War Thunder

F-86E(M) Export Variant launched on September 4, 2026, marking a significant addition to the aircraft roster in War Thunder. This update also introduced several advanced aircraft, including the Phantom II F-4E AUP and Mirage 2000-5EG, enhancing ground attack capabilities and air combat. The introduction of Greek aviation and ground forces sub-trees further expanded the game's tech tree options.

• New Aircraft:

  • F-86E(M): First supersonic aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force.
  • Phantom II F-4E AUP: Advanced systems for improved performance.
  • Mirage 2000-5EG: Enhanced capabilities for diverse combat scenarios.
  • A-7H and A-7E Corsair II: Two new variants focusing on anti-tank and air defense roles.
  • F-102A Delta Dagger: First production supersonic interceptor with missile-only armament.
  • AH-64A (GR) Helicopter: Premium helicopter added to the US tree.

• New Ground Vehicles:

  • Leopard 2A6 HEL Modification: Special variant for the Greek Army.
  • PzH 2000HU and PLZ45: New self-propelled guns added to the lineup.
  • Introduction of Greek Ground Vehicles: Including Soviet Osa-AKM and Tor-M1 SAM systems.

• Significant Gameplay Changes:

  • Nuclear Escalation Mode Reworked: Focused on Vietnam-era aircraft and ground combat.
  • New Darwin Hill Map: Based on the Falkland Islands for ground battles.
  • AW159 Wildcat Introduced: Designed for ambush tactics with versatile missile options.

• Seasonal Events:

  • Space Program Event Launched: Running from September 3 to September 21, players can earn the F-16XL by completing stages.
  • Pakistan Defense Day Discounts: 30% discount on Pakistan vehicles from September 4 to September 7.

• Balance Changes:

  • Overhauled Bomber Damage Model: Improved resilience and damage mechanics for bombers.
  • Updated Damage Models: For various aircraft classes to enhance realism and gameplay.

Heavy Cavalry Major Update launched on June 24, 2026, marking a significant overhaul for War Thunder. This update introduced numerous new vehicles, including the USS North Carolina, and the F-101C Voodoo Jet Fighter. Players also gained access to advanced gameplay mechanics and several new mission modes, enhancing their combat experience.

• New Vehicles:

  • USS North Carolina added as a Rank VII battleship featuring powerful armament.
  • F-101C Voodoo introduced as an American jet fighter at Rank VI.
  • F/A-18E Super Hornet became available, offering advanced capabilities and weaponry.
  • Oktyabrskaya Revolutsiya added as a high-tier battleship with enhanced anti-aircraft systems.

• Gameplay Enhancements:

  • A new league system was introduced for the Tank Football event.
  • Mission modes on the new Kivu map featured capture points and respawning mechanics.
  • Man-in-the-loop guidance for munitions was implemented, allowing for retargeting in flight.

• Balance Changes:

  • The AIM-54 Phoenix flight model was significantly reworked for better performance.
  • Naval combat air defense received improvements, enhancing targeting logic for ship-based defenses.
  • Adjustments made to armor and reload times for various tank models improved overall gameplay balance.

• Seasonal Events:

  • The Tank Football 2026 event returned with new rewards and a league system.
  • Nuclear Escalation mode made a comeback, providing players with unique combat scenarios.

• New Pre-orders:

  • Players could pre-order the F-14D Super Tomcat and the M60A1 Predator Pack, featuring exclusive bonuses.

The introduction of the Yamato battleship on May 30, 2025, marked a significant highlight in War Thunder's Year 12, alongside the long-awaited inclusion of infantry into the game on March 31, 2025. This period also saw the arrival of powerful new vehicles, such as the F/A-18 Hornet and Su-30SM, expanding the air combat options for players.

• Major Content Drops:

  • Yamato Battleship launched on May 30, 2025, joining the naval roster.
  • Infantry Update added on March 31, 2025, enabling ground forces to engage in combined arms battles.
  • F/A-18 Hornet Pack pre-orders began on June 19, 2025, featuring the Swiss variant with advanced weaponry.
  • Moments of Valor: Brazil Bundle launched on September 7, 2024, offering discounted aircraft.

• New Vehicles and Aircraft:

  • HMS Warspite, a British battleship, was added on February 20, 2025.
  • New Ground Vehicles like the Tracked Rapier and 2S19M1/M2 were introduced on March 18, 2025.
  • RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter and F-2A Multi-Role Fighter were added on June 25, 2025.

• Gameplay Enhancements:

  • The Autonomous Operation of Launcher Vehicles mechanic was introduced on June 4, 2025, allowing missile launchers to function independently.
  • Maneuver Mode and Thrust Vectoring were added on March 18, 2025, enhancing aircraft agility.

• Balance Changes:

  • Upgrades to the ESA radar for several vehicles were implemented on July 29, 2025, improving tracking capabilities.
  • Increased explosive power for ASM-1 and ASM-2 missiles was noted on June 30, 2025.

• Seasonal Events:

  • The Normandy '44 Event launched on June 5, 2025, celebrating D-Day with themed rewards.
  • The Spirit of the Tempest Event began on May 22, 2025, introducing new aircraft and rewards.

Aces of Thunder VR Spin-off was announced during this period, scheduled for release in Q4 2024, alongside major updates including new aircraft and vehicles. The release of the Dragon Box on February 1, 2024, provided new in-game items for players, while the Airborne General Battle Pass Warbond Shop launched on January 24, 2024, offering new rewards.

• New Content:

  • Su-27 Jet Fighter and F-15 Eagle Fighter Jet were introduced on December 14, 2023, enhancing the air combat lineup.
  • Major Update 'Kings of Battle' was released on October 31, 2023, featuring numerous vehicles and gameplay enhancements.
  • Introduction of FOX-3 Active Radar Homing Missiles on May 24, 2024, improved air combat capabilities significantly.
  • New Rank VIII for Ground Vehicles added top-tier vehicles like the M1A2 SEP2 and T-90M on December 14, 2023.

• Gameplay Enhancements:

  • Construction Mechanics for ground vehicles launched on July 17, 2024, allowing players to create ammunition boxes and camouflage nets.
  • Crew Healing Mechanics were introduced on April 22, 2024, enhancing the realism and strategy of ground battles.
  • Sensor Vision System was added on March 5, 2024, providing players better understanding of radar and missile operations.

• Seasonal Events:

  • The Persian Tomcat Event launched on August 8, 2024, allowing players to earn the F-14A IRIAF.
  • Season 16 of the Battle Pass started on July 24, 2024, introducing the Sholef Israeli tank destroyer among other rewards.
  • The Operation Overlord Event launched on June 5, 2024, offering rewards including the Churchill AVRE.

• Balance Changes:

  • Enhancements to APHE Shells were introduced on August 13, 2024, improving their effectiveness in combat.
  • Separation of Battle Ratings for Different Modes was implemented on May 22, 2024, ensuring fairer matchmaking across gameplay modes.

The introduction of the French Navy on August 8, 2023, marked a significant update in War Thunder's Year 10, along with the launch of the Summer Extreme event that same day. This update brought a wealth of new content, including vehicles and gameplay enhancements, catering to both naval and aerial combat enthusiasts.

• New Content:

  • Introduction of the Su-25BM 558 ARZ Strike Jet, featuring digital avionics and advanced weaponry.
  • Players can now research the French Navy, including the Dupleix Heavy Cruiser and the Émile Bertin Light Cruiser.
  • The Patria CT-CV 105HP Tank Destroyer became available as an event vehicle.
  • New weapons for the Su-25BM 558 ARZ include Kh-29T missiles and KAB-500Kr guided bombs.

• Gameplay Enhancements:

  • Improved Map Rotations adjusted for aircraft battles, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Battle Pass Tasks were made available in Simulator Battles, allowing players to complete challenges in this mode.
  • A new timer for beam-riding missiles was introduced, enhancing strategic gameplay.

• Balance Changes:

  • Adjustments to Battle Ratings for fleet and aviation to enhance combat balance.
  • Reduced Repair Costs and increased SL gain across all vehicle ranks, improving the economic experience for players.

• Seasonal Events:

  • The Summer Extreme event, running from August 8 to August 28, offered players the chance to earn exclusive rewards and vehicles like the Su-25BM 558 ARZ and Patria CT-CV 105HP.

• New Vehicles:

  • The B7A2 (Homare 23) dive bomber and MC 485 Torpedo Boat were introduced, expanding the vehicle roster significantly.