Today we’ll be looking at the JF-17, a fourth generation jet fighter, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, originally to replace the dated fleets of F-104 and Mirage fighters in the PAF’s fleet.


At a glance:

• Excellent flight characteristics: Mach 1.6 capable at higher alts.
  
• Versatile arsenal: guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, regular bombs & rockets.
  
• Modern radar.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
For a long time, the Pakistan Air Force has been an operator of western fighter jets, such as the American F-104 and French Mirage. In the wake of the Indo-Pakistan War however, the PAF increasingly resorted to adopting Chinese aircraft into service due to western sanctions. Soon after, Pakistani and Chinese engineers began work developing a new fighter on the basis of the J-7, which featured a new engine, side air intakes and improved radar. The project received the name “Saber II”, with Grumman aircraft joining the project later on. However, Pakistan ended up procuring the F-16A which shifted focus away from the project. Nevertheless, Grumman and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation continued work on the project, modifying the original design and renaming the project to “Super-7”. However, Grumman soon pulled out of the project.

In the mid 1990s, work resumed on the Super-7 with Pakistan planning to adopt the aircraft as a support fighter for the F-16. With further design changes following in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the JF-17 as it eventually became known, undertook its maiden flight in August 2003. Following a successful test period, the aircraft officially entered service with the PAF in March 2007, replacing most of the outdated imported aircraft of the previous century. The JF-17 serves with the PAF to this day and has taken part in several military operations since its entry into service.
[/expand]


The JF-17 will soon be joining the top ranks of the Chinese aircraft tree as a new squadron vehicle coming in the Dance of Dragons major War Thunder update. Representing a joint development between Pakistan and China, the JF-17 is developed on the basis of the Chinese J-7 fighter, but incorporates many upgrades and design changes which greatly elevate the aircraft’s combat performance. Let’s dive into the full details!




Designed to complement the F-16A in service with the PAF, the JF-17 is a modern, fourth generation fighter, featuring all the bells and whistles fans of modern combat aircraft expect from this kind of aircraft. For instance, the JF-17 is powered by the extremely powerful Klimov RD-93 turbofan engine, powering the Soviet MiG-29 series of fighters. As a result, the aircraft can reach top speeds of Mach 1.6 at higher altitudes, while also boasting excellent acceleration and maneuverability — features particularly useful in intense dogfights. Complementing the aircraft’s excellent flight characteristics are also a modern radar system as well as radar and missile approach warning systems closely integrated with the aircraft’s countermeasures.




Did you know? “JF-17” stands for “Joint Fighter-17”, signifying the joint development of this aircraft by Pakistan and China.

In terms of the JF-17’s offensive capabilities, this aircraft is equipped with a dual 23 mm universal cannon with 200 rounds of ammunition and features up to seven hardpoints which can outfit with various ordnance options. The choices range from short-range IR PL-5EII missiles over BVR SD-10(A) radar guided missiles to new to the game BRM-1 laser-guided ASMs and a variety of guided bombs, including GBU-10, GBU-12, GBU-16, as well as Chinese GB500 and GB250. As for conventional ordnance, there’s Hydra rockets and several types of bombs, including 2,000 lbs. In short, the JF-17 is best equipped for multirole, making it an ideal choice for pilots in both air and combined arms battles at the top ranks.




The JF-17 will soon be making its way to War Thunder as part of the Dance of Dragons major update. You’ll be able to obtain this new top ranking Chinese aircraft either through squadron activity or by purchasing it with Golden Eagles. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.

The next major update for War Thunder — 'Dance of Dragons'!

Meet the new Steel Baron naval event. In this one, you can get the British HMS Barham, themed decals and a profile icon of Vice-Admiral Arthur Craig Waller, who commanded this ship in the Battle of Jutland!

When: From September 5th (11:00 GMT) until September 23rd (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Naval Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards!

Charles Middleton, 1st Baron Barham, was a prominent British politician and admiral in the 18th and 19th century. Several ships were named in his honor, including the Queen Elizabeth-class battleship HMS Barham, which fought in both world wars. She was the squadron flagship at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, and at the beginning of World War II, she took part in the Dakar operation and the evacuation of the Allies from Crete.





Also among the event prizes is a trophy, where you can obtain one of the following:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• SL and RP Boosters
  
• Random wagers and orders
  
• Universal backups (1 - 3 of)
  
• Random camouflage for purchased vehicles of any type
  
• 1 day of premium account

Each stage can be obtained for 45,000 mission points, where every new stage obtained will give you a new reward.

Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Steel Baron” and click the “Get Reward” button.

You’re able to earn mission points in Naval Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade and Realistic Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game.  

You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on September 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th and 21st.

• For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 3 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 6 Stages: “Arthur Craig Waller” profile icon
  
• For 7 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 8 Stages: non-tradable coupon for HMS Barham
  
• For 9 Stages: unique bicolor deforming camouflage and four random modifications for HMS Barham

Please note: You’ll only be able to receive the random modifications if you have HMS Barham activated on your account.

Incomplete stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re significantly close to completing a stage, its price will now be significantly reduced.

Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price for unlocking this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need to pay 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time!


When you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for HMS Barham where using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from September 5th (11:00 GMT) until September 23rd (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

The "Coupon Upgrade" item is valid until 11:00 GMT on August 29th. Until then, you can use it for its intended purpose or exchange it for War Bonds, otherwise it will disappear from your inventory.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon HMS Barham (Great Britain)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until 11:00 GMT on September 26th. Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.

You can track the progress of completing stages and receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Steel Baron. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, until September 26th from the Achievements window, you can purchase each stage with Golden Eagles which will give you the corresponding rewards.

The Belarusian strategic offensive operation, named after the a general in war of 1812, Prince Pyotr Bagration, successfully ended on August 29th 1944. As part of it, the Wehrmacht suffered its greatest defeat in the entire military history of Germany. Its losses amounted to around 400,000 combat soldiers.

Both of these are available for this anniversary.

When: From today until September 2nd (07:00 GMT).

Task: Play 3 battles using USSR vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Mound of Glory” decal.

Task: Win 5 battles using USSR ground vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Tank Forces General’s Cap (USSR)” decoration!

Additional details:

• Your activity must not be below 70%.
  
• You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, and [Assault] mode.
  
• Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Completion of Operation Bagration.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab and the decoration in the “Helmets" tab in the Customization menu.

The Vindictive bundle is available at a 50% discount featuring four Soviet vehicles and a unique title.

When: Available from today until September 2nd (07:00 GMT).

• T-34-85E, 1945 Pack
  
• IS-2 Revenge for the Hero brother Pack
  
• Peshka Pack
  
• IL-2 Avenger Starter Pack
  
• Unique title: “Victory Marshal”

Note! You can also get the unique title if you log in to the game from the 29th of August until the 2nd of September and gain three victories, and at the same time you have previously purchased all vehicles which are included in the list above.  

Bonuses will be assigned after the 3rd of September to all users who have fulfilled these conditions.

Note! The offer is available to PC users only.

• AV-8B Plus (Italy) — incorrect ammunition count shown on the HUD has been fixed. (Report).

• A bug that caused the Standard camouflage to be selected even though the Auto selection could have selected a more appropriate camouflage for the current location has been fixed. (Report).

• The incorrect zoom effect for ultra-wide monitors such as 32:9 has been fixed. (Report).

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.

In this month’s Pages of History, you’ll be at the center of events that took place in different theaters of war. Iran and India, USSR and Germany: take part in battles with the vehicles corresponding to these historic battles and receive prizes. 



Lev Mikhailovich Roshchin arrived at the front at the age of 19 in December 1941. He was a skilled pilot and quickly earned the rank of lieutenant, becoming a squadron commander. During the war, he fought in the Caucasus, Crimea, Leningrad and the Baltics, completing 565 combat sorties. For exemplary performance of combat missions in the Baltic operation, he was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title.

You can immediately purchase this profile icon for Golden Eagles until October 3rd, 11:30 GMT without completing tasks. To find it, go to your Nickname → Achievements → Pages of History.


Completing each individual task will give you a trophy with one of the following rewards:

• 20-50% RP booster for 3-10 battles;
  
• 20-50% SL booster for 3-10 battles;
  
• 3-5 universal backups;
  
• Premium account for 1 day;
  
• A random camouflage for ground vehicles (out of the selection of camouflages currently obtainable in game for completing tasks, or purchasing with Golden Eagles).

• Tasks are available from 11:00 GMT until 11:30 GMT on the final day of each task.
  
• Tasks can be completed in random battles except for “Assault” mode.

You can read a detailed description of which task is for which day and your overall progress by going to your Nickname → Achievements → Pages of History.

After the victory in the Battle of Kursk, the USSR seized the strategic initiative from Germany and advanced on Bryansk. After a series of initial failures, the Red Army managed to go on the offensive in September 1943 and drive the Germans out of Bryansk on September 17th, and out of the Bryansk region by early October.

On the initiative of Marshal Zhukov, a victory parade was held at the Brandenburg Gate in Allied-occupied Berlin on September 7th 1945, with the participation of the USSR, Great Britain, France and the USA. It was nicknamed the “forgotten parade” because it was not covered as much in the Western press, and the Allied commanders-in-chief (except Zhukov) refused to participate, sending their deputies instead.

The largest tank battle of the Second Indo-Pakistani War took place on September 8th-10th 1965. Pakistani tanks attacked without infantry support, and the Indian army took advantage of the tactical advantage to achieve a confident victory. Pakistan lost almost a hundred tanks in the battle, a third of which were captured by India in combat-ready condition.

On September 14th 1944, the Red Army began a strategic operation to expel German troops from the territory of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It included the Riga, Tallinn, Moonsund and Memel operations and took place on a front line a thousand kilometers long. By the end of autumn, the Wehrmacht had been driven out of the territories of all three Baltic countries, with the exception of the Courland pocket.

The Battle of Arracourt in northeastern France took place from September 18th to 28th 1944. It was one of the largest tank battles on the Western Front. Germany sent 262 tanks and assault guns to counterattack the American forces, but did not provide them with reconnaissance, which gave the United States the tactical advantage. The Americans were able to shell the enemy from advantageous positions and outflank them. In the end, with relatively small losses, they disabled almost 200 units of German equipment.

On September 19th, the longest battle in the history of the American army began which lasted for several months. The Germans successfully held the Hürtgen Forest, repelling attacks by the Allies. From this region, the Wehrmacht then organized the Ardennes counteroffensive. During numerous attempts at an offensive, the Americans lost several tens of thousands of men. The Battle of Hürtgen Forest was one of the most severe defeats of the Allies.

On September 25th 1942, Soviet troops began a defensive operation in southern Russia. They managed to hold back the superior forces of the Wehrmacht, preventing the Germans from taking Tuapse, breaking through to the Georgian Military Road and the oil deposits in Azerbaijan. By the beginning of winter, Germany’s forces in the region were tied down, and the USSR went on the offensive.

From September 27th to 29th 1981, Iran carried out an operation to lift the siege of Abadan, a small city near the border with Iraq that Iraqi forces had been besieging for 11 months since the start of the war but had failed to take. The Iranians struck along the front line toward the Iraqi city of Basra to force the enemy to redeploy forces to defend their own territory. As a result, the Iraqi troops besieging Abadan were left without reinforcements and, although they outnumbered the Iranian forces, they fled in panic as a result of the attack, abandoning hundreds of vehicles.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at a real classic with a fresh coat of paint, the Finnish captured KV-1 Model 1942! The m1942 was one of the last conventional KV-1 variants constructed, chiefly it features improved armor protection at the cost of around one ton of extra weight. This new premium tank will be arriving in the next major update!


At a glance:

• Impressive survivability, well armored all over!
  
• Powerful APHE rounds: average pen but great against angled armor.
  
• Low mobility but not incredibly slow, can still get around the map easily.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The KV-1 Model 1942 was the final production variant of the early KV-1 models. As their development continued, it was clear that armor improvements had to be made in order to keep up with the more powerful German cannons (notably the PaK40). This culminated in the Model 1942 which received a rounded cast turret at 100 mm thick, while still inheriting the extra armor plates applied to the KV-1 ZiS-5, making it effectively the most well defended KV-1. Finland captured two KV-1 tanks during the war, and this particular model is said to have been recovered by the Finns near the Lower Svir Hydroelectric Station in early 1942. It was captured in good condition, and would serve with several Finnish tank companies throughout the Second World War. Interestingly, Finnish KV tanks are noted to have been active up until 1954, though it’s likely they only saw sporadic use. Today, both KV-1s can be seen resting at the Parola Tank Museum in Finland.
[/expand]


The KV-1 m1942 is one of the last modifications of the original KV-1 design, before being replaced by the KV-1S and more advanced heavy tanks. Finland captured two KV-1 models with this version being the second, up-gunned and up-armored it represents one of the strongest KV-1s. Let’s get into the details!




Ultimately, the KV-1 m1942 is functionally very similar to previous variants with effectively the same advantages and drawbacks. This version however features an improved turret. Instead of the angular design of previous models, the turret is rounded with 100 mm on the side and 82 - 90 mm on the front, it offers a lot of reliable protection against common cannons at the rank. Angling the turret can also prove effective as it increases the thickness of a lot of turret elements and makes the profile more vague overall, making it harder to hit weaker sections of armor.

Did you know? The Finnish nickname for the KV-1 is “Klimi”, an almost cute shortening of the full tank name of military officer and politician Kliment Voroshilov.




Regarding firepower, this tank is equipped with the familiar 76 mm ZiS-5 with a wide array of ammo options, including several types of APHE with a high amount of explosive filler. While its penetration power doesn’t look impressive on the surface, its performance against angled armor is very effective, which keeps the gun relevant.

So, as far as its armor and firepower are concerned, it’s a real brute! However, it’s hardly outstanding regarding mobility with just 34 km/h max speed. Though, despite the speed not being immensely impressive, it’s still enough to allow the KV-1 to do what it needs to do, it won’t be winning any races but it doesn’t need to in order to still be effective. The KV-1 has very workable armor as its thick on the sides as well as the front, which means it can angle and brawl very effectively.



The key to keeping the KV-1 in the fight is to keep on the move, as when being static it’s an easy target — but if continuously moving (ideally at an angle to your enemy) its armor profile keeps changing, and as such the best spot for an enemy to aim for keeps changing, which makes landing a lethal hit much harder. The KV-1 is great for aggressive playstyles like this, putting pressure on enemies and giving them very little time to aim for weakspots is what the KV-1 does best.



This quintessential heavy tank will be joining the Swedish ranks as a premium for Golden Eagles in the next major update! Thank you for reading as always, and we’ll see you very soon for more devblogs on upcoming vehicles and features, until then, all the best tankers!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.

USS Tennessee (BB-43) is an American battleship of the so-called ‘standard type’, built close to the end of WWI and incorporating several improvements over the New Mexico-class preceding it.


At a glance:

• Powerful 14’’ primary guns!
  
• Enhanced protection.
  
• Powerful anti-air arsenal.
  
• Mediocre mobility.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
USS Tennessee was laid down in 1917 as the lead ship of a class of two battleships, representing a further development of the preceding New Mexico class. Continuing the by then established standard type design philosophy of American battleships, USS Tennessee was built with a particular emphasis on improved torpedo and mine protection while also increasing the range of its main battery guns through an updated turret design. These, as well as other improvements, soon resulted in the commissioning of the most advanced battleship of the U.S. Navy at the time, taking place in 1920.

After entering service, USS Tennessee took part in numerous fleet exercises and went on goodwill tours until the outbreak of WWII. After the U.S. entered the war in 1941, USS Tennessee underwent repairs following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Soon after, the warship was modernized, undergoing a major refit which substantially upgraded the ship’s capabilities. Throughout the rest of the war, USS Tennessee took part in many key operations in the Pacific theater and was involved in almost every major battle in the final stages of the war. After the war’s end, USS Tennessee, like many warships, was put in reserve until it was finally decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1959.
[/expand]


Arriving to the game in the next major update in her late war configuration, USS Tennessee is going to offer you the American battleship signature combination of excellent firepower and protection, placing particular emphasis on improved anti-air protection. Let’s take a look!



In its essence, USS Tennessee represents a further development of the New Mexico class battleship. Therefore, it should come as a surprise that USS Tennessee shares some of its features with its direct predecessor, USS Mississippi. One of these features can be found in its primary arsenal. Consisting of a battery of 12 x 14’’ (356 mm) cannons, USS Tennessee inherits its predecessor’s deadly firepower while introducing design optimizations to its turrets which allow the cannons to reach targets at even greater distances.




Furthermore, USS Tennessee is equipped with up to 8 x dual 5’’ dual-purpose cannons as well 10 x quadruple 40 mm and 43 x single 20mm cannons. In other words, pilots and captains of smaller vessels ought to think very carefully about launching attack runs on this floating fortress. On the other hand, thanks to such an extensive arsenal complemented by access to air search radar, USS Tennessee is ideally suited for supporting more vulnerable allied vessels in fending off enemy attacks, thus making it a great warship to team up with!



Interesting USS Tennessee took part in the famous Battle of Surigao Strait, representing the last major battleship duel in naval history.

As is standard for battleships and even more so for American ones, USS Tennessee features superb protection, similar to the already familiar USS Mississippi. Thanks to its 343 mm thick belt armor, extensive compartmentalization and large torpedo bulges, USS Tennessee can withstand a great deal of enemy fire before suffering critical damage. Even then, its large crew ensures that damage can be controlled and repaired in a timely manner. Additionally, you’re able to launch a scout plane to gain a better overview of the battlefield, seize strategic points and even lay a smoke screen to break line of sight with the enemy, if needed.



On the other hand, all this comes at the expense of a large displacement and with that, an impact to the ship’s mobility. Similar to the USS Mississippi, USS Tennessee is able to obtain a top speed of just 20.5 knots (38 km/h), which prevents it from spearheading the attack in most cases. Due to her sluggishness and comparatively low reload time, USS Tennessee should keep at distance and destroy enemy ships with precise deadly 12-rounds salvos.



USS Tennessee has set course for War Thunder naval battles and will dock in ports with the arrival of the next major update. In the meantime, keep your binoculars at hand and keep scanning the news section as we continue to release more information on the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas, captains!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.

Your screenshots shared with us last week were super! When the cannons are quiet, many of the locations seem prime for a relaxing break. This week, take a picture of one of your amphibious vehicles or vessels! 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 #WTscreen134. You have time until the 30th of August 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 a player vehicle that floats!
  
• You must add the #WTscreen134 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=3311189020
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3310962613
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3238679265

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3312644254
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3314056172
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3315021873

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

Let’s take a look at the ZSU-23-4M2 (also known as the Shilka-M2), which is a special variant of the Shilka SPAA, used for accompanying tank columns during the Afghan War.


At a glance:

• No radar compared to the other Shilkas.
  
• High rate of fire on the 23 mms!
  
• Increased ammunition: 4,000 rounds instead of 2,000.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
During the course of the Afghan War, the 23 mm Shilka SPAA proved to be a good escort vehicle for tank columns, where its high firing automatic guns were used to fend off ambushes. Soon after, a special variant of the Shilka with no radar and an increased ammunition capacity of 4,000 rounds was developed and produced at the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. In total, 18 ZSU-23-4M2 vehicles were produced, and in 1999, several more were modified to the M2 level to equip the Russian Army.
[/expand]


This good old trusty Shilka will be arriving to the USSR ground forces tree in the form of a special Afghan variant without a radar and more ammunition. Let’s take a look at what kind of vehicle this is going to be when it comes to the game in the next major War Thunder update!




The ZSU-23-4M2 differs from the familiar rank VI Shilkas in two main aspects — it has no radar of any kind, but an increased ammo capacity of 4,000 rounds (2,000 ready to fire, with 2,000 to reload). At rank V, the ZSU-23-4M2 will be less reliable overall in the anti-tank role, as it will more commonly encounter opponents with strong frontal and side armor, which will often be functionally immune to the 23 mm guns. Despite this though, the ZSU-23-4M2 will be easily able to counter late prop and early jet aircraft with its sheer volume of fire. Even early helicopters won’t be safe, as they will generally have to get within range of the Shilka to use their more rudimentary weaponry.




Did you know? The name “Shilka” is derived from the Shilka river in southeast Russia.

Let’s take a look into its destructive and rapid-firing 23 mm cannons — as you’re probably aware, these cannons are continuously belt fed and have rather effective cooling. And as mentioned, instead of the traditional ammo capacity of 2,000 found on other Shilkas, the ZSU-23-4M2 has an increased ammo capacity of up to 4,000 rounds! In addition to the high rate of fire, this vehicle can also aim horizontally and vertically very quickly, making shooting and reacting to targets as easy as pie.



Despite the lackluster penetration power, you’re still going to be able to act as a support vehicle — in between keeping an eye on the sky, you’ll be able to assist your teammates on the ground with your incredible fire rate to tear off enemy tracks and barrels. Make sure to stick close to friendlies however, as you’re barely protected from light machine guns and will be an easy target at close range on your own.



That’s this blog done! All-in-all, the ZSU-23-4M2 should be a good alternative to the already familiar rank VI Shilkas in the game just at a lower rank. What do you think about this one? Let us know and in the meantime keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs covering new additions for the next major update!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.