The Dassault Rafale jet fighter is coming to the game as a new top aircraft for the French aircraft tree!

At a glance:

• Powerful engines and excellent controllability.
  
• Large number of guided bombs.
  
• MICA-EM air-to-air missiles.
  
• No air brake.

Vehicle History
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The Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter was accepted into service with the French Air Force in 2005, and in early 2014, the French Ministry of Defense announced funding for the F3 modernization program. The main goals of this upgrade were to increase the aircraft’s combat ability and overall capabilities. The Rafale received a new radar, more advanced communication and surveillance systems, the ability to use Damocles and TALIOS targeting pods, and an expanded range of weapons. Tests of the upgraded aircraft began in April 2014, with the first test flights taking place in December of the same year. In October 2018, the French Air Force accepted the Rafale F3-R into service, and by 2030, all operational aircraft will be modernized to this standard. The first combat use of the Dassault Rafale C (F3-R) occurred in September 2020, when a pair of aircraft struck ISIS positions. Additionally, the F3-R modification has been exported to Greece and Croatia.
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Arriving at the end of the line for the French aircraft tree is a very famous and modern aircraft: the Dassault Rafale! Coming in the Storm Warning major update, this aircraft features excellent characteristics and a large arsenal of weapons. Let’s dive into the details!




The Rafale, along with the other top fighters, is a very technologically advanced aircraft that has its own unique elements. For example, this aircraft has access to MICA-EM ARH missiles, which are among the best long-range missiles in the game. In addition to this, the Rafale has just 2 missiles for short range engagements — already well-known to French pilots, the Matra R550 Magic 2. Another unique aspect is in the Rafale’s countermeasure loadout — it only has 32 large caliber countermeasures, but additionally a large amount of chaff!

Interesting: “Rafale”, when written in French as “Rafale de vent”, is translated into “Gust of Wind”!



In addition to regular bombs for destroying ground targets, the Rafale features both the Paveway series of guided bombs (GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-22 and GBU-24), familiar from other aircraft, and the AASM HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) bombs, new to War Thunder! This new addition includes the SBU 38 guided bomb (GNSS guidance), SBU 54 (Laser+IOG+GNSS guidance), and the most advanced version, the SBU 64 (IR+IOG+GNSS). Guidance for these new bombs is handled by the DAMOCLES targeting pod, familiar from the advanced Mirage 2000 aircraft.



In terms of speed, the Rafale features a pair of SNECMA M88-2 engines, producing a total thrust of almost 14,000 kgf and a maximum speed of over 1,800 km/h at very high altitudes when using the afterburner. The delta wing design and canards make the Rafale very controllable at any speed and altitude, allowing it to perform sharp maneuvers, while the powerful engines can quickly replenish energy losses.

That’s it for this blog! The Rafale C F3 will be waiting for you in the Storm Warning major update, where very soon it will have its say in both Air and Ground Battles — until then though, keep an eye out for more dev blogs!

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

Today, pre-orders for the American RDF/LT light tank with a 75 mm autocannon and the Russian BMD-4M airborne light tank have started in the store!



At a glance:

• 75 mm automatic cannon.
  
• 1.5 second reload!
  
• Decent maneuverability.
  
• Thin armor.

Vehicle History
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Based on the developments of the promising HSTV-L, in October 1980 AAI Corporation presented a prototype for the RDF/LT light tank, featuring a new engine and hull, reducing the combat weight to the allowed amount for transportation by helicopter. Several prototypes were made, but the vehicle was never accepted in serial production.
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To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
The Kit Includes:

• RDF/LT (Rank VII, USA)
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Rapid Deploy" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Ares" decal
  

Coming in with a reload time of just 1.5 seconds, the RDF/LT is a close relative of the US HSTV-L light tank, which both feature a 75 mm automatic cannon. This cannon has very good vertical aiming angles and can fire both APFSDS for use against ground vehicles and HE-VT shells for use against helicopters.



The RDF/LT has a new lightweight hull and new engine, giving it decent maneuverability even off-road. Ideal for aggressive and “getting in the enemy’s faces” combat, focus on disabling the enemy’s gun and tracks, and finishing them off with a few shots to the side to knock out the crew or explode the ammunition. Then onto the next!




At a glance:

• 100 mm cannon-launcher.
  
• 30 mm autocannon.
  
• Good speed.
  
• Additional armor package.

Vehicle History
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The BMD-4M (“Airborne Combat Vehicle”) was a further development of the BMD-4. This vehicle was 80% unified with the BMP-3, received a new chassis and a set of add-on armor. This modification is produced at the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant and is currently in service with the Russian Army.
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To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
The Kit Includes:

• BMD-4M (Rank VI, USSR)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 2000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: "No one but us" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Landing BMD-4M" decal
  

The BMD-4M is one of the most modern modifications but remains largely unchanged in terms of weaponry compared to the BMD-4, instead featuring a new 500 HP engine. This vehicle has an interesting weapons layout: a 100 mm cannon that can fire shells and even launch guided missiles, complemented by a 30 mm automatic cannon, good against helicopters and light ground vehicles.



For the chassis, the BMD-4M has additional armor protection thanks to add-on armor plates. This slightly increases the weight of the vehicle and also means it is not amphibious, instead coming with the trade-off of better protection against shrapnel, machine gun fire and autocannons. Being able to support allied MBTs or act alone, the BMD-4M has everything needed for different combat situations in battle.

Today we’ll be taking a look at the American-made M44 self-propelled howitzer, making its way to several nations in the “Storm Warning” major update!

At a glance:

• 155 mm howitzer with powerful HE shells!
  
• Excellent gun traverse speed, can react to new threats quickly.
  
• Limited horizontal aiming angles.
  
• Weakly armored and open topped.

Vehicle History
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The American M44 self-propelled howitzer emerged in the early 1950s as part of a program to develop a new 155 mm self-propelled gun to replace the outdated M41 howitzer platform. During production, the initial vehicle designated as the T99E1 revealed several shortcomings that required a redesign. The updated model featured a new fighting compartment with a modified howitzer. By 1954, the U.S. Army decided to focus on exporting the M44 to other countries. The M44 later ended up in service with Germany, the UK, Italy, Turkey, Belgium and Japan.
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The M44 self-propelled howitzer will be coming to a handful of nations in the Storm Warning major update! This surprisingly fast vehicle equipped with a hefty 155 mm gun will be a great addition to rank III lineups. Despite its drawbacks, it will always be able to effectively combat the toughest vehicles in the bracket. Let’s take a closer look at this new beast!




Mounted on the chassis of the Walker Bulldog light tank, the M44 is quite fast for a vehicle of this type. It’s able to reach speeds up to 56 km/h on roads, and can maneuver and cruise effectively off-road as well. The 155 mm howitzer is placed in an open mount and can traverse a max of 30 degrees horizontally each side, with 5 degrees of gun depression. The primary round available is the classic M107 HE shell, familiar to many of you who may play howitzer type vehicles. It can also fire a large smoke shell as well, but won’t have access to proximity HE.

Fun Fact: The M44 uses an inverted version of the chassis found on the M41 Walker Bulldog. The rear road wheels became idlers, while the drive wheels were relocated near the engine compartment.




One primary drawback of course is the thin armor and open crew compartment, making the M44 highly vulnerable to ground vehicles and aircraft. Plus, the reload speed is a bit of a limiting factor. Try to stick close to some form of vertical cover like buildings or large rocks — this will provide protection when retreating to reload, and make you harder to spot from the air. Thanks to the high mobility, an aggressive close-range play-style is definitely possible, but significantly riskier due to the reload and limited traverse angles. Despite the fragility however, the M44 is still a powerful and versatile howitzer platform, giving it a unique play-style at the lower ranks!




That’s it for this one! The M44 will be arriving to War Thunder in the Storm Warning major update at rank III, becoming available for the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Italy and France. Make sure to stay tuned for more news on upcoming vehicles and features. We’ll see you soon!

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

The Russian carrier-based Su-33 fighter is coming to the game as a Squadron Vehicle in the next major update!

At a glance:

• Excellent flight characteristics.
  
• Up to 12 weapon hardpoints!
  
• Short and medium range missiles.
  
• HMD.
  
• LARGE!

Vehicle History
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The program to create a new carrier-based fighter based on the Su-27 began in the early 1980s in connection with plans to build a heavy aircraft carrier, the Project 1143-5. In 1984, a decree was issued to create a new carrier-based fighter. Serial production began in 1989 at KnAAPO. The first flight of the Su-33 took place in February 1990. Testing dragged on until 1994 due to the collapse of the USSR and financial difficulties, and by that time only 24 aircraft had been produced. In 1995, aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, with the Su-33 on board, set out on a long ocean voyage to the Mediterranean for the first time. The Su-33’s baptism of fire took place from November 2016 to January 2017, when the Admiral Kuznetsov carried out combat missions as part of the Russian Navy’s far-off maritime zone task force off the coast of Syria.
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Meet the carrier-based Su-33, another powerful representative of the Su-27 jet fighter family, coming to the game in the Storm Warning major update as a Squadron Vehicle. Let’s take a look at what surprises you can expect with this modern Russian carrier-based aircraft!




The Su-33 is a heavy and very large aircraft with an excellent maximum top speed and roll rate, capable of very sharp maneuvers. However, due to its dimensions and tendency to quickly lose energy, it’s not that suitable for maneuverable air combat. Despite this however, the high strength of the airframe allows for fantastically bold changes in the angle of attack, with the helmet mounted display system giving a great advantage in close combat.

Like its brothers, the Su-33 is capable of performing a wide range of tasks in battles. This aircraft does not have missiles with active radar, so you’ll only be able to start an engagement after approaching. In terms of weaponry, the Su-33 features the all-aspect R-73 air-to-air missile in conjunction with HMD. In addition to this, the Su-33 can also take R-27 missiles, including the R-27ER, one of the best SARH missiles in the game, plus the R-27ET. One key advantage of the Su-33 is that it has 12 hardpoints! A modern radar and informative RWR also give this aircraft a complete picture of the battle and any surrounding threats.




In Ground Battles, the Su-33 can carry a load of conventional bombs, such as incendiary bombs, parachute bombs, and regular dumb bombs up to 500 kg, plus rockets like the S-5 and S-25O. And thanks to the large number of hardpoints, you’ll still be able to take a good supply of air-to-air missiles into battle without forfeiting ground attack ordnance!

Interesting: We’re pleased to present a new aircraft carrier model for War Thunder carriers in Air Battles — the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov! The model will appear in the game in the next update.





That’s it for this one! The Su-33 will arrive to the game in the Storm Warning major update. Like other Squadron Vehicles, this one can be purchased with enough squadron activity points, or simply bought instantly with Golden Eagles. Make sure to join a squadron in War Thunder to unlock this new aircraft just by playing the game!

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

The Lockheed Hudson patrol bomber first took to the air on December 10th 1938 in Burbank, California. Two months later, deliveries began to the Royal Air Force, who ordered 200 Hudson aircraft, making it Lockheed’s first major order. The Mk V modification received a more powerful 14-cylinder Twin Wasp engine with 1,200 HP.

This bomber is available for just 700 Golden Eagles!

When: From today until December 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Aviation > Premium vehicles.



About this aircraft

• The Hudson Mk V carries both bombs and regular rockets. It’s quite fast for a bomber and surprisingly durable, protected by five 7.7 mm machine guns, located at the front and rear. This allows it to not only attack ground targets, but also hunt for other bombers!

Introducing the next major update trailer for War Thunder: Storm Warning!

Today, we’d like to show you some screenshots of this new location for Ground Battles!




Attica’s appearance is based on the bright landscapes of the south-east of Greece, the national color of which is emphasized by the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the highest point on the map. The breeze of the Aegean Sea under the roar of tanks fighting and exploding is waiting for you in the next major update, coming soon.


Attica in one of its formats, [Domination]. Map borders are not shown.

Keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs coming your way!

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the La Galissonnière, a well balanced light cruiser arriving for France in the next major update!

At a glance:

• Good protection.
  
• Effective main caliber.
  
• One reconnaissance aircraft.
  
• Mediocre air defense capabilities.

Vehicle History
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In the early 1930s, the French Navy faced the need to modernize its fleet, especially its cruiser lineup. The Pact of Rome placed restrictions on the construction of heavy cruisers, forcing the French to turn their attention to light cruisers. In 1930, the Technical Department of the Navy presented a report on the development of a new series of light cruisers designed to replace obsolete ships and increase the overall tonnage of the fleet. The requirements for the new project paid special attention to armor protection, cruising range and armament. A total of six cruisers were laid down, the lead ship was named La Galissonnière. The cruiser operated in the Mediterranean Sea; after the capitulation of France and the occupation of the south of the country by German troops, La Galissonnière was scuttled by its crew in the dock in Toulon. The Italians raised the cruiser, but in 1943 after the armistice, it was captured by the Germans and returned to the Vichy Government. In 1944, La Galissonnière was sunk again, this time as a result of US air strikes. In 1954, the ship was raised and finally dismantled for scrap metal in 1956.
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The La Galissonnière light cruiser was considered to be perhaps the best representative of this class of ships built before the war. Let’s take a look at why! Meet one of the new additions coming in the next major update, the La Galissonnière light cruiser at rank IV for France.




In terms of armament, La Galissonnière resembles the Émile Bertin light cruiser, known as the “glass cannon” of France’s Bluewater fleet tree. The La Galissonnière features three main caliber turrets with three 152 mm cannon barrels in each, a good rate of fire and excellent armor-piercing shells, where the La Galissonnière can join up with allies to hunt some battleships. The secondary caliber is also no different, being universal 90 mm guns in twin mounts. However, La Galissonnière’s air defense weapons are lacking — just a pair of 37 mm anti-aircraft guns and large-caliber machine guns. For close combat and as a weapon of last resort, this cruiser can use torpedoes, with two per side.




While the armor of the Émile Bertin was deliberately neglected in favor of speed, when designing La Galissonnière, the shipbuilders decided to return to a more traditional approach. The ship maintains a high speed of 35 knots (65 km/h), even for a light cruiser, while having excellent protection for its class. Most of the hull is covered by a wide 105 mm armor belt, there’s also anti-torpedo bulkheads inside the hull, and the armor deck is 38 mm thick. This makes La Galissonnière not inferior in protection to its counterparts from other nations!



La Galissonnière is a classic late light cruiser! That’s it for today, keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs for the next major update, releasing before the end of this year. Have fun in your battles!

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

Thank you for all of your screenshots that you submitted last week. Some of you likely found out that some bridges don’t support the weight of heavy tanks - Try not to fall off! This week, grab some friends and take a screenshot! 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 #WTscreen149. You have time until the 13th of December 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 two or more player vehicles.
  
• You must add the #WTscreen149 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
  
• Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.

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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.

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https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3375091725
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3374449246
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3375184770

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3374993558
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3374344589
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3376321025

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

Today, we’re pleased to announce that a whole flurry of Thai aircraft will be reinforcing the Japanese air tree in the next major update! The Royal Thai Air force currently fields a wide range of aircraft, from capable fighters to powerful ground attackers, meaning a varied selection is ready to support Japan at the higher ranks. Let’s meet them!

The Royal Thai Air Force has a relatively small but rich history, too extensive to cover briefly. It was one of the first Air Forces in Asia, formed on November 2nd 1913. Three Thai officers were sent to France to undergo pilot training after the leadership was impressed by an air display by a Belgian pilot over Bangkok. After completing training, a Breguet biplane and four Nieuport IV monoplanes were purchased.

Later in 1914, the aviators put on an air display with their new aircraft. This greatly impressed the king, and with his support the Air Force was born, named the Royal Aeronautical Service, and put under the control of the Army.

Today, the Royal Thai Air Force has approximately 46,000 personnel and close to 500 aircraft, with the Alpha Jet, F-5, F-16 and JAS 39 to name a few in service today.

Starting off the new aircraft is the F-84G, a classic jet which is both a strong fighter and a capable CAS platform, this one will do a great job of bolstering ground battle lineups as a versatile strike aircraft.

Speaking of strike aircraft, two Alpha jets will be arriving as well! The familiar Alpha Jet A variant, along with the upgraded Alpha Jet TH (Phase 1). This variant lacks a cannon, but carries four all-aspect AIM-9P4 air-to-air missiles along with some great ground ordnance!






Accompanying the Squadron F-5E that arrived earlier in the year are two more models! The F-5A, and the F-5T SCU “Tigris”. Along with its typical array of ground attack weaponry, this Thai modification can equip Python 3 air-to-air missiles.

Further attacker options are represented by the AV-8S (Late) and the A-7E, both advanced strike aircraft with a wide variety of CAS options, along with some air-to-air weaponry as well to keep them competitive in all modes. 

Capping off the line are the F-16A Block 15 OCU and the JAS39C Gripen! These capable multi-role fighters will provide an edge in ground and air combat thanks to their advanced weaponry options. These Thai variants will bring additional playstyles to the top ranks, ensuring that the Japanese air tree remains versatile and competitive.





We’re glad to be able to include the Royal Thai Air force and its history into the game. These additions will enhance the Japanese air tree with more gameplay options and variety, we hope you’ll enjoy flying them and adding them into your lineups!



That’s all from us today, you can look forward to all of these aircraft in the next major update which will be coming soon. Until then all the best, and we’ll be in touch again soon to cover more upcoming content.

Please note that the mentioned vehicle characteristics may be changed before they are added to the game.