In today’s blog, we’ll be taking a look at the J-10A, an advanced 4+ generation Chinese jet fighter developed in the late 1990s to incorporate the latest aeronautical technologies available at the time.


Features:

• Top speed of Mach 2!
  
• Excellent maneuverability.
  
• High G load!
  
• Air-to-air focused arsenal.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
For much of the second half of the 20th century, Chinese aircraft development struggled to meet the requirements of the PLAAF due to insufficiently advanced technologies. This was only further compounded by regular and extensive budget cuts which often canceled promising projects. In the early 1980s however, funding for the development of a cutting edge fighter was approved alongside a completely new approach to its R&D process. Unlike previous projects where single design bureaus were selected beforehand, the PLAAF would set the requirements of the program and enable competition among different manufacturers to produce the best aircraft. In the end, Chengdu Aircraft’s design scored most favorably with the PLAAF, resulting in its design being picked for further development under the name “Project No. 10”.
As the program’s goal was to push technological boundaries, development advanced slowly. Nevertheless, the first aircraft was assembled in 1997 and successfully test flown the next year. Following certification, the aircraft was adopted into PLAAF service in 2005 under the official designation “J-10A”, with the production version featuring minor improvements over the prototype. The J-10 and its subsequent variants are still in production and active service with the PLAAF to this day.

[/expand]


The J-10A is amongst the most modern jet fighters currently in service with the Chinese air forces. Featuring an extremely powerful engine, excellent flight characteristics and an onboard arsenal focused around aerial combat, the J-10A will make for the perfect reinforcement to the top rank of Chinese aviation tree when it arrives in the Dance of Dragons major update. How about we take a closer look!




Somewhat resembling the Swedish JAS39 Gripen at first glance, the J-10A represents a highly advanced Chinese jet fighter, incorporating cutting edge design features such as a delta wing, actuated canards and a powerful turbofan engine. Speaking of the latter, the J-10A is powered by the AL-31FN afterburning turbofan engine, capable of quickly accelerating the aircraft up to its maximum top speed of Mach 2 at high altitudes. This, combined with the delta wing design and the use of canards, allow this aircraft to possess excellent aerodynamic qualities, especially at higher speeds. In effect, this makes the J-10A perfectly suited for intense dogfighting, likely making it become a favorite among true jet jockeys.

Interesting: A testimony to the innovative approach of the J-10A’s design was the necessity to develop around 60% of the parts from scratch.




Apart from stellar flight performance, the J-10A also has much to show for in terms of its offensive capabilities. Apart from its default twin 23 mm cannon with 200 rounds of ammunition, the J-10A also has provisions for up to 11 hardpoints. These allow it to equip a wide range of ordnance, including new to the game PL-5EII close combat missiles, very capable PL-8 missiles with good G-tolerance, as well as PL-12 ARH missiles. Additionally, this aircraft can also be outfitted with laser-guided as well as conventional bombs and rockets — Type 90-1 HEAT and high caliber Type 130-2 — enabling it to also be effectively employed in the ground attack role. Finally, a modern radar and countermeasure systems round off the J-10A’s equipment, making it an extremely versatile aircraft catering to a wide spectrum of pilots out there.




The J-10A will soon become the new top dog of the Chinese aviation tree with its arrival to the game as part of the Dance of Dragons major update! That’s this blog wrapped. In the meantime, be sure to follow the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots. See you soon!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at IJN Amagi — an advanced Japanese battlecruiser design whose construction began in 1920 but was ultimately never completed due to adverse circumstances.


Features:

• Deadly 410 mm primary guns!
  
• Excellent mobility.
  
• Decent protection.
  
• Poor AA capability.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In the early 1920s, the Imperial Japanese Navy made plans to construct a new class of four battlecruisers. The ships were planned to be fitted with 16’’ primary guns, feature reasonable protection and excellent speed. Construction was approved and work began in the early 1920s, with Amagi as the lead ship of the class being laid down in December 1920. However, after the Washington Naval Treaty went into effect in 1922, Japan was no longer allowed to finish construction of the new battlecruisers. Instead, the first two ships under construction were reordered as aircraft carriers while the remaining two were canceled altogether due to the restrictions imposed by the treaty. In 1923 however, the Great Kanto earthquake severely damaged the hull of the Amagi, which was afterwards deemed irreparable. As a result, the ship ended up being sold for scrap. Amagi’s sistership however, IJN Akagi, successfully completed the reconstruction into an aircraft carrier and would go on to serve the Japanese navy up until its sinking at the Battle of Midway in 1942.

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IJN Amagi will soon become the latest bluewater ship to join the top ranks of the Japanese naval tree in the Dance of Dragons major update. Built with speed and firepower in mind, IJN Amagi truly embodies the concept of battlecruisers and will enable its prospective captains to embrace several different tactical approaches, depending on one’s own preference and battlefield dynamics. Keep on reading to find out more!

The upcoming arrival of IJN Amagi to the top ranks of the Japanese fleet will bring with it a unique twist. Sharing some core design principles with the Kongo class battleships that you may already be familiar with, IJN Amagi takes this concept and brings it to a truly new level. For example, this ship is outfitted with a total of ten twin 16’’ (410 mm) cannons, making it one of the most heavily armed capital ships in the game in terms of raw primary battery firepower with an impressive reload rate of 2.5 rounds per minute. This means you’ll be able to comfortably engage in gun duels with virtually any opponent they may encounter on the high seas.

In addition to the primary battery, IJN Amagi also comes equipped with 16 x 140 mm secondary and 4 x 120 mm anti-air cannons. A further 8 x 610 mm fixed torpedo launchers round off the warship’s impressive arsenal.




Interesting: Some of the main battery guns intended for use on the Amagi class battlecruisers were later on re-purposed for installation on coastal defense batteries.

In terms of gameplay, IJN Amagi can be compared to the Alaska and Kronshtadt battlecruisers. However, this new ship is better armed and protected, but loses to them in terms of air defense capabilities. IJN Amagi’s armor in some areas is close to that of a battleship, for example 254 mm thick in the main armor belt and 70 mm of deck armor allow you to use this ship for shooting at very far distances with a good chance of surviving a hit from an enemy battleship!




Use the hit and run tactic, firing several consecutive salvos with the main guns and then retreating if possible. Or if you’re ballsy, you could play actively and lead your teammate’s attack at a point, all while using the cover of allies air defenses, as the IJN Amagi’s own anti-aircraft defenses are very mediocre. Don’t get too close to enemy ships though, as due to its size, it’ll become an easy target for torpedoes and its armor will not be able to withstand them.



That’s today’s blog! IJN Amagi will soon become a common sight in War Thunder naval battles after it joins the top ranks of the Japanese bluewater fleet with the release of the Dance of Dragons major update. In the meantime, be sure to keep scanning the horizon for more news as we continue sharing the latest on what the upcoming update has in store for you. See you soon!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Ultimate bomber just got an upgrade! Today, we’ll be covering not one, but two new variants of the mighty F-111 Aardvark, including one from down under! Let's take a closer look at what the C and F versions have to offer.


Features:

• Modernized upgrades to the Aardvark!
  
• Guided air-to-ground ordnance.
  
• All-aspect IR missiles.
  
• Increased countermeasure capability.
  
• More powerful engines (F-111F).

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
F-111C
In the 1960s, the Royal Australian Air Force sought to replace their Canberra bombers due to their capability limits and lack of all weather operation capability. Lacking a capable bomber that could match the Tu-16, the RAAF began searching for a new type that could satisfy its longer range requirements. Assessments were made of several current and up and coming aircraft, such the A-5, F-4 Phantom II, Mirage IV, TSR.2 and the then TFX program. Political and economical issues steered the RAAF away from the TSR.2, with the economic cost of the Mirage IV also being a deciding factor. The final winner was the TFX program which offered to meet all the needs and requirements set out. 

When the F-111 finally emerged from the TFX program, it became clear that the RAAF would require its own modifications to be made to what was to be the B (Naval) variant for it to be accepted. A longer wing design was incorporated, a unique intake redesign, along with some additional changes to radio equipment and undercarriage improvements were all introduced to the aircraft. Now designated F-111C, the aircraft was officially delivered in 1968, but due to delays, training and initial teething issues, it was not officially introduced into full service until 1973. Initially a batch of 24 were produced for Australia, with a further 4 converted from American F-111s to F-111C standard. 4 aircraft in total were also converted to RF-111C reconnaissance aircraft.

The F-111C provided the RAAF with the capacity to reach Jakarta in Indonesia, something the Canberra and other types previously in service could never achieve. While never seeing direct combat with the RAAF, they came very close in 1991 when they were moved to standby ready for replacing the F-18s operating in the Gulf War should they need to be rotated out. However, the war would end before that was necessary. They would be put on standby for possible operations in East Timor with the UN INTERFET force that Australia led during the independence of Timor-Leste from Indonesia. The aircraft served more than 40 years at the hands of the Royal Australian Air Force, and finally retired in service in 2010. 

F-111F
The F-111F was a modernized variant of the earlier Aardvarks, featuring more powerful TF30-P-100 engines and much higher thrust output over the F-111A. Operated by the USAF, the F-111F Pacer Strike was the final fighter variant of the aircraft produced. As well as the previously mentioned engine improvements, the aircraft was fitted with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack FLIR target designator, allowing the use of guided munitions like the Paveway among other modernizations to its loadouts and systems. 

This variant would serve heavily in the 1991 Gulf War, dropping more laser guided bombs than any other type of aircraft. The type would successfully fly a high percentage of combat missions, striking their targets and destroying them with a high level of precision, more so than most other allied coalition aircraft taking part. The F-111F is credited with destroying over 1000+ tanks and armored vehicles during the conflict. 1996 would mark the final retirement of the F variant in USAF service. 
[/expand]


The next major update will include two new installments of the famous F-111 series, the domestic F-111C variant of the Royal Australian Air Force for the British tree and the final “fighter” variant of the American variants, the F-111F. Both of these variants take what the F-111A already does well and improve upon it in almost every area. Let’s check out what you can expect from them when they arrive to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update!



Firstly, let’s take a look at the unique Australian variant, the F-111C. This version features a longer modified wing aimed at improving longer distance flights and reinforced landing gear. Along with this, you’ll get a huge boost to your defensive countermeasures, with the total for this variant being 240 flares / chaff, which is a massive increase over the base F-111A and F that will be plenty to help you out in battle. If that alone wasn’t enough to keep your enemies busy, they’ll need to keep an eye out on what you are firing back at them too! The F-111C features AIM-9L all-aspect Sidewinder missiles, far more potent than the B variants found on the earlier variant already in game. 

Did you know? The F-111C in Australian service was affectionately known as “The Pig” despite the crews and engineers loving the aircraft. 




Next up, we have the F-111F for the USA. This takes the base F-111A and provides a pair of improved TF30-P-100 engines that have a higher thrust output, meaning a more powerful all round performer. But the improvements don’t stop there! While the F-111A was limited to the AGM-12B Bullpup, the F variant introduces AGM-65 capabilities to the aircraft in B, D and G models. This adds some fire and forget capacity to the aircraft that will aid you in combined battles for sure. On the offensive in the air, the F-111F can rely on AIM-9L for missile combat. 

Both the C and the F variants come with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack targeting pod, which opens up the option of using guided bombs for the first time on the F-111. You can find GBU-10, 12 and 24 on both aircraft and the IR guided GBU-15 also on the F-111F. Both variants also feature an array of Mk 82 and Mk 84 bombs for conventional bombing and taking out bases. 




Interesting: One of our long-time War Thunder Moderators on the community team, KnightoftheAbyss, worked on RAAF F-111Cs for over 12 years. We would like to thank him for his notes towards the historical section of this blog and recognize his service with the RAAF.



These advanced Aardvarks will be taking to the skies very shortly and will once again take the crowns (for now at least!) as the “ultimate” bombers in War Thunder, with some even fancier toys this time around. We hope you’ll enjoy these new aircraft, be sure to let us know! You won’t have too much longer to wait until you can take to the skies with them. Until then, stay tuned to the news for more information on what else you can see in the Dance of Dragons major update. 

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Today we’ll be taking a look at the AI-Khalid-I, a further development of the Chinese-Pakistan MBT-2000 main battle tank. Pre-orders for this tank have just started today!


Features:

• Good balance of armor, mobility and firepower.
  
• 1200 HP engine.
  
• Further turret protection through additional ERA blocks.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The AI-Khalid-I upgrade program was designed to improve the combat effectiveness of Pakistan’s MBT-2000 (AI-Khalid) main battle tanks. The upgrade priorities included improving the fire control system and on-board electronics, and more effectively positioning ERA on the turret. The AI-Khalid-I is currently in service with Pakistan, the largest operator of the MBT-2000 family of tanks.
[/expand]

Pre-order - AI-Khalid-I
Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
69.99

• Al-Khalid-I tank (Rank VII, China); *
  
• Premium account for 20 days;
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles;
  
• Pre-order bonus: "The Eternal Tank" title;
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Markhor" decal; *
  
• Pre-order bonus: Unique digital camouflage. *
  

* - available after the next major update.


Meet the AI-Khalid-I, a further development of the MBT-2000 main battle tank already familiar to the Chinese ground forces tree. This tank will be added in the Dance of Dragons major update, and that means today we’re starting pre-orders for this excellent tank as part of a pack featuring unique bonuses. Let’s take a look!



One of the upgrades carried out on the AI-Khalid-I was aimed to improve the combat effectiveness of the tank. Perhaps the most noticeable external difference here is a change to the armor layout on the sides of the turret. Some add-on FY-2 ERA blocks were removed from the turret side directly, and instead mounted on the turret slat armor. This now means that generally the turret side armor has better protection, especially against heat-based rounds.




At rank VII, the Al-Khalid-I will be a competitive option, able to take on most enemies without any issues, and with premium bonuses to boot! Agile and featuring good engine power, the AI-Khalid-I is not inferior in terms of speed and maneuverability compared to other vehicles at its rank. One key difference though regarding its mobility is that the eternal problem of poor reverse speeds typically found on Soviet tanks has been resolved with the AI-Khalid-I. This means you’ll be able to quickly retreat when needed or reverse quicker after taking a shot over a ridge.



Moving onto firepower, the AI-Khalid-I features a 22-round autoloader, however bare in mind that the autoloader module is large and prone to being hit, causing the entire tank to explode. So make sure to stay in cover where possible to avoid being shot in the side!

Since the AI-Khalid-I is a premium tank, you’ll get immediate access to all of its available shells. One of these include a top-end APFSDS round with over 570 mm of penetration at 100 m.



That’s it for this one! The AI-Khalid-I is coming to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update, and the pre-order pack has just gone live with this dev blog post. Be sure to pick it up to get Golden Eagles, Premium Account days and unique pre-order bonuses!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

In early August 1945, Japan agreed to the Allied terms for ending the war as outlined in the Potsdam Declaration. On September 2nd 1945, aboard the USS Missouri battleship, the Japanese Foreign Minster and Chief of General Staff signed the Instrument of Surrender, formally ending World War II after six long years.

Available for this anniversary.


“V-J Day 2024” decal

When: From today until September 5th (09:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using US vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “V-J Day 2024” 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 → Victory Over Japan.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customization menu.

• A bug that caused all radar types and missile radar seekers to ignore launched weaponry (bombs, rockets, missiles) and chaff 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.

Thanks for sharing your captures with us last week! This week, take a picture with a “destroyer”! These often hard-hitting vehicles are great assets when on your team, but if they are not- watch out for loose bombs and sneaky torpedoes! 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 #WTscreen135. You have time until the 6th of September 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 feature a “tank destroyer”, “strike aircraft”, or “destroyer” (destroyer escorts included).
  
• You must add the #WTscreen135 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=3316575800
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3317810848
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3317817886

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3315918681
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3319011381
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3316215969

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

In the upcoming Dance of Dragons major update, closed testing of the French Coastal fleet will begin. And today, we’ll be showing you what awaits its first testers!

As with other naval powers, the development of France’s coastal fleet in the 20th century was driven by the ever-changing demands for coastal defense, control of sea routes, and ensuring the security of national interests. And sometimes, extraordinary solutions were adopted to address these challenges.




With the introduction of France’s coastal fleet tree, the first boats will be agile light motor torpedo ones, including the successful VTB-8, VTB-9, and VTB-11 series. Naval enthusiasts will find the Vedette 40k VTB-19 particularly interesting, as it was a boat that served under three different flags: France, Britain, and Germany, each time equipped with different armaments and equipment. Another intriguing boat is the Arras sub-chaser disguised as a merchant ship, or as the French often called this class, “Aviso”. This relatively slow boat with artillery armament is almost like a mini destroyer! Additional similar boats will be added to the French coastal fleet line in the future.

There’s also several imported boats that testers can look forward to. These are mainly of British origin, such as the MTB Vosper torpedo boat and the iconic transport converted for landing support tasks, the LCG(M), familiar from footage of the Normandy landings. One of France’s top light ships will be the versatile P-730 Combattante, armed with a 40 mm automatic cannon and four SS.11 guided missiles!




Closed testing of the French Coastal fleet will begin on the first day of the major update release. All owners of the VLT-2 pack will immediately gain access to research all of the boats available, as well as receive a unique commemorative decal for participating in the testing. Be sure to pick up the pack yourself, get some crew points and get ready to welcome the new French Coastal fleet tree with well-prepared, seasoned crews! You’ll also be able to get testing access through in-game achievements, which we’ll go through the details a little closer to the release.

Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
This pack includes

• VLT-2 (Rank IV, France)
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• French Coastal fleet access

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

In today’s blog, we’ll be taking a look at the rather interesting P-16, an experimental Swiss attack jet aircraft that has been modeled by War Thunder players!


At a glance:

• Excellent low-speed control!
  
• Light in weight with a variety of ordnance that can fit onto 4 wing hardpoints.
  
• Sidewinder AIM-9B air-to-air missiles.
  
• Model created by a War Thunder player!

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In 1948, the Swiss Air Force announced a competition to develop a jet fighter capable of performing ground-attack missions and taking off from unpaved airfields. Two Swiss companies took part in the competition: EFW (Eidgenössische Flugzeugwerke Emmen) with a project for four-engine tailless aircraft and FFA (Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke AG) with the more conservative P-16 project. The P-16 was a single-seat, low-wing monoplane with a short wing and a British Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire turbojet engine; for takeoff from unprepared terrain, the aircraft was equipped with twin landing gear wheels and a brake parachute. The first prototype, P-16-01, took to the air on April 25th 1955. The second prototype exceeded the speed of sound the following year. By 1958, four prototypes had been built, two of which had a more powerful version of the engine and showed acceptable flight characteristics.

In March 1958, the Swiss government, inspired by the test results, ordered 100 P-16 aircraft. However, the third prototype soon crashed due to problems with the hydraulic system. The production order was canceled. FFA made the necessary adjustments to the design and built two more prototypes on its own initiative, but the Swiss Air Force no longer showed interest in them. In the end, the Air Force purchased British Hawker Hunters.
[/expand]

Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
Price: 59.99

• FFA P-16 strike aircraft * (Rank VI, Germany);
  
• Premium account for 15 days;
  
• 2000 Golden Eagles;
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Slashing Pike" title;
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Swiss Guard” decal.
  

* - available after the next major update.



We’ve got a rare guest to show you in this dev blog: a combat aircraft that comes from Switzerland, the P-16! And today, we’re going to be telling you all about this experimental strike aircraft and its unique features coming to the game in the Dance of Dragons major update, available for pre-order starting today. Let’s take a look!




The P-16 was conceived as an aircraft that could be capable of taking off from unprepared, short airfields in the mountains. Because of this, its designers aimed to make it as compact as possible in size; it features short wings that have a large area and a high-thrust engine. In terms of being able to control the P-16, it’s easy — this is because although it cannot reach the speed of sound, it can get close to it, giving it good control at low speeds. Being great in dogfights, the P-16 is best used turning at extremely low altitudes and speeds, where other jet aircraft would risk stalling and crashing. But thanks to the P-16 working magic, it can stay in the air and maintain control with the flaps down!



Moving onto the weaponry of this Swiss aircraft. The P-16 features AIM-9B air-to-air missiles plus two high velocity HS 825 30 mm cannons located at the center of the fuselage (the same cannons used on the Italian Sagittario 2 and Ariete). Despite only having a total ammunition count of 240, these cannons are capable of taking down enemy aircraft with one or two hits. Let’s take a look at the P-16’s payload for attacking ground targets, which is rather impressive considering the size of this aircraft. On four hardpoints under the wings, the P-16 can carry bombs of various sizes up to 2,000 lb, or even napalm bombs too. This aircraft can also carry a total of 48 R80 SURA rockets, or 44 SNEB rockets that are located in a special retractable launcher under the fuselage. Even when carrying a maximum payload, the P-16 is still capable of effectively attacking ground targets thanks to its excellent control at low altitudes!

This amazing aircraft was created as part of the revenue share program by War Thunder players Vitaly “NovA29R” Vostokov (aircraft model) and Vladimir “Reg25RUS” Stanislavsky (cockpit model). The development team would like to express their gratitude to the Air Force Center in Dübendorf for providing access to the only remaining example of the aircraft, as well as to the members of the Swiss War Thunder community for taking photos of the aircraft and providing other materials that helped in the creation of the model!

That’s today’s blog! The premium P-16 can be purchased starting today as a pre-order pack for the German aircraft tree and will be available in the Dance of Dragons major update. Until then, keep an eye out for other vehicles on the way. Happy battles ahead!

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

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.