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The War Thunder Championships Series (WTCS) continues! After TITAN and the victory for AVReS, it’s time for you to take part in the second Major Event of the year: Armored Apex! Here, you’ll use legendary vehicles like the M1A2 Abrams or the T-80BVM on famous maps like Normandy or Advance to the Rhine. Armored Apex, the second major event, is a qualifying tournament, which allows you to score points for the 2025 WTCS season in a 4v4 RB Tank format!
Without further ado, let’s check out the lineup, maps, date and prizes for this second Major!
After each Open qualifier, four teams will qualify for the Play-Off phases. For more information, be sure to check out the War Thunder Esports in 2025: The Beginning Of A New Era news that describes everything in detail.
Open Qualifier I: June 14th-15th at 15:00 GMT
Open Qualifier II: June 21st-22nd at 15:00 GMT
Play-Offs: June 28th-29th & July 5th-6th at 15:00 GMT
Here’s the line-up that will be used for Open Qualifier I & II. It will be exactly the same for the Play-off phases.
Please note that there will be no map bans during the Open Qualifiers. All maps will be selected randomly. However, for the 8 Qualified teams, a map ban will be set up for the Play-offs.


For each Open Qualifier, there’s a total of 86,400 Golden Eagles, plus Research Point & Silver Lion boosters and Premium Account time!
Here’s a detailed list of the Major’s prizes:

When: Each stream will start from 14:45 GMT
Open Qualifier I Stream: June 14th-15th
Open Qualifier II Stream: June 21st-22nd
During the live broadcasts throughout the two weekends of the Open Qualifier matches, you can receive boosters and premium account time from Twitch Drops. Make sure to stay tuned for the Twitch drops prizes during the Finals!
There’s a variety of broadcasts in different languages to give you the best experience in English, Russian, German, Polish and French.
Login to your Twitch account → link your Gaijin account → click “Allow” to be able to receive Twitch Drops!
During the WTCS Armored Apex Major, join the Official War Thunder Esports Discord server to hang out with like-minded competitive players and take part in major giveaways that include the following packs:
Leopard 2 (OTCo) Pack
RAH-66 Comanche Pack
F-2A ADTW Pack
Leopard 2A4 Pack
The Esports team wishes you the best of luck for the qualification phases. May the force be with you!

Unique decal: "Thunder Tactiks"
Unique camouflage: Bf 109 F-4 "Thunder Tactics"
Unique camouflage: Sd.Kfz.234/2 "Thunder Tactics"
300 Golden Eagles
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.
Today we’re taking a look at the Israeli SPYDER AIO, a rapid-deployment air defense system designed to counter all types of modern aerial threats.
At a glance:
Python-5 and Derby missiles
High-speed radar scanning
Effective short and long range air defense
Good mobility
Vehicle History
The SPYDER AIO (All-In-One) is an Israeli mobile air defense system jointly developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries to provide rapid, autonomous protection against a wide range of aerial threats, ranging from planes, helicopters to UAVs and even precision-guided munitions. It evolved from the original SPYDER (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) system, which was designed in the early 2000s to meet the needs of modern, mobile, and multi-layered air defense.
The system has attracted interest globally and has since been adopted by the armed forces of several countries including Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, the UAE, Morocco and others. The AIO variant integrates all system components — radar, command and control, and missile launchers — onto a single vehicle for enhanced mobility and quicker deployment. The SPYDER AIO was designed to launch both Python-5 and Derby missiles, offering both short and medium-range interception capabilities.
The SPYDER AIO is arriving to War Thunder as part of the Leviathans major update to reinforce the top rank of the Israeli ground forces tree with one of the most advanced air defense systems to date. Featuring a selection of two missile types and a highly capable radar system, the Spyder is set to become the new guardian angel when playing the Israel ground forces tree. Ready to find out more? Let’s take a look at the details.

In most cases, modern missile-based air defense systems consist of several units with distinct roles, working together. In the case of the SPYDER AIO, Israeli engineers integrated all functions into a single, highly mobile platform, thus creating a highly potent all-in-one solution. The SPYDER’s signature strength lies undoubtedly in its electronic equipment and most prominently, in its advanced radar system. Consisting of a fixed four phased antenna array, the SPYDER can scan the surrounding airspace at smaller intervals. This, coupled with thermal imaging, enables the Spyder AIO to detect aerial threats well ahead of time and in all weather conditions, before they become an acute danger to allies on the ground.


Detecting a foe is one thing, but dealing with them effectively is a whole different one. Fortunately however, the SPYDER has access to two types of advanced missile systems — the Python-5 and Derby. The Derby will be familiar if you’ve played Israel before, but the Python-5 is brand-new to the game! Each missile system is tailored to a different engagement type, yet both feature fire-and-forget capability, meaning you can focus solely on coordinating the order of engagement of hostile air threats. Both missiles are roughly identical in range, but complement each other in different combat situations. The Derby being an ARH missile is immune to flares and IRCMs, and can also capture targets in the frontal hemisphere from greater ranges. The Python-5 with IR guidance does not trigger RWR (except for the most advanced ones that feature MAWS with optical sensors for detecting rocket engine flares) and are immune to “notching”. Therefore it’s reasonable to fire at targets that pose the biggest threat with both types of missiles at once.
That’s it for this one! The SPYDER AIO will soon become available to all players at the top rank of the Israeli ground forces trees with the release of the Leviathans major update! 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!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Royal Italian Navy was founded shortly after the unification of the country on March 17th 1861. A significant part of it was made up of the navies of the kingdoms of Naples and Sardinia. For a long time, they were significantly disunited, and only in 1881 was a common Naval Academy opened in Livorno. By the beginning of the 20th century, Italy was already a serious naval power, capable of confronting Austria-Hungary in the Adriatic Sea. It was there on June 10th 1917 that an Italian motor torpedo boat sank the dreadnought SMS Szent István, and in honor of this victory, Italian Navy Day was established.
This destroyer is available for 3850 Golden Eagles.
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[/carousel]When: June 10th (11:00 GMT) until June 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.
About this destroyer
The RN Geniere was actively used during the Second World War as an escort ship, mainly protecting Italian convoys leading to Libya. Its arsenal is universal, featuring a powerful anti-aircraft battery, depth charges, powerful torpedoes and 120 mm guns, ready to fire every 7.5 seconds with a well-trained crew. And of course, the speed and maneuverability required of a destroyer compensate for the light armor.
RN Pola is available at 5614 Golden Eagles, and RN Leonardo da Vinci is available at 5866 Golden Eagles!
When: June 10th (11:00 GMT) until June 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.
About these ships
RN Pola’s main caliber is represented by eight 203 mm guns — they’re powerful, but fire slowly. This ship has good armor, a decent anti-aircraft battery and decent speed. A real all-rounder!




[/carousel]RN Leonardo da Vinci may not be fast, but it packs an impressive punch. This ship boasts 305 mm guns with semi-armor-piercing shells that carry a huge amount of explosives.




[/carousel]You can get this decal for this special occasion!
“Coat of arms of the Naval Service of the Italian Coast Guard” decal
When: From June 10th (11:00 GMT) Until June 13th (07:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using Italian naval vessels at rank III or higher to receive the “Coat of arms of the Naval Service of the Italian Coast Guard” decal.
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 → Italian Navy Day.
You can find the decal in the “Italy -> Navy” tab in the customization menu.

We’ve finally arrived! Introducing the Japanese F-2A multi-role fighter as a researchable variant, and the F-2A ADTW as a premium pack variant.
At a glance:
Excellent flight characteristics
Advanced electronics
IR and ARH air-to-air missiles
Large amount of weaponry
No HMD
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
79.99
F-2A ADTW (Rank VIII, Japan)
Premium account for 30 days
3000 Golden Eagles
Pre-order bonus: unique title “Viper Zero”
Pre-order bonus: unique “Gifu Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force emblem” decal

Vehicle History
Jointly developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and American companies General Dynamics and Lockheed, the F-2A fighter is based on the American F-16 for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. While maintaining its basic aerodynamics, the F-2A received an enlarged wing made of composite materials, a reinforced fuselage and full Japanese avionics, including an AESA radar and an integrated fire control system.
The prototype first flew in 1995, and serial production of 94 aircraft (including F-2B combat trainers) was carried out from 2000 to 2011. Despite its technological advancement, the program faced a record cost of about $120 million per aircraft. During operation, problems with the resource of composite wings and electronics were revealed, requiring expensive upgrades.
Today, the F-2A remains the key strike aircraft of the Self-Defense Force. The unique experience of creating the F-2A allowed Japan to develop its own fifth-generation technology demonstrator, the X-2 Shinshin.
Japan’s long-awaited top jet fighter is coming in the Leviathans major update! Meet the F-2A Viper Zero — an advanced multi-role aircraft, expertly crafted for modern air combat and the destruction of sea and ground targets with guided weapons from long distances. Plus, along with the researchable F-2A, a premium variant named the F-2A ADTW is available for pre-order starting today! Let’s take a closer look.

The F-2A’s appearance may look strikingly familiar, and that’s because it is based on the American F-16C Block 40. Despite looking similar, the F-2A received significant improvements in almost all combat characteristics. It has a longer wing, composite materials have been widely used in the fuselage and tail design, helping to increase the F-2A’s speed, rate of climb and maneuverability to the level of some of the best aircraft in the game.
Interesting: The F-2A has the nickname of “Viper Zero”! This name is combined from the F-16’s nickname of “Viper”, and the name of the classic A6M “Zero”.

As befits a multi-role jet aircraft, the F-2A’s arsenal allows it to perform any tasks, one of which is the ability to adequately take out naval targets without coming into direct contact with them. This is thanks to the ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, which are new to the game! The first one has an ARH seeker with inertial guidance, while the second one has a seeker with IR and inertial guidance. Alongside these missiles is the excellent AAM-3 close-range missile, found on the Japanese F-15J. These missiles come stock for the aircraft and have a high maximum overload, a very long time of controlled flight and good IR countermeasures resistance. For other scenarios, you can research and use the AAM-4 medium-range missile, featuring a ARH homing head, which are approximately similar in efficiency and guidance to the American AIM-120A. To round them up, they have inertial guidance, a data-link, a decent available maximum overload and a launch range even higher than the American missile!
So we’ve spoken about the air-to-air and air-to-ship missiles, but what can be used against ground vehicles? There’s literally an entire arsenal. We’re talking the GBU-31 JDAM and the GBU-38 JDAM with satellite guidance, the more advanced GBU-54B LJDAM with laser, inertial and satellite guidance, to a large selection of regular and tail fin bombs with a total weight of over 5,000 kg per sortie, Zuni rockets and up to 342 Mighty Mouse rockets. To locate targets, the F-2A features its own J/AAQ-2 targeting pod, and a new Sniper pod is required for launching the LJDAM guided bombs!

As mentioned at the start of the text, today pre-orders for the F-2A Air Development and Test Wing (ADTW) have started! This one was created after a prototype for test purposes. This is truly an eye-catching aircraft, featuring slightly worse air-to-air missiles than its researchable variant, and it will not be able to launch GBU-54 or ARH missiles.
The anticipated F-2A Viper Zero and nice F-2A ADTW are coming to the game in the Leviathans major update, which is coming soon. See you around!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

On June 9th 1892, Nikolai Nikolaevich Polikarpov was born. He was a famous Soviet aircraft designer nicknamed “the king of fighters”. He designed dozens of aircraft, including the Po-2, I-15 and I-16, which made up a significant part of the USSR’s air force from 1939-1941.
The I-16 type 28 is available for 1350 Golden Eagles.
When: From June 9th (11:00 GMT) until June 12th (11:00 GMT).
Where: USSR > Aviation > Premium vehicles.



[/carousel]About this aircraft
The I-16 type 28 is a slow, but fast-climbing and maneuverable aircraft, ideal for turn fighting. This aircraft features two 20 mm ShVAK cannons and two 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, plus six 82 mm rockets and two FAB bombs up to 100 kg that can be mounted on the wings.
The I-153P is available for 665 Golden Eagles and Zhukovsky’s I-153-M62 is available for 280 Golden Eagles.
When: From June 9th (11:00 GMT) until June 12th (11:00 GMT).
Where: USSR > Aviation > Premium vehicles.



[/carousel]About these aircraft
Both of these variants of the I-153 Chaika are equipped with the M62 engine and are capable of carrying two 50 kg bombs or eight 82 mm rockets. The I-153P got its name from the word “gun”, as it is armed with two 20 mm ShVAK cannons. The I-153-M62 which was flown at the start of the Second World War by ace Sergei Yakovlevich Zhukovsky is equipped with four 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns.


Check out the famous Czechoslovakian L-39 trainer coming to War Thunder in its combat training variant, the L-39ZA!
At a glance:
Good handling
Bombs and rockets
Low top speed
Two flap positions and an air brake
Low ammo count for the cannon
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
49.99
L-39ZA Albatros (Rank V, USSR)
2000 Golden Eagles
Premium account for 15 days
Pre-order bonus: unique title "Bird of passage"
Pre-order bonus: unique decal "Albatross"
Vehicle History
The Czechoslovakian L-39 jet trainer replaced the L-29 Delfin. It was a completely new aircraft that featured a simple and reliable design and received a more powerful engine with almost twice the thrust as the L-29. The prototype first took to the skies on November 4th 1968 and serial production began in 1972. In 1974, development of a combat training variant called the L-39ZA began, equipped with a 23 mm GSh-23L cannon and reinforced chassis. Serial production of this variant began in 1980. Later on, special export variants were produced.
The L-39ZA was tested in the USSR in 1979, where it confirmed its effectiveness as a light attack aircraft. A total of 265 aircraft of this modification were built, entering service with the Air Forces of Czechoslovakia, the GDR, Bulgaria, Romania, Syria, Algeria among several other countries.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the L-39 proved itself as a universal platform for training and combat operations. Even after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, the L-39 remains in demand — many of these aircraft are still in operation in various countries, and its successor, the L-39NG, L-59 and L-159 continue to build on the success of this legendary aircraft. Thanks to the combination of simplicity, reliability and versatility, the L-39 Albatros is rightfully considered as one of the best combat trainer aircraft in the world.

Meet the combat variant of the famous Czechoslovakian L-39 trainer coming to the game in the Leviathans major update as a rank V premium for the USSR! This is the first fully domestically designed Czechoslovakian aircraft to arrive to the game and today pre-orders for it have started! So without further ado, let’s dive into the details.


The L-39ZA Albatros is a two-seat subsonic jet aircraft that was not only used for training pilots, but also was used as a standalone combat strike aircraft. The L-39ZA features a twin-barreled 23 mm cannon positioned under the cockpit at the center of the fuselage, so aiming this gun is pretty easy! Although having said this, the total ammunition is just 150 rounds, so you’re going to have to make sure that your shots count. For destroying ground vehicles, the L-39ZA features a good amount of bombs and rockets — up to 1000 kg of bombs ranging from 100, 250 and 500 kg, as well as up to 64 small S-5K rockets.
We’d like to note that in real life, the L-39ZA can indeed carry air-to-air missiles, however the introduction of these missiles to the aircraft in-game would inevitably lead to its Battle Rating increasing. Given the L-39ZA’s speed characteristics, it would make this aircraft easy prey for opponents if it were to have a higher Battle Rating. As a result, we’ve decided to introduce the ground attack variant of this aircraft, making it an excellent addition to ground force lineups at rank V. It will also be able to play effectively in air modes at its rank too.

Speaking of speed, the L-39ZA can reach a maximum speed of around 760 km/h, where it can be controlled well throughout its entire speed range thanks to the short wings and high tail that provide excellent turn and roll rates. Plus, the L-39ZA has two positions for its flaps along with an air brake, helping to accurately line up on ground targets and give an additional advantage while turning in air battles.

The L-39ZA Albatros combat-trainer is coming to War Thunder in the Leviathans major update! From today, you can pre-order this strike aircraft to get unique bonuses, Golden Eagles and Premium Account time. Follow the link above to the store page and keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs coming soon™!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

On June 6th 1944, the Western Front opened in the European theater of the Second World War. A record-breaking150,000 Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy with support from the sea and air. D-Day is one of the most important events in the history of the 20th century, and we celebrate it every year!
When: From June 6th (11:00 GMT) until June 9th (11:00 GMT).
Celebrate the anniversary with the following unique bundles available for purchase in the Gaijin.net store.

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
$98.36 $68.85
M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo Cobra King;
M18 Black Cat Pack;
George Bostwick's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt Pack;
Mustang Pack;
Unique title: “First in Deed”;
Unique decal: “First United States Army Insignia”.


To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
$93.96 $65.77
M10 Achilles Pack;
Sherman Firefly Ic Pack;
Prendergast`s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe Pack;
Typhoon Pack;
Unique title: “Sledgehammer”;
Unique decal: “2nd Army Formation badge”.


To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
$192 $96.16
M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo Cobra King;
M18 Black Cat Pack;
George Bostwick's P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt Pack;
Mustang Pack;
M10 Achilles Pack;
Sherman Firefly Ic Pack;
Prendergast`s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe Pack;
Typhoon Pack;
Unique title: “Overlord”;
Unique decal: “SHAEF insignia”.

+ Decals and titles from “First in deed” and “Sledgehammer” bundles.
Please note! You can also get the unique titles and decals if you log into the game from June 6th to June 9th and get at least three victories, while at the same time you have previously purchased all separate packs that are included in the bundles above. The titles and decals will be assigned after June 11th to all players who have fulfilled these conditions.
When: From June 5th (11:00 GMT) until June 17th (11:00 GMT).

Play in Ground battles, earn points and get themed decals and a decoration, plus the American T86 premium tank that is capable of driving on water thanks to being amphibious!
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS
When: From June 1st (11:00 GMT) until June 30th (11:00 GMT).

This month’s Pages of History features Theodore Roosevelt Jr, the son of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and a veteran of both World Wars. He was the only general to personally land on the beaches of Normandy along with the rest of the soldiers on the morning of June 6th 1944. People thought he was going to his death, but the 56-year old (who walked with a cane) not only survived but also brilliantly commanded his subordinates.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS
Decorate your vehicles with this unique decal.

“D-Day 2025” decal
When: From June 6th (11:00 GMT) until June 10th (07:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using US, British or French vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “D-Day 2025” decal!
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 → D-Day.
You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the customization menu.
[carousel autoadvance="true"]When: From June 6th (11:00 GMT) until June 9th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.



[/carousel]HMS Belfast is now a museum ship in London! But in the mid-20th century, she played a part in many battles. HMS Belfast escorted northern convoys to the Soviet Union, participated in the Battle of the North Cape and the sinking of the battleship Scharnhorst, and provided fire support during the Normandy landings on June 6th 1944.
We’ve lined up a series of air, tank and naval tournaments dedicated to the anniversary of D-Day! Registration for them is already open and will last until June 8th. In these tournaments, you can win a special D-Day decal and the “Ace of Normandy” title. Don’t forget, we have an official Esports Discord server, so don’t forget to join!