Mar 5, 2021

Armored Warfare - Silentstalker

Commanders!

As you might have already guessed from the title of this article, we have decided to introduce another T-series vehicle to the game – the T-72M1 Main Battle Tank.

Now, we can already imagine the first questions that are coming to your mind. Why introduce another such vehicle when we just had a series of Russian or Soviet tech? Why introduce a vehicle that’s for all intents and purposes very similar to a progression one that’s already in the game? Who is this vehicle aimed at?

Rest assured that we are going to answer those questions below, but first, let’s talk a bit about what the T-72M1 MBT actually is.

The T-72M1 is an export version of the T-72A Main Battle Tank. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not really a downgrade compared to the Soviet original even though the western community likes to refer to the export T-series variants as “monkey models.” This derogatory moniker typically includes the T-72M1, which is likely a mistake based on western analysts mixing up the T-72M and T-72M1 models in the past.

The T-72 series was the only third generation Soviet MBT series approved officially for export and foreign license production during the Soviet era (technically some of them still counted as Medium Tanks but for the purposes of this article, we’ll be calling them all MBTs). The approval took place as early as in 1976 with the first export models actually being three variants of the original T-72 Ural. These were exported to various countries of the Warsaw Pact as well as to the Middle East.

The main T-72 export model came, however, a few years later, in 1980. The T-72M was sort of a hybrid of the T-72 Ural and T-72A models. It was classified as an export variant of the T-72A (which featured frontal composite armor), but it only had a steel turret, significantly reducing its protection levels compared to the Soviet domestic version. Nevertheless, it was affordable and incredibly popular. It was used and produced in the thousands and saw a lot of combat in Operation Desert Storm.

The final “main” export variant, the T-72M1, came in 1982. This version was not exactly a copy of the T-72A, but rather an improvement of the older T-72M. It received, amongst other things, T-72A’s composite turret and an additional 16mm steel plate covering its upper frontal hull. These two tanks then became a baseline for a large number of post-Soviet or local upgrades.

The exact amount of produced T-72M1 vehicles is not well-documented and various sources come with different claims. These tanks were produced in the following countries:

Soviet Union (and later Russia)
Czechoslovakia
Poland
India

The Czechoslovak production ran between 1986 and 1993 at ZTS Martin (Slovakia) with 1690 vehicles of both types built. Of this number, the Czechoslovak army received 973 vehicles until 1990, of which 338 belonged to the T-72M1 sub-type. These tanks were also sold by the East Germany army, which received 126 tanks of both types between 1986 and 1989. Other Czechoslovak T-72M/M1 customers included:

Algiers (114 vehicles)
Bulgaria (16 vehicles)
Iraq (90 vehicles)
Libya (119 vehicles)
Syria (252 vehicles)

The numbers above only include newly produced machines. Additionally, hundreds of older Czechoslovak tanks were sold off later. For example, between 2005 and 2006, Georgia received 55 T-72M1 MBTs, which were then used during the Russo-Georgian conflict of 2008. Many of them ended up in Iraq after the Iraq War.

In Poland, the production of the T-72M and T-72M1 models started in 1986 and continued until 1992 with 1610 tanks of both types built. East Germany bought a substantial number of these from the Polish. Roughly one half of these tanks were exported to East Germany, Hungary, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and Syria.

In some cases, these former Warsaw Pact tanks had truly interesting careers. Between 1984 and 1990, roughly 70 Soviet T-72M1 MBTs were exported to Finland. The reasons for this were more or less political. Finland had a very interesting, if somewhat strained, relationship with the Soviet Union ever since 1945 and these acquisitions were a side effect thereof. Regardless, in 1992, Finland purchases 97 more tanks of this type from Germany, which got them from the East German military, which in turn got them from Czechoslovakia and Poland. After they were phased out in 2003, a part of them ended... back in the Czech Republic. A portion of them would apparently end in Iraq later on.

India produced its own T-72M1 version under the name Ajeya. The data is really hard to find and the sources differ, but it seems that apart from the direct purchases from the Soviet Union, India built roughly 1000 of its own T-72M1 tanks in Avadi. India currently operates approximately 2400 vehicles of this type.

In total, roughly 5000-6000 T-72M and T-72M1 MBTs were built. They were best known for their unsuccessful participation in Operation Desert Storm, but would appear in pretty much every conflict of the 21st century. Now, decades after their first introduction, they might not exactly represent the cutting edge of warfare, but are still the reliable workhorses of many an army.

In Armored Warfare, the T-72M1 will be a Tier 5 Premium Main Battle Tank.

The model we are working on is based on an East German vehicle from the late 1980s. Gameplay-wise, the tank will be similar to the T-72A progression MBT, only without the Kontakt-1 ERA upgrade. There isn’t much that can be said about its performance otherwise – it will perform adequately, but it won’t outperform other vehicles on the same Tier.

There will be some visual differences between the T-72A and T-72M1 models. Most obviously, the T-72M1 is missing the radiation lining on top of the turret, there’s the 16mm steel plate on the hull and the stowage box layout is different.

But let us finally get to the point of this vehicle’s introduction.

Since the beginning, we considered different ways how to enhance the future Desert Storm Raid experience even further. It will be our first Raid based on a real-life event and it will feature several appropriate visual customization options such as the Mk.3 ODS skin for the Challenger 1 MBT.

We thought it would be appropriate to include a separate Premium vehicle and from there, we started considering various candidates. We wanted the Iraqi side represented as well and the T-72M1 did fight during the Desert Storm operation in Iraqi hands.

But the real reason we chose it runs a bit deeper.

Armored Warfare has tens of thousands of players, many of whom come from the countries that used or use the T-72 series MBTs. By introducing this vehicle as a separate platform, we’ll also be able to produce various skins for it. This tank served all around the world and we’re sure that many of you would like to see your specific configuration represented in the game.

Without having a separate T-72M1 model, this would be difficult to do. The reason for that is that none of these countries historically used the Kontakt-1 ERA, which is an integral part of the T-72A model and cannot be excluded from skins in general. We’ll also be potentially able to use this model in the future as a baseline for various highly requested vehicles that wouldn’t otherwise work as simple skins.

Regarding the T-72M1 itself, it will be available at the start of the Desert Storm Raid event. To enter the Raid, you’ll either have the option to purchase it for Gold, or to enter the event for free by completing 10 Contract Missions as usual.

And, finally, as for the future, there’s one more Russian (or, rather, Soviet) vehicle that awaits you in the foreseeable future (yes, it will be obtainable for free) and then we’ll start taking a look at more western designs. We’ll also tell you more about the other Desert Storm Raid skins soon. Stay tuned and, as always:

See you on the battlefield!

Mar 4, 2021

Camouflage Loot Crate now available

Armored Warfare - Silentstalker

Commanders!

Today, we’re launching another Camouflage Loot Crate on MY.GAMES Market.

As its name suggests, this new Loot Crate, available until March 11, 2021 (along with the other weekly offer), contains various camouflages and skins.

This iteration contains the following ones (click on their names where designated to learn of their real life background):

Skin: Mistwalker (Kornet-EM) (NEW)
Skin: Mistwalker (WPB Anders) (NEW)
Skin: Mistwalker (VT-4) (NEW)
Skin: Mistwalker (Griffin 50mm) (NEW)
Skin: Eraser (B1 Draco)
Skin: Eraser (M8 Thunderbolt II)
Skin: Eraser (Merkava Mk.4)
Skin: Eraser (Leclerc)
Skin: Cyberwarrior (K21 XC-8)
Skin: Samurai (Al Hussein)
Skin: Samurai (Challenger 2)
Skin: Samurai (Sphinx)
Skin: Samurai (T-15)
Skin: Sentinel (Stryker)
Skin: Sentinel (Bradley)
Skin: Sentinel (Stingray 2)
Skin: Sentinel (XM1A3)
Skin: Barracuda (OF-40)
Skin: Barracuda (Leopard 2A5)
Black Eagle (Desert)
Black Eagle (Snow)
Black Eagle (Woodland)
Techno (Desert)
Techno (Snow)
Techno (Woodland)
Berlin Brigade
Uralvagonzavod 2015
Modern Urban
Swedish
Swiss Digital
Australian Bush
Russian Arctic
Russian Airborne Forces #1
Russian Airborne Forces #2
Russian Airborne Forces #3
Russian #4
Russian #5
Russian #6
German #1
German #2
German #3
German PSO
Polish
Commonwealth #1
Commonwealth #2
Commonwealth #3
Canadian #1
Canadian #2
Canadian #3
French #1
French #2

The mechanics are very simple. Each crate allows you to win one of the listed items (or its value in Gold if you have it already, in this case 1.000 Gold per camouflage).

To learn more about what's in a chest simply click on it, this will launch a small pop up window to show you what’s inside. You will find everything from in-game currency packs to consumables and exclusive skins that can only be found in these chests!

Please note:

After opening the crate, you will immediately roll on one of the items that are inside this Loot Crate and will see what you receive before you have to actually pay anything. No more random chances – you immediately see what you get and what you don’t. You can then opt to purchase the item you rolled on for the Loot Crate’s price. Until you do so, you will be unable to buy any other Loot Crate of the same type.

We hope that you will enjoy the offer and, as always:

See you on the battlefield!

Mar 4, 2021

Offer: American Firepower

Armored Warfare - Silentstalker

Commanders!

Today we’ve prepared the following items for you:

Bradley AAWS-H Tier 8 Premium Tank Destroyer
Sentinel Skins
Abrams AGDS Tier 9 Premium Tank Destroyer
Griffin 120mm Tier 8 Premium Light Tank
M1A1 Storm Tier 7 Premium Main Battle Tank
Battle Coins

Between March 4 and March 11, 2021, the following items will be available:

Bradley AAWS-H

The Bradley AAWS-H Tank Destroyer was an attempt by Loral Vought to mount four kinetic guided missiles on an extendable arm while using the Bradley IFV chassis as a platform. Kinetic missiles were cutting edge tech back in the 1980s – unlike standard ATGMs, they destroyed the target by their kinetic energy instead of a HEAT warhead, accelerating to several times the speed of sound. There was little to no defense against them, although they did have some drawbacks, which was why they were never adopted in real life. You can read more about the vehicle in our dedicated article.

In Armored Warfare, the Bradley AAWS-H is a Tier 8 Premium Tank Destroyer. It’s an ATGM-based TD, carrying special kinetic missiles that actually become more effective with increasing distance to your target. It is the embodiment of a long-range missile carrier and is perfect for players who prefer sniping to close combat.

Sentinel Skins

The Sentinel skins are available for the following vehicles: XM1A3, Stingray 2, M1128 Stryker and M2A3 Bradley. They are inspired by the imagery of U.S. Air Force stealth fighter jets.

Please note that these bundles include the skins only, not the vehicles themselves, which need to be obtained separately.

Abrams AGDS

The Abrams AGDS (Armored Ground Defense System) was a vehicle concept and proposal, drafted in July 1996 by Dr. Asher H. Sharoni (a former colonel in the Israeli Defense Forces) and Lawrence D. Bacon from a Californian company called Western Design Howden. It was supposed to be an air-defense vehicle, protecting the Abrams formations against flying threats, although its weaponry can be deployed against ground targets as well. The United States were, at the time, sorely lacking a vehicle comparable to the Russian Shilka and one of the ideas was to use the Abrams chassis paired with a new turret to produce an armored AA gun that would be able to keep up with the American tank units. This plan was never realized and the vehicle stayed only on paper but you can play the Abrams AGDS in Armored Warfare and experience what it would have been like, had it ever been deployed.

In Armored Warfare, the Abrams AGDS is a very unique Tier 9 Premium Tank Destroyer. What makes it so special are its two large guided missile launchers capable of firing an incredibly devastating volley within seconds. The AGDS can devastate practically every opponent on the battlefield with a single salvo, making it one of the best and most effective mid-to-long range vehicles in the game. At close ranges, it can rely on excellent frontal turret protection and its two 35mm autocannons to keep enemies at bay until the missile launcher reloads to unleash another deadly swarm of missiles. The Abrams AGDS is one of the most feared vehicles in Armored Warfare!

Griffin 120mm

The Armored Warfare version of the Griffin Light Tank is based on an early 2016 tech demonstrator, intended to show the U.S. military during the AUSA 2016 conference that General Dynamics meant business. It was built as a private venture; effectively a scaled-up example of General Dynamics was capable of providing when it came to highly mobile vehicles with a lot of firepower for the U.S. airborne forces. The U.S. Army was impressed and the design has since evolved into what is generally referred to as the MPF Light Tank. You can read more about this vehicle in our dedicated article.

In Armored Warfare, the Griffin 120mm is a Tier 8 Premium Light Tank and a powerful, fast machine, armed not only with its 120mm cannon, but also with special ammunition types, making it deadly at any distance. Few Tier 9 vehicles can match its sheer ferocity on the battlefield.

M1A1 Storm

In 1985, the Abrams was upgraded with, amongst other things, the 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon. Over 5000 M1A1 tanks were produced until 1992. This tank participated in Operation Desert Storm, which forged its legendary reputation.

In Armored Warfare, the M1A1 Storm is a Tier 7 Premium Main Battle Tank. The M1A1 Storm look was inspired by Operation Desert Storm, including a gorgeous camouflage net model. But, more importantly, this tank is equipped with a massive frontal dozer blade, adding extra armor and ramming damage to the long list of its advantages.

Battle Coins

This week (until the end of the Battle Path), we are offering you an opportunity to boost your Battle Path progress and get that main prize you know you want – the Object 195 Tier 10 Premium Main Battle Tank!

The following Battle Coin bundles are available:

1.000 Battle Coins (10% off)
5.000 Battle Coins (15% off)
10.000 Battle Coins (25% off)
25.000 Battle Coins (35% off)
50.000 Battle Coins (45% off)

Battle Coins can be used for a number of things, including:

Force-completing Battle Path missions
Progressing through Battle Path levels
Purchasing the Kurganets-25 blueprints from the Shop

Please note: In order to use Battle Coins, you need to obtain the access to the Echoes of War Battle Path.

We hope that you will enjoy the offer and, as always:

See you on the battlefield!

Mar 2, 2021

Special Operations: Story So Far

Armored Warfare - Silentstalker

Commanders!

Armored Warfare features a storyline you can participate it by playing the Special Operations mode.

Apocalypse

Chapter 1 – Plague

Date: March, 2047
Location: Gori, Georgia

After the supervolcano explosion that happened simultaneously to the destruction of the Enigma at Shikotan, on July 17, 2044, the entire world crumbled with the corporate infrastructure collapsing all across the globe. In the months and years that followed, the survivors salvaged what they could and sought shelter to survive in the harsh, post-apocalyptic world.

Amongst the survivors were Ivo Rinaldi, the former leader of PLM, and Igor Kopylov, an ex-major of the Russian military. Together, they started a colony out of an Enigma vault they captured right after the cataclysm. It is now 2047. Their settlement is thriving but is far from safe. Raiders and looters roam the land, fighting over last scraps of food, fuel and ammunition. Commandeering an abandoned Enigma warship, both men set out on a mission to capture vital resources in the Georgian city of Gori, recently devastated by an earthquake.

Arriving at the destination, they begin to loot a derelict Clayburn Industries base. Igor Kopylov urges Rinaldi to hurry, but Rinaldi’s greed gets the better of him and as he attempts to salvage every last bit of ammunition from the base’s stores, the operation is violently disrupted by a sudden series of tremors. The region, already seismically unstable, shakes like it’s about to be swallowed by the tides of hell and Rinaldi’s team is stuck with no choice but to traverse its remnants in hope of not alerting too much attention to themselves in order to reach a safe spot where the warship could land.

Unfortunately for them, their presence is quickly noticed by the city’s inhabitants, led by David Gelovani, a local warband leader in command of a large militia. He’s none too happy with Ivo Rinaldi escaping with his property. Insults are exchanged, then threats, but Rinaldi knows he has no choice but to press onwards since the resources he carries are vital to his settlement’s survival. A desperate fight breaks out with Rinaldi’s men staving off one assault after another.

At this point, Rinaldi’s attempt to pick the base clean pays off as the team is able to bring down a building with the extra ammunition the men carry in order to bridge a large trench created by a previous earthquake. The beleaguered group finally manages to cross the river north of the city and rallies near an abandoned police station where the warship can land.

During the final minutes of the battle, Gelovani throws everything he has at Rinaldi, but his last ditch attempt to seize the loot back is thwarted and the warship takes off with the precious cargo onboard. As they leave, they hear furious Gelovani swear it’s not the last they’ll hear of him...

The Special Operations story will continue in Update 0.35. Stay tuned!