 1910-11 Naval Programme as the sole ship of its class. Completed in August 1913, the ship would become the last battlecruiser built for the Royal Navy prior to the outbreak of WWI. The ship’s design drew heavily from the preceding Lion class, which featured a formidable arsenal and comparably good protection. Entering service in September 1913, HMS Queen Mary wouldn’t have to wait long for its first combat operation.

This came shortly after the outbreak of WWI, when the warship took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight in which British and German forces clashed in the North Sea in August 1914. Under Admiral Beatty’s command, HMS Queen Mary along with other British warships sunk two German light cruisers during this battle. The next major operation saw HMS Queen Mary take part in the legendary Battle of Jutland in 1916. Being part of the largest naval battle of WWI, HMS Queen Mary managed to land several hits on German warships. In response however, the German battlecruiser SMS Derfflinger dealt HMS Queen Mary a lethal blow, causing the warship’s magazines to detonate. The major explosion which followed tore the ship apart and caused it to sink quickly. 
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In War Thunder, HMS Queen Mary will arrive at rank V of the British Bluewater tree as part of the Seek & Destroy major update, expanding this tree’s battlecruiser roster and smoothing out the progression to the current top British battlecruiser; HMS Hood. In today’s devblog, we’re eager to tell you all about this unique new imperial warship, coming to naval battles very soon!




Common for a battlecruiser, the warship combines superior mobility and firepower while featuring less impressive protection than battleships for example. The Queen Mary is is fitted with four twin 13.5’’ (343 mm) cannons, giving it ample firepower to comfortably engage any capital ship with relative ease, even at greater firing distances. Furthermore, the secondary battery of 16 4’’ (102 mm) cannons as well as two 533 mm torpedo launchers enable the warship to also engage smaller vessels or harass heavier opponents with their high rate of fire. Being a WWI era vessel however means that HMS Queen Mary didn’t receive any dedicated anti-air weapons. This makes the ship highly vulnerable to air attack, meaning it’s best to stick close to allies which can help fill this gap in the ship’s protection.

Interesting: HMS Queen Mary is the only ship of the Royal Navy to be named after the wife of King George V.




Speaking of protection, despite being fitted with less armor than a typical battleship, HMS Queen Mary still comes equipped with up to 229 mm of armor on its turrets, belts and barbettes. As a result, the vessel is well protected against shell fire from enemy cruisers but can not resist fire from battleships. HMS Queen Mary is by no means a sluggish ship. In fact, thanks to its very powerful propulsion system, HMS Queen Mary can reach an impressive top speed of 28.2 kts (52 km/h). This allows the vessel to easily keep up with more nimble allies and quickly respond to a changing tactical situation during battle.

In your matches by Keith (Scarper), Community Manager: “The guns of a battleship with the speed of a cruiser. When using this beastie, be the bully in the battle, pick on the smaller guys and manuever away from danger with the bigger slower ships like battleships. The lesser armour (to allow for speed) will not help when you meet something heavier so you cant slug it out. Keep ahead of any enemy firing turrets and think ahead before launching attacks - You aren’t a ‘Tank’. Air attacks will hurt as there is no dedicated AA, keep an eye on the sky.”

HMS Queen Mary has set course for War Thunder naval battles and is due to dock in player ports with the release of the Seek & Destroy major update. In the meantime, keep scanning the news section as we continue to release new info on the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas and good hunting captains!

• A bug that caused blowout panels to not work has been fixed. (Report).
  
• A bug where the ammunition rack fire effect on destroyed vehicles was not displayed has been fixed.

Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.

The ZSL92 is a later modification of a Chinese infantry fighting vehicle, developed in the late 1980s in response to the changing dynamics of modern warfare at the time. Soon, tankers in War Thunder will have the chance to take command of a unique new IFV design coming to the higher ranks of the Chinese ground forces tree as part of the next major update, Seek & Destroy!


Features:

• Rapid-firing 25 mm autocannon.
  
• Light protection.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In the early 1980s, the PLA recognized the need for the development of a new IFV design to meet the requirements of more dynamic warfare tactics. This led to the development of a new wheeled armored vehicle under the designation WZ551, based on a licensed chassis of the Mercedes-Benz 2060 truck. Development and testing of prototypes with various armament options continued throughout the ‘80s until the vehicle was officially adopted by the PLA in 1988 under the designation ZSL-90, in both an IFV and APC configuration.
Despite entering service, development on the vehicle continued, especially as the first model was plagued by teething issues chiefly surrounding its engine. The succeeding variant, designated ZSL-92, introduced a new water-cooled diesel engine as well as improvements to the vehicle’s chassis in 1994. As a result, performance and reliability improved drastically, leading to the vehicle being ordered in much greater numbers by both the PLA as well as foreign operators. Furthermore, the chassis was a popular platform for the development of several spinoff variants, including missile carriers and assault guns. The ZSL-92 equips the PLA’s mechanized units and is still in active service to this date.
[/expand]


Coming to War Thunder as part of the Seek & Destroy major update, the nimble ZSL-92 will reinforce the mid ranks of the Chinese ground forces trees with a potent new SPAA design! Although being a unique new vehicle, if you’ve played Chinese vehicles you may recognize the basic design of the ZSL92 from some already familiar vehicles. This is certainly not by chance and we’re eager to tell you all about it in today’s devblog. So let’s dive right into the details!




The ZSL92 represents the basis on which popular vehicles such as the PTL02 and AFT09 are based. Unlike those vehicles however, the ZSL92 will offer entirely different tactical options. Being fitted with a 25 mm autocannon instead of a large-caliber cannon or missiles, the ZSL92 is set out to be a versatile war machine on the battlefield. Its primary targets are enemy scouts and low flying aircraft, but if you’re particularly daring you can also go on the offensive and hunt more heavily armored opponents by outflanking them and engaging in very short range engagements.

A particular feature of this vehicle which underlines this tactical approach is its superb mobility. Being powered by a 320 horsepower diesel engine, the ZSL92 can attain a top speed of 84 km/h on paved roads, allowing it to quickly cover ground and switch positions on a moment’s notice.




On the flip side, being a wheeled vehicle does limit the ZSL92’s off road capabilities, especially in extreme terrains such as deep snow or mud. You’re best advised to avoid these if possible and leverage the vehicle’s excellent mobility not just to catch their opponents off guard, but also to dodge enemy fire. The latter is vital to the ZSL92’s survival on the battlefield, as it cannot heavily rely on the thin steel armor plating to protect it from anything more but small arms fire and shrapnel.



The ZSL92 will soon become available at rank IV of the Chinese ground forces trees with the release of the next major update, Seek & Destroy! 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!

The screenshots you shared with us last week were excellent! Most players start with the reserve vehicles as they make their way through the research tree. Which reserve vehicles do you enjoy playing the most? 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 #WTscreen122. You have time until the 7th 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 must include the beach and ocean.
  
• You must add the #WTscreen122 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=3254828977
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3256469137
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3254757853

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3254348740
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3254060042
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3254717891

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

Today we’re introducing the premium AMX A-1A, a Brazilian variant of the light strike aircraft jointly developed by Italy and Brazil in an effort to modernize their fleets in the 1980s. It’s coming to the game in the Seek & Destroy major update and can be pre-ordered starting from today!


Features:

• Excellent flight characteristics.
  
• 30 mm cannons.
  
• Subsonic.
  
• Advanced weaponry.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
During the late 1970s, the Italian Air Force specified a set of requirements for a new aircraft to replace the outdated G.91 and F-104 in their respective roles of ground attack and aerial reconnaissance. Aeritalia and Aermacchi entered a joint venture to develop the new aircraft, with work on the project commencing in 1978. By 1980, Brazil was also looking into modernizing their strike aircraft fleet and thus expressed interest in joining the development of the new aircraft. After agreeing on the requirements in 1981, Embraer joined the consortium, subsequently named AMX International.

Focusing on designing a light and cost-efficient strike aircraft, development of the new aircraft progressed quickly. The first prototype of the aircraft flew in 1984 and following a successful test period, the AMX entered production in 1988. Due to the shared development effort, the Italian and Brazilian variants of the aircraft only differ in minor aspects. After entering service, Italian AMX aircraft participated in operations during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s and Libya in 2011 where the type distinguished itself in combat. The AMX is still in active service Brazilian air forces to this day, while in Italy they were just retired in 2024.
[/expand]



Pre-order — AMX A-1A Pack
69.99

• AMX A-1A (Rank VII, Italy)
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Desert Wind" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "coat of arms of 1 Squadron/16 Aviation Group Squadron Adelphi" decal
  

The AMX A-1A is the Brazilian variant of a light strike aircraft co-developed by Italy and Brazil to replace older types in the ground strike and reconnaissance roles. Soon, you’ll be able to look forward to this Brazilian variant that’s coming to the game in the Seek & Destroy major update as as premium aircraft that can be pre-ordered from today. Let’s take a closer look at the differences of this modification of the AMX!



Generally speaking, the AMX A-1A is very similar to its Italian relative. This aircraft is also powered by the Rolls-Royce Spey 807 engine, giving it the ability to reach a max top speed of 1,150 km/h at sea level. By sharing the same aerodynamic design, the A1A features identical flight performance as the AMX that you may be familiar with. As such, you can rely on this aircraft being ideally optimized for low altitude ground attack runs, while simultaneously being capable of standing its own during dogfights.

One of the features which distinguish the Brazilian variant is found in its primary armament. Unlike the Italian AMX, the A1A is fitted with a pair of 30 mm cannons. While not being able to match the rate of fire of the Vulcan cannon found on the AMX, the 30 mm cannons do pack a deadlier punch and can penetrate even more heavily armored targets with the use of correct ammunition. In addition to the upgraded cannons, the A1A offers a plethora of suspended ordnance options ranging from conventional bombs to high precision guided munitions such as the BA-FG-230-Lizard-2 guided bomb, which is new to the game.



What’s particularly interesting in this case is that the AMX A-1A will offer completely unique Brazilian ordnance options, such as the new MAA-1 Piranha missile, unguided rockets or a whole slew of new bomb calibers, including incendiary ones for example. The AMX A-1A can also be equipped with the LITENING II targeting pod, which is known and favored by many players!

The AMX A-1A will soon be coming as a new premium aircraft to the Italian aviation tree. You can pre-order it starting from today to receive unique pre-order bonuses. That’s all for today’s devblog. In the meantime, be sure to follow the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting and clear skies pilots!

On June 1st, 1911, the first aircraft squadrons appeared in the Ottoman Empire with the support of Germany and France. In the early years of modern Turkey, its leadership paid special attention to the Air Force and by 1940, the Turkish Air Force became the largest in the Middle East and the Balkans, with more than 500 aircraft. Today, about 50,000 people and about 300 aircraft are in service with the Turkish Air Force.


You can earn this themed decal for this day.


“Emblem of the Turkish Air Force Command” decal

When: From May 31st until June 3rd (08:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using aircraft of any country at rank III or higher to receive the “Emblem of the Turkish Air Force Command” decal.

Additional details:

• You must use a minimum of rank III.
  
• 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 → Turkish Air Force Day.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Neutral countries → Aircraft” tab in the Customization menu.

Today, we’re pleased to announce that a new line comprised of Dutch and Belgian aircraft will be making their way to War Thunder as part of the French air tree! In the next major update these vehicles will be reinforcing the French ranks, so let’s take a look!

[expand type=details]
The economic union between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg was formally established in 1944, with the initial intention of supporting the post-war recovery between the three nations, which have very strong diplomatic, trade, and of course geographical ties.
[/expand]

[expand type=details]
The Belgian Air Force was officially formed in 1946, but operated as a branch of the Belgian Army as early as 1909! Despite this early formation, Belgium had a relatively small air force during the First World War due to a general lack of available aircraft, despite this though the small force boasted several aces.

During the outbreak of the Second World War, Belgium was similarly equipped with only a small force of older designs, which couldn’t stand up to the far more numerous Luftwaffe fighters. Despite the surrender on May 28th 1940, a small group of Belgian pilots in exile operated with the RAF, flying Spitfires and Typhoons.

Into the jet age, Belgium flew a variety of famous examples throughout the years, and currently operate several variants of the much loved F-16, as well as brand-new F-35.
[/expand]

[expand type=details]
Similarly to Belgium, the Royal Netherlands Air Force was formed in 1953, but operated as a branch of the army from 1913. As the Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War their air activity during this time was primarily spent on training and the general growth of the air branch.

During the German invasion of the Netherlands in the Second World War, the Royal Netherlands Air Force was overwhelmed by the superior numbers of the Luftwaffe, losing all of their combat aircraft and the vast majority of their pilots as well. A number of Dutch pilots escaped however, and flew in RAF and RAAF service until the end of the War. Pilots of the Dutch colonies in the East Indies actively resisted the Japanese air force, and then continued fighting as part of the Australian Air Force.

After the Royal Netherlands Air Force was officially founded, the ranks of their service aircraft were filled with a wide variety of American and British planes, with their types upgrading and improving over time to suit modern requirements.
[/expand]




This new branch in the French aviation tree will contain a mix of Belgian and Dutch aircraft. The collective is indeed known as BeNeLux, but as Luxembourg currently does not and did not operate any military aircraft historically (aside from army transport, liaison and recon) they won’t be represented here in the air tree. Let’s take a look at the first batch of aircraft!

Developer comment: Our overall goal with the inclusion of a BeNeLux line is to give France more options and versatility, allowing for the creation of stronger lineups throughout the ranks with a variety of different vehicles. BeNeLux don’t quite have enough machines to make a full tree on their own without significant gaps in unit types and eras, so in order to include these machines in War Thunder they’ll be supporting the French tree.

The majority of vehicles joining the line first will be made up of British and American vehicles that were historically used, with the line kicking off with the familiar Gladiator Mk I, which was ordered in the late 1930s. Belgium will be receiving a wide variety of units overall, including the British Spitfire FR Mk XIVe, Meteor Mk 8, as well as the American F-104G, F-16A Block 15 and the F-16AM Block 15 MLU! They’ll also be receiving the Mirage 5BA, a variant specifically intended for Belgium.




The Netherlands will also have some interesting examples in the line, including the British Firefly FR Mk IV, Hunter F.6, and of course the domestic Fokker G.1A! This variant is armed with 8 x 7.9 mm machine guns in the nose, the caliber may be small but the concentration of fire is undeniably high!




These aircraft will be the first to join the French ranks as part of the new line in the next major update, though of course more examples will be making their way into the game in the future as well.

We’re very happy to include these aircraft and their unique history into the game. We hope you’ll enjoy bolstering your lineups with these powerful aircraft upon the release of the next major update, so until then stay tuned! There’s a lot more to come.