The Indonesian Harimau light tank, equipped with a 105 mm high-pressure Cockerill gun, will be a new addition to Japan’s ground forces tree!Harimau: A Light Tank for Japan at Rank VIIAt a glance:

• Rapid-fire 105 mm gun with DM63 APFSDS
• Modern thermal imagers
• LWS and laser rangefinder
• Good mobility
• Light armor

Introducing the Harimau!The modern Harimau (Indonesian for “Tiger”) light tank is a fast vehicle featuring a Cockerill turret system that includes a 105 mm rifled gun with an autoloader, high-res thermal imagers and a laser rangefinder.Using the Harimau in BattleJoining the Japanese ground forces tree as a light tank, the Harimau performs well both independently and in a support role. Highly mobile and equipped with modern electronics and an excellent rate of fire, the Harimau excels at capturing objectives, flanking, and drone-assisted recon. However, it’s not built for direct firefights, as its armor consists of lightweight alloys, so make sure you strike first and accurately — or you’ll be sent back to the hangar rather fast!Feature Spotlight: The Tracked Cockerill TurretThe modular turret from the Harimau tank will already be familiar to many of you from the Boxer MGS and CT-CV 105HP. Its key advantages include an autoloader with a 7.5-second reload time, a modern fire-control system featuring thermal imagers and a laser rangefinder, and the DM63 APFSDS round, which is one of the best at this caliber. A key feature of the Harimau is its tracked chassis; it offers a lower profile and superior off-road mobility compared to wheeled platforms, while its speed is only slightly lower.Developer Comment: Hey again everyone! We’ve decided to place the Harimau after the Type 16 in the Japanese ground forces tree at the end of the light tank line, as it features superior APFSDS rounds and a significantly faster reload rate. Unlike the wheeled Type 16, the Harimau has a lower top speed, but its tracked platform offers better mobility on unstable terrain. Ultimately, Japan gets an excellent addition that supports high-ranking MBTs with a vehicle capable of both support and recon roles!Vehicle HistoryIn May 2015, Indonesia and Turkey signed an agreement to jointly develop a new medium tank. The project was undertaken by Turkey’s FNSS and Indonesia’s PT Pindad. The tank was named Harimau in Indonesia and Kaplan MT in Turkey. The first prototype was unveiled in May 2017 at the IDEF exhibition. The start of serial production was announced in February 2020. For the production models, engineers modified the hull’s frontal section and improved the turret system, powertrain, cooling system, and suspension.Deliveries of the Harimau to Indonesia began in February 2024, where the tank is replacing the aging AMX-13-105.That’s it for this one! The Indonesian Harimau is going to be a great addition to the game for Japan, supplementing several ground forces lineups. Enjoy and see you in the next blog!Please note that vehicle specifications may be subject to revision and change before being added to the game. 

Naval Vessels

• A bug that caused the automatic lead for the guns to be calculated incorrectly in Arcade Battles has been fixed. (Report).

 Graphics

• A bug that caused the Ray Tracing parameters settings to reset to the values from the used graphics preset when applying changes to the settings has been fixed.

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.

Meet China’s new anti-aircraft missile and gun system featuring 12 missiles and two six-barreled 30 mm guns!FK-2000: A SAM System for China at Rank VIIIAt a glance:

• 12 anti-aircraft missiles
• Twin 30 mm cannons, 4,000 rounds per minute each
• Mobile wheeled chassis
• Phased-array radar
• Moderately high profile

 Introducing the FK-2000!Today we’re taking a look at the FK-2000, coming to the Chinese ground forces tree. This vehicle is somewhat of a master of its class, as it features excellent missiles and traditional guns. Let’s take a look at the details!Using the FK-2000 in battleThe FK-2000’s specialty is protecting the team for air threats at short to medium ranges. Although the vehicle itself is large, it’s still more compact than most Multi-Vehicle SAM systems and can be relatively easily concealed in defilades or behind buildings. After you’ve quickly reached a good position, the FK-2000 stands guard over the skies of your team. However, it can rapidly relocate at the slightest sign of a ground-based threat or even return fire against the enemy using its cannons!Feature Spotlight: Best-In-ClassThe new FK-2000 SAM offers one of the best combinations of surface-to-air missiles and rapid-fire guns on a single chassis in the game. It bears a strong resemblance to the Russian Pantsir-S1 but also boasts significant advantages. While the FK-2000’s missiles have a slightly lower maximum load factor, they offer higher speed and greater maximum range than the Pantsir’s 95Ya6 missiles. Its armament includes two 30 mm six-barreled cannons, each capable of firing at a rate of 4,000 rounds per minute. The platform itself is faster than the Pantsir. The only weak area that needs improvement is the ammunition supply, as with such a high rate of fire, the 1,000-round load is depleted very quickly!Developer Comment: Players tend to favor short to medium-range anti-aircraft gun-missile systems over pure missile systems, as they offer more versatility in combat and are not as defenseless against ground-based threats. The new FK-2000 will arrive at Rank VIII of the Chinese ground vehicle tree, positioned right between the CS/SA5 and the HQ11. It’s a fitting position, as it complements the CS/SA5’s capabilities with radio-command guided missiles while falling short of the HQ11’s operational range.Vehicle HistoryThe FK-2000 air defense missile and gun system was developed by the Chinese corporation CASIC based on the earlier FK-1000 system. Its primary distinction from its predecessor is enhanced firepower; the vehicle is equipped with two 30 mm PGZ-625 automatic guns instead of 23 mm cannons. Combat capabilities have also been expanded through the use of extended-range missiles.The FK-2000 was produced for export, with the United Arab Emirates being its sole customer. The UAE subsequently transferred some of the systems to the Chadian army and the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces. These systems did not see widespread service within the People's Liberation Army of China.That’s all for this one! The FK-2000 is set to be an excellent SAM system for China, being able to take down a range of aircraft as well as hold up against ground targets thanks to the 30 mm cannons. See you in the next blog!Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

We’re working on regenerative steering for tanks and want to hear your opinion!Hey everyone! As you may have noticed, we’ve launched limited testing of a new control mechanic for tracked vehicles on the Dev server. Specifically, regenerative steering! Currently, this mechanic is implemented for the Leopard 2 families, along with the Type 10 and Type 90 series of tanks.What is Regenerative Steering?So, what exactly is it and how does it work? Currently, most tanks in the game turn by disengaging the clutch and braking the inner track, essentially locking one side of the chassis, causing a loss of speed and power. Regenerative steering preserves power by redistributing it between the tracks: one speeds up while the other slows down. As a result, the tank loses far less energy during a turn and maintains speed while maneuvering.This mechanism does have a downside however. In most kinematic configurations that use regenerative steering, there are no side-mounted friction clutches, which means the left and right tracks cannot brake independently, and the minimum turning radius becomes fixed for each gear. The higher the gear, the larger the radius. While the tank turns more sharply at lower speeds, high-speed turns are gradual and wide. For instance, with rare exceptions, modern main battle tanks have a minimum turning radius of nearly 30 meters when moving in the highest gear!Test This New Mechanic & Let Us Know Your Thoughts!Here’s the most important part! We aren’t yet certain that regenerative steering should be permanent, so we’re rolling it out for open testing as part of the Sky Odyssey major update on the Dev server. We’d like you to try out this new mechanic for yourselves and decide whether it should stay in the game. Your feedback will be the deciding factor. So jump into battle, test the new regenerative steering mechanic, and share your thoughts in the comments on the forums, social media, website, Steam and wherever else you like to be social. Let’s decide if we should add this mechanic or not!How to join the Open Dev Server

Welcome to the 240th War Thunder Steam Screenshot Competition!

It was great to see the variety of screenshots shared in the previous round! This week, we’re highlighting vehicles that stand out from others through customization. Whether it’s a unique camouflage, eye-catching decals, decorations, or other personal touches, capture a screenshot showcasing a vehicle with its own distinctive appearance. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

Let’s begin the 240th edition of our competition!

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen240. You have time until the 11th 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.

How to Participate!

Terms:

• Your screenshot must include a vehicle with a custom skin, decal, or decorator.
  
• You must add the #WTscreen240 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
  
• Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
  
• 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.
  

And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 239th edition – Shockwave!

Winners selected via community votes:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3792690026
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3791940570
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3792115993

Winners selected by our judges:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3794841852
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3792698620
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3791965336

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

Introducing Greece’s Air and Ground Forces Sub-Trees!The upcoming Sky Odyssey major update for War Thunder will introduce Greek aviation and ground vehicle sub-trees to Israel’s tech tree! Both of these countries have a long history of comprehensive military cooperation. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting Greek vehicles coming in the next update, starting with aviation.AviationGreece’s aviation lineup spans from mid-20th century aircraft all the way to some of the most modern combat jets currently serving in the Hellenic Air Force. Our Odyssey begins with the SB2C-5 Helldiver dive bomber, which was delivered to Greece in the spring of 1949. The Greek Helldiver is a land-based version of the dive bomber without an arresting hook and with modified landing gear.This attack/torpedo bomber is a longtime favorite among War Thunder pilots, proving highly effective in mixed battles thanks to its substantial payload. It’s also a standout in air battles thanks to its maneuverability and 20 mm cannons. The jet age kicks off with the F-84G-16-RE Thunderjet strike aircraft, one of the earlier production blocks. After this one, you’ll be able to research the remarkably fast F-102A Delta Dagger interceptor. We’ll release a dedicated devblog on the F-102 family soon. In short, it was a first in many ways: the world’s first production supersonic interceptor with a delta wing, the first supersonic all-weather interceptor, and the first aircraft of its type armed exclusively with missiles. The F-86E(M) is an export variant of the upgraded Sabre family with a new engine and a modified fuselage. Previously we detailed this family aircraft in our Work In Progress dev blog. The F-86E(M) became the first supersonic aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force, but unlike the CA-27 variant in the British tree, it retained its armament of six heavy machine guns.At Rank VII, there will be two variants of the Corsair II, the A-7H in the tech tree and A-7E as a premium. These aircraft can equip a heap of weaponry for anti-tank work, but can also attack air defense systems using Shrike anti-radiation missiles, and can still protect themselves against fighters with their sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Up next is the Mirage F1CG, it’s nearly twice as fast and features superior short-range missiles, though it lacks any guided ground-attack ordnance, only able to equip bombs and rockets. The R.550 Magic missiles, which were typical for this series, were replaced by the AIM-9P and the total number of IR missiles was increased to four.As we shuffle closer to the modern era, Rank VIII brings two legends: the Phantom II F-4E AUP and the Mirage 2000-5EG. The Peace Icarus 2000 upgrade program included upgrades to the aircraft’s digital systems, including the installation of modern radars and compatibility with next-generation missiles. Its avionics system outperformed many of its peers. Of this pair, the Phantom specializes in ground attack, boasting a huge arsenal of guided and unguided weapons plus anti-radiation missiles. The Mirage meanwhile can carry up to six MICA-EM radar-guided missiles, it’s slightly faster and more maneuverable, and is generally geared more towards air combat. The Mirage 2000-5EG Mk2 is equipped with one of the most advanced radars for the Mirage series and updated electronics.At the top of Greece’s lineup, and also the first Rank IX aircraft for Israel, sits the Rafale EG (AESA). A perfect blend of excellent flight performance, cutting-edge avionics, and the most advanced weaponry available. It can equip up to eight radar-guided missiles at once, and its DAMOCLES targeting pod allows for the use of guided air-to-surface weapons, including GBU-49 Paveway II and AASM 250 HAMMER precision-guided bombs!Before moving on to ground vehicles, a quick word on helicopters. The premium AH-64A (GR) from the Hellenic Air Force will be hidden within the US tree, but there’s no real need to move it elsewhere, as it already has a direct equivalent in Israel’s tree, the AH-64A Peten. Now, on to ground vehicles.Ground VehiclesGreece’s ground vehicle lineup in the Sky Odyssey major update is more modest, as this update focuses primarily on the aircraft. The first ground vehicle batch will feature some useful imported vehicles: the Soviet-made Osa-AKM and Tor-M1 SAM systems, which fill the rank VII air defense role for Israel across a wide range of Battle Ratings, along with the German Leopard 2A6 HEL modification.The tank especially deserves a closer look. This is a special MBT variant built for the Greek Army, with the supply contract signed back in 2003 and the majority of the vehicles were assembled in Greece itself. It features reinforced upper glacis armor, comparable to the armor package found on the 2A7 and Swedish Strv 122 variants. The tank is armed with a long 120 mm gun, and its ammo rack includes several round types, including DM53 APFSDS. Its fire control system incorporates thermal imagers as well. All in all, this brings arguably the best variant of the 2A6 into the game! We hope you like the addition of Greek vehicles in War Thunder! Which are you most interested in, aircraft or ground vehicles? Let us know what you’ll be researching first!

Defense Day is celebrated in Pakistan on September 6th. The date marks the beginning of the Indian offensive against Lahore during the 1965 war, an attack Pakistan successfully repelled. To commemorate the roles played by the Air Force and Navy during the 1965 war, their respective service days are celebrated on September 7th and 8th. On Defense Day, veterans are honored, and soldiers who fell during the armed conflict are remembered. 30% discount on Pakistan vehicles!

When: From September 4th (13:00 GMT) until September 7th (13:00 GMT).Where: China > Helicopters / Aviation > Premium vehicles.

• Mi-35M (rank VI) for 6,363 Golden Eagles
• A-5C (rank VII) for 6,489 Golden Eagles
• Both vehicles will remain available at the regular price after the promotion ends.

 About these vehicles

• Pakistani Mi-35Ms are distinguished from their Russian counterparts by their unique camouflage. The Mi-35M is a heavy helicopter featuring a wide range of ammunition options for its 23 mm cannon and a diverse array of external weaponry, including Ataka and Shturm ATGMs, Igla air-to-air missiles, and S-8KO and S-13OF rockets.
• Pakistan acquired the A-5C from China. This strike aircraft is quite substantial in size, yet it is capable of rapid climbing and achieving an impressive top speed. It is equipped with a radar warning receiver and countermeasures, and can carry a variety of bombs and unguided rockets into combat. It differs from its researchable counterpart, the Q-5A, by featuring Matra Magic and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

 You can also purchase these vehicles together with the AI-Khalid-I tank as part of a pack with a 50% discount. 

• The Al-Khalid-I was jointly developed by Pakistan and China; its Chinese counterpart is known as the MBT-2000. Its 125 mm gun fires APFSDS and HEAT rounds, while the gunner is aided by a fire-control system and a thermal imager. The frontal hull and turret sections are reinforced with composite armor and explosive reactive armor blocks, helping the tank withstand hits from HEAT shells, so avoid exposing your more vulnerable sides to the enemy!

“Pakistan Defence Day” Bundle -50%To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.This bundle includes:

• A-5C Pack
• Al-Khalid-I Pack
• Mi-35M Pack

180 89.99

The stage is set for Pro League Major III! After battling through the qualification stage, the final 8 teams are ready to face off once again, with everything at stake.In the fast-paced 4v4 Top Tier Tank format, every decision, maneuver, and coordinated play could make the difference. The competition will be fierce as the best teams fight for their share of the 525,000 Golden Eagles prize pool, the 5,000 euro cash prize, and exclusive rewards.Only one team can take the crown. Who will conquer Pro League Major III and secure their slots for the Grand Finals?Qualified TeamsTeam ASTRA was originally formed for the 2024 Armored Apex, but disappeared from the competitive scene after the tournament. Revived in 2026 by a group of friends who first competed together in a single Tank Pro League, the team gradually expanded its roster and was given permission to bring back ASTRA’s original name and logo.Founded in 2018 alongside its namesake squadron, FiveSticks originally made a name for itself through propeller-plane dueling before becoming inactive around 2020. Revived in 2025 by a former member, the team quickly returned to competitive play, building a strong presence in top-tier tournaments and earning its place among the 2026 WTCS Pro League contenders.AVReS is one of the most established names in the War Thunder competitive scene, with an impressive track record that includes victories at TITAN and Armored Apex in 2025. They also finished 3rd in the overall WTCS 2025 standings, and after another strong run through the 2026 Pro League, AVReS will be looking to continue their momentum in Major III.Born from Russian internet memes and recognizable by their iconic mammoth logo, Scammers carries a name with roots beyond War Thunder, having previously competed in another esport. Now back on the competitive scene with a mix of rising tournament players and experienced veterans returning to the game, the team is ready to see what this new chapter can bring.Established at the end of 2023, DODEC quickly built an extraordinary legacy, winning Air Superiority 2024 and Armored Apex 2024 before becoming the only team in War Thunder history to claim major victories across air, ground, and combined formats. After dominating the 2025 season with victories at Air Superiority and the Grand Finals, including first place across nearly every game mode, DODEC enters the new season determined to continue its dominance and prove that its tactical approach, inspired by strategy and chess, remains one of the strongest in competitive War Thunder.JinX was formed shortly after the 2025 Thunder Cup by three former members of IgnisAvis. Built around this experienced core, the team quickly established itself on the competitive scene and is now ready to make its mark in the Challenger League.The team was founded on May 9th 2024, when a group of friends came together to compete in tournaments simply for fun, eventually turning that passion into a serious competitive journey. After achieving their first successes and a strong WTCS 2025 campaign, they now return with renewed ambition, determined to build on their achievements and continue proving themselves among the best in WTCS tournaments.Although ORION only came together at the start of the 2026 season, the roster brings together experienced players from several established competitive teams. After competing in all three Majors this season, ORION enters Major III with one final opportunity to turn their experience and growing team chemistry into a strong performance. Live Streams & Twitch DropsWatch the event on September 5th-6th and September 12th-13th starting 14:40 GMT on the official English, German, French, Polish and Russian War Thunder Esports channels and receive:Weekend 1: September 5th - 6th

• 5 Backups — 1h watchtime
• 1 Day of Premium — 3h watchtime
• “Angry Eyes” decal — 5h watchtime
• T34-57 “Thunder Beast” camouflage — 7h watchtime

Weekend 2: September 12th - 13th

• 5 Backups — 1h watchtime
• 1 Day of Premium — 3h watchtime
• “Not Today” decal — 5h watchtime
• M1A2 SepV3 “Diamond” camouflage — 7h watchtime

“Angry Eyes” decal“Not Today” decalT34-57 “Thunder Beast” camouflageM1A2 SepV3 “Diamond” camouflageLogin to your Twitch account → link your Gaijin account → click “Allow” to be able to receive Twitch Drops!You can also watch the event live on our YouTube channel War Thunder Esports!You’ll also find highlights and replays of all the matches there. FOLLOW ON TWITCHFOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Discord GiveawaysDuring WTCS 2026 Pro Major III, join the Official War Thunder Esports Discord server to connect with fellow competitive players and take part in exclusive giveaways featuring the following packs: Discord:

• F-14D Pack
• Puma u14 Pack
• F-16AM Pack
• M60A1 Predator Pack
• IA. 58A Pucara Pack

Twitch:

• 10x Esports Bundle - 2026 Season, dropped exclusively on our Twitch channel randomly during the show.

Don’t miss your chance to win these incredible rewards while engaging with the competitive community! Stay ConnectedMake sure to follow us on our social media channels to stay updated with match schedules, highlights, exclusive content, and future events on X and Instagram. Join the community, support your favorite team, and be part of the action throughout the entire 2026 season! Esports Bundle - 2026 SeasonEsports Bundle - 2026 Season -15%To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.This pack includes:

• Esports Veteran Pack - Season 2026
• Winter Warrior Esports Pack - Season 2026

15.98 13.58

Introducing the next major update trailer for War Thunder: Sky Odyssey!

Nuclear Escalation

• ☢Jaguar A — countermeasures have been added.
• New nuclear weaponry carrying aircraft are now available in battles: ☢Su-17M4 (USSR), ☢Su-17M4 (China). They have replaced the ☢Su-7 in both Battle Rating brackets. In the near future we plan to add the ☢Jaguar A without countermeasures to the lower Battle Rating bracket, and then the ☢Su-7 for the USSR and China will be returned to this bracket.
• Bugs that sometimes caused long-range SAMs to launch a salvo of missiles to the same target and to switch to targets with less priority has been fixed.

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.

For over a decade the Ar 234 B-2 has been on the receiving end of allied guns, with almost nothing to defend itself with. In the next major update, it’s back with a bite!Ar 234 B-2 (WB 151): A Premium Bomber for Germany at Rank VAt a glance:

• Dual 20 mm gunpod!
• Decent speed and maneuverability
• Up to 1,500 kg bomb load
• Poor rear view from cockpit

Pre-order - Arado 234 B-2 (WB 151) PackTo get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.This pack includes:

• Arado 234 B-2 (WB 151) (Rank V, Germany)
• Premium account for 15 days
• 2000 Golden Eagles
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Blitzwing" title
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Lightning Arado" decal

49.99Introducing the Ar 234 B-2 (WB 151)!Today we’re taking a look at a rare example of an Ar 234 B-2 with a gunpod! The Ar 234 B-2 was the first ever jet bomber in War Thunder, and the first aircraft with no defensive or offensive guns as well! This addition will give the plane some extra versatility, so let’s have a look at this Arado, where pre-orders for it have started today!Feature Spotlight: The WB 151/20 PodThe major addition here is the dual 20 mm gunpod, which can be equipped on the central pylon and is optional, meaning you can take a full bomb load if you like. Now the Arado has something to answer its rivals with! Excellent flight characteristics, a decent bomb load, and now a pair of 20 mm cannons with a combined ammo capacity of 400 rounds. With the new damage model, the Arado 234 B-2 (WB 151) becomes an extremely effective strike aircraft for all game modes.Flying the Ar 234 B-2 (WB 151) in BattleIn Air Battles, the Arado will be deceptively capable in the fighter role. The bomber spawn will give it additional altitude and speed over the battlefield, which it can use to engage enemy aircraft during their climb. You may not have realized it before, but the Arado can be deceptively agile at a decent speed. Not close to the level of a single-seat fighter of course, but maneuverable enough to stay on the tail of enemy aircraft and perform light defensive maneuvers.The main weakness of the Arado is the poor acceleration, so make sure to not bleed too much speed, keep your energy high and only turn when necessary — the Arado can do it but it’s still best to avoid becoming too slow. The Arado will work best in the initial stages of the battle, zooming right into the enemy climb path with its altitude advantage. From there you can pick off some fighters and force others to a lower altitude for your team. Once your ammo runs dry you can zip back to the runway to rearm.More consideration should be taken for combined battles however. The gunpod takes up the central pylon, which is where your heaviest bomb sits. Taking the gunpod means reducing the payload to a pair of 500 kg bombs, which is hardly poor, but does mean losing the ability to mount a 1000 kg bomb in the middle.Overall, mounting the gunpod will offer more versatility. You can drop your bombs on the first pass and then keep your eyes peeled for enemy aircraft. Maintaining your speed and staying low will be ideal here, using the terrain to conceal your approach before striking hard and fast.Developer Comment: The Arado with the WB 151 is a good opportunity to return to the Arado lineup, given the new game modes and updated bomber damage model. In Ground Battles, the Arado 234 B-2 (WB 151) will be able to fully demonstrate its attack capabilities in vehicle lineups featuring King Tigers and late-war SPGs. It’s also useful in Air Battles, as it’s no longer toothless, constantly fleeing prey! It’s a maneuverable and fast bomber with decent frontal armament. Currently, we’re only planning this gunpod to be available on this special variant. It is compatible with the regular Ar 234 B-2 in the tech tree, but the addition of the gunpod would result in a Battle Rating change, and the regular Arado fits very well into the 6.3 lineup and we don’t want to push it out of that range for now.Vehicle HistoryIn the late 1940s, the German Aviation Ministry issued a request for a high-speed, jet-powered reconnaissance aircraft. Arado was the only company to respond, putting forward several designs. Their E.370 proposal was accepted, which would eventually become the Ar 234 B. The first prototype, model V9,  flew on March 12th 1944, becoming the basis for the main production variants.The B-2 model was the primary version produced, configured for both bombing and reconnaissance roles. While the initial plans were ambitious, scarce materials and being in direct competition with the Me 262 series for engines slowed the production of the Ar 234 B-2 down considerably. The B-2 model entered front-line service in the autumn of 1944, taking part in the Battle of the Bulge in December.The Ar 234 saw service until Germany’s surrender on May 8th 1945, with most aircraft destroyed or scrapped. A single example survives today, W.Nr. 140312 was captured at Stavanger-Sola in Norway, and is currently preserved at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.That’s all for today! Consider picking up this rare modification if you’re interested in early German jets. You can pre-order it starting today, the link for it is above, where you get the vehicle, Premium Account time, Golden Eagles, a title and a decal. In the meantime keep checking in for more blogs, and we’ll see you soon!Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Type 74 main battle tank, manufactured by Mitsubishi, was adopted by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force on September 5th 1974. The tank was not delivered to other countries, but remained in service for almost 50 years. It was withdrawn from service only in 2024.The Type 74 Red Star is available at a 30% discount for 5,866 Golden Eagles!

When: From September 3rd (12:00 GMT) until September 7th (12:00 GMT).Where: Japan > Army > Premium vehicles.

• The Type 74 Red Star is returning for purchase and will be available after the promotion ends at the usual price of 8,380 Golden Eagles.

About this tank

• The Type 74 Red Star was part of a training unit where it played the role of an opposing force tank — representing the USSR — which is why it bears a red star marking. Its appearance and premium status are the only differences distinguishing it from the researchable Type 74 (C). It is equipped with a laser rangefinder, and its 105 mm L7A3 gun features a two-plane stabilizer and access to APDS and HEATFS rounds.

Meet the vehicle reward in the Space Program event, the American experimental delta-wing F-16XL!F-16XL: An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for the US at Rank VIIIAt a glance:

• Excellent maneuverability in extreme turns
• Versatile armament
• ARH missiles
• High maximum speed
• Large fuel tanks
• Slightly reduced acceleration

Introducing the F-16XL!The vehicle reward in the Space Program event is perhaps the most unusual F-16 that there is, as it is a unique modification with a delta wing and an elongated body! This makes the F-16XL have new turning capabilities and means it can carry versatile weapons for any mission. Let’s take a look!Using the F-16XL in BattleThis version of the F-16 retains one of the series’ key strengths; versatility, albeit with a focus on ground attack. Its high speed and lightning-fast evasive maneuvers are matched by a robust armament: with both radar guided and all-aspect IR missiles for air-to-air combat, air-to-ground missiles, and up to 4 tons of free-fall bombs for ground attacks, all in a variety of combinations! Thirteen hardpoints allow for a comprehensive ground attack arsenal, while also carrying a pair of Sidewinders and up to four medium-range AIM-120As.Feature spotlight: New WingThe experimental F-16XL is heavier, its acceleration has been reduced, its airframe has been lengthened, and the engine remains the same as on the earliest models of the fighter. So is this a “Houston, we have a problem”? No, not at all! The F-16XL offers many capabilities unmatched by other aircraft in the series. The most important features of the delta wing are sharp maneuvers in extreme turns, good bank angle, and improved stall stability. However, it’s better to fly straight, as maneuvering immediately results in a drop in speed, and a sustained turn on the F-16XL is significantly longer than on other Fighting Falcons. However, only the F-16XL can gracefully evade a missile in a sharp pitch-up attitude, firing flares!Developer Comment: The F-16XL was hard to ignore, but its flight pattern makes it so different from other F-16s that we didn’t want to include it in the American aviation tree as a researchable vehicle. The Space Program event is an excellent way to obtain an unusual Rank VIII strike fighter, and to practice beyond-visual-range combat with AMRAAM missiles if you haven’t yet researched other aircraft with this weaponry. The aircraft’s collectible value is also worth mentioning. The F-16XL comes to the game in its classic, signature camouflage from testing, a gray military paint scheme, and of course a cool NASA livery!Vehicle HistoryIn February 1980, General Dynamics unveiled a fighter design with a redesigned wing. The new design was dubbed the SCAMP (Supersonic Cruise and Maneuvering Prototype), later renamed the F-16XL. The wing area was double that of the standard F-16. The aircraft was designed to achieve supersonic cruise speeds without afterburners.In late 1980, the US Air Force and General Dynamics agreed to joint testing. The first prototype flew on July 3rd 1982. In March 1981, the US Air Force announced a competition for a new fighter to replace the F-111. General Dynamics submitted the F-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas proposed the F-15E, which won the competition. After losing, both F-16XL prototypes were placed into storage. They completed 437 and 361 test flights, but supersonic cruise was never achieved.In the late 1980s, F-16XLs were transferred to NASA to study laminar flow at supersonic speeds. The F-16XL made its last flight in 1999. In 2009, both aircraft were decommissioned and are currently stored at Edwards Air Force Base.Be sure to get your hands on the F-16XL by completing stages in the Space Program event, which started today. All details in the link below!Click here to find out more details about the Space Program EventPlease note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Aircraft

• An issue where AI SPAAGs without radar (e.g., ZSU-57-2, M42 Duster, Ostwind) would intercept bombs and rockets/missiles has been fixed.

 Ground Vehicles

• A potential fix has been implemented for an issue where a significant number of players in a session could simultaneously fall through the terrain. If you encounter this issue, please submit a report via the dedicated website.

 Nuclear Escalation

• Two Battle Rating brackets have been included: 8.7–9.7 and 10.0–11.0.
• Ramps for anti-aircraft systems have been added to airfields.
• All Rapier SAM systems have been replaced with FlaRakPz 1 systems equipped with Roland 1 missiles.
• In the 10.0–11.0 Battle Rating range:
  • BMP-1 in USSR columns has been replaced by the ZSU-23-4.
  • The composition of the air defense covering the tactical assembly areas has been modified: one ZSU-57-2 has been replaced by an Osa-AKM with 4 missiles, and one M42 Duster has been replaced by a FlaRakPz 1 with Roland 1 missiles.
  • Air defense at airfields has been strengthened: the Phòng không T-34 and ZSU-57-2 have been removed; the air defense now consists of three ZSU-23-4s and three Osa-AKMs with 4 missiles. The M42 Duster has been removed; protection now consists of three M163 Vulcans and three FlaRakPz 1s equipped with Roland 1 missiles.
• S-75 surface-to-air missile system — the missile’s flight model, characteristics and operational logic has been adjusted.
• The crews of all nuclear-capable aircraft now possess maximum skill levels and the Expert qualification.
• Forest density in the combat area has been reduced.
• The average height of roadside vegetation has been reduced.

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.

We’re returning the Nuclear Escalation mode to the Vietnam era for aircraft with Battle Ratings of 8.7-11.0! MiG-21s vs F-105s, Shrikes vs S-75s, the air war over Vietnam was ruthless, and now you can find yourself at the heart of a hypothetical escalation of that conflict. Here are the details!

The mode is available from September 2nd (13:00 GMT) until September 7th (13:00 GMT) in the Events and Tournaments tab.

About the Nuclear Escalation modeThe Nuclear Escalation mode depicts a large-scale conflict involving nuclear weapons, where you take command of frontline aircraft armed with nuclear bombs. The battlefield is constantly changing. Break through enemy defenses, destroy depots and enemy convoys to cut off the front’s supply lines and dramatically impact the course of the operation. Disable airfields and destroy artillery and tactical ballistic missile systems that remotely attack your troop positions and can strike in the most unexpected and unfavorable locations. Suppress anti-aircraft positions, including medium and long-range systems, and destroy the carrier fleet and its escort. And of course gain air superiority, all with unlimited spawns!Updated Ground Vehicle lineupLet’s start with the vehicles! All Rapier SAM systems have been replaced by the FlaRakPz 1, armed with Roland 1 missiles. While the Rapiers did not trigger the radar warning receivers (RWR) of aircraft at these Battle Ratings and utilized smokeless missiles, the Rolands are detected by the RWRs typical of this Battle Rating range and leave a highly visible smoke trail. Furthermore, in terms of performance characteristics, the Roland 1 missile is much closer to the Osa’s missile than the Rapier is.Some of the changes to the vehicle lineup were made specifically for the 10.0-11.0 Battle Rating range. Previously, airfield protection was clearly inadequate and failed to prevent attacks on players taking off or landing. Therefore, in addition to three ZSU-23-4 or M163 gun-based SPAAGs, three Osa-AKM SAM systems (carrying four missiles each) have been deployed for one side, and three FlaRakPz 1 systems for the other.The air defense composition protecting the tactical assembly areas has also been changed. One ZSU-57-2 was replaced by an Osa-AKM (carrying four missiles), and one M42 Duster was replaced by a FlaRakPz 1 (equipped with Roland 1 missiles). Additionally, the composition of the Soviet convoys was adjusted. The single BMP-1 in each was replaced by a ZSU-23-4, bringing the total number of ZSU-23-4s per column to two. This change was made to compensate for disparities in the ground-attack capabilities of the most common strike aircraft, specifically regarding the quantity of fire-and-forget guided munitions.Location changesPreviously, low-altitude flight made it very easy to break through to enemy airfields; in addition to reinforcing air defenses in specific Battle Rating brackets, we are now adding special raised platforms to the airfields to accommodate surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems across all eras of this mode. These platforms elevate the anti-aircraft units, improving their line of sight and enhancing protection for aircraft during takeoff and landing.We’ve reduced the forest density on the map and lowered the average height of vegetation along the roads, making it easier and more convenient to attack targets moving along them.CrewsFinally, we must mention one more change: all crews of nuclear-capable aircraft now have maximum skill levels and Expert qualification. Your pilots will not let you down at the most critical moment.Take your seat in the cockpit and see whose tactics prevail. Check the changelog for more details. Good luck, pilots!

In 1941–42, Hawker worked on five variants of a new fighter intended to succeed the Typhoon. The versions differed in their engines, and the Mk V design, powered by the Napier Sabre II, was the first to be completed. It made its maiden flight on September 2nd, 1942, and soon entered mass production. The Tempest Mk V entered service in January 1944 and saw extensive use during the final years of the Second World War.The German Tempest Mk V is temporarily available at a 30% discount for 4,970 Golden Eagles!

When: From September 2nd (11:00 GMT) until September 5th (11:00 GMT).Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

• The German Tempest Mk V can only be purchased during the promotion.

About this aircraft

• A captured Tempest Mk V fell into Luftwaffe hands in the autumn of 1944 and was used for test flights in early 1945. It is one of the fastest piston-engined aircraft, make sure to use its impressive top speed and powerful forward-firing armament of four 20 mm Hispano cannons to achieve victory!

 Hostilities in the Pacific theater during the Second World war did not cease even as Europe marked the end of the war on its own soil. Japan refused to back down until the very end. However, faced with the imminent arrival of vast Allied forces freed up from other fronts combined with the rout of the Kwantung Army by Soviet-Mongolian troops and the use of atomic weapons, Emperor Shōwa accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration, which demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender. He announced this to the nation on August 15th 1945, and the instrument formally ending the Second World War was signed on September 2nd.Get the “VJ-Day 2026” and the “Chevron of the 88th NRA Division” decals!“VJ-Day 2026” decal“Chevron of the 88th NRA Division” decal

When: From September 2nd (09:00 GMT) until September 5th (09:00 GMT).Task: Earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you have used US, British, USSR or Chinese vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “VJ-Day 2026” decal. Additionally, earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you have used Chinese vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Chevron of the 88th NRA Division” decal. Please note: After finishing the task, you need to collect the reward manually. Additional details:

• You can complete the task in random battles, except for \ mode.
• Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Victory over Japan Day.
• You can find the “VJ-Day 2026” decal in the “Holidays” tab in the customization menu. · You can find the “Chevron of the 88th NRA Division” decal in the “China → Tanks” tab in the customization menu.

A modernized “Super Lynx” development, the AW159 is a multi-role naval helicopter with a huge number of air-launched munitions!AW159 Wildcat HMA2: A Helicopter for Great Britain at Rank VIIAt a glance:

• Modernised Lynx based platform
• 20 Martlet missiles!
• New Spike NLOS ATGMs

 Introducing the Wildcat!Today we’ll be taking a look at the brand new British helicopter joining the game in the next major update, the AW159 Wildcat HMA2. The ever popular Lynx in game now has its modern evolution to offer an entirely new type of missile to the game. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from this deadly (wild)cat!  Using the Wildcat in BattleThe Wildcat is an excellent ambush helicopter, having a much smaller profile than the average top rank helicopter. Equipped with a modern RWR system and countermeasures to keep you alert and alive, it is best employed to flank around the sides of the battlefield, where targets will be more exposed and more easily destroyed from the sides or rear. A choice of sheer volume of missiles is available with the Martlet, or for more accurate and deadly strikes, the Spike NLOS. Much like its predecessor the Lynx, the Wildcat has a tremendous amount of speed and agility at its disposal, allowing it to quickly get into position and reposition as needed. The available weapons on the Wildcat allow you to switch roles mid game based on your team’s needs. Spike NLOS being a more suitable anti-tank killer, with the Martlet being more suitable for taking out SAM/SPAA systems, helicopters and lighter vehicles towards the later stages of a match to clear up air defence systems for your team’s aviation to operate more freely. The choice is yours!    Feature Spotlight: More missiles you say? Without a doubt, the key standout feature of the Wildcat is its distinctive Martlet missiles. A whopping 20 missiles can be carried at once in a full loadout configuration! These missiles are reasonably versatile, being primarily suitable for lighter ground and naval based targets. While you won’t be taking out heavily armored MBTs with them easily, just about anything else in the modern battlefield will be a prime target for them. They are guided via laser beam-riding, much like the Starstreak and 9K121 Vikhr. Developer Comment: As previously mentioned in the Work-In-Progress dev blog, we faced a difficult choice regarding the Wildcat’s armament. We had considered equipping it with fewer Martlet missiles and omitting the Spike missiles entirely. While this would have resulted in a lower Battle Rating, the helicopter would have become highly specialized, unable to effectively engage tanks and forced to launch all its missiles from very close range. Ultimately, we decided to give the AW159 its full missile arsenal, including Sea Venom anti-ship missiles (which will be added in a future update). This weaponry, combined with the helicopter’s signature maneuverability and speed, makes the AW159 one of the best attack helicopters in the game.
Vehicle HistoryThe AW159 Wildcat came from a need both the Army Air Corps and the Royal Navy had to replace their Lynx Helicopters and the Army’s Gazelles. Already under consideration from the 1990s, AugustaWestland was tasked with a “Future Lynx” platform, either by a drastic upgrade and refurbishment to the current available family, or an entirely new entry. By the mid 2000s, with the prospect of the first option being written off, work began on the new Lynx, later redesignated the AW159 Wildcat.  Featuring many modern features like a glass cockpit, upgraded radar, sensors, RWR and countermeasures, as well as a new powerplant of LHTEC CTS800-4N Turboshaft engines, the new helicopter had more power than its Lynx predecessor and could cover both the Army and Navy’s needs for a variety of mission roles, from Anti-Submarine Warfare, Troop transport and deployment, Anti-Surface Warfare and tactical reconnaissance. Weaponry has since been expanded from Torpedos and Machine guns to also feature the Martlet and Spike missiles, as well as the Sea Venom anti-ship missile. 
With the Army Air Corps operating the AH1 and the Royal Navy the HMA2, several other nations such as South Korea, Philippines and Algeria have adopted or ordered the Wildcat.  This cat doesn’t mess around! That’s all for now. We hope you enjoyed this more detailed look at the Wildcat after we showcased it initially in our “WIP” blog. Stay tuned for more news on what to expect in the upcoming major update! Please note that vehicle specifications may be subject to revision and change before being added to the game.

The die is cast captains, Giulio Cesare will be joining War Thunder in the next major update as a premium battleship for Italy’s Bluewater fleet!Giulio Cesare: A Premium Battleship for Italy at Rank VIAt a glance:

• Ten 320 mm guns with high penetration
• Well protected ammo
• Versatile anti-air weaponry
• No air detection radar

Pre-order - Giulio Cesare PackTo get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.79.99This pack includes:

• RN Giulio Cesare (Rank VI, Italy)
• Premium account for 30 days
• 3000 Golden Eagles
• Pre-order bonus: unique title “Veni, vidi, vici”
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Roman Emperor” decal
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique Flag of Genoa
  

Introducing Giulio Cesare!Today we’re covering the Conte di Cavour class battleship Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar). Overall it has some light differences when compared to the existing Conte di Cavour class battleship, but it remains a rugged and particularly survivable ship with a lot to offer!Using Giulio Cesare in battleGiulio Cesare is a ship without any firm drawbacks, allowing you to approach the battle with a lot of freedom. Its ten 320 mm cannons may lack explosive filler comparatively, but they have high penetration and can comfortably engage enemy vessels at long range. Unlike most contemporary battleships though, Giulio Cesare has very well protected ammo, which allows it to head into closer range engagements with less risk of being ammo racked. Longer range positioning is still suggested, but if you close the distance, enemy ammo racks will be easier to hit while your own will stay relatively safe below the waterline. So, be bold and fear naught; you carry Caesar and his fortune in your boat!Giulio Cesare is similarly well protected from the air. It may lack a search radar but features a set of classic 100 mm dual-purpose cannons along with 37 mm and 13.2 mm guns, differing from Conte di Cavour. Aside from the anti-air, Giulio Cesare inherits the same core firepower, armor and speed from her sister, so you should feel right at home behind the wheel.Feature Spotlight: SurvivabilityOne of the key advantages of the Conte di Cavour class is her survivability. Although the armor belt is neither the widest nor the thickest, the protection of the Giulio Cesare’s barbettes is highly reliable. Plus, the gun ammunition is stowed below the waterline, ensuring a high level of protection for these modules. It is not totally immune from ammo detonations of course, but it is significantly harder to detonate than on many contemporary ships, keeping you in the fight for longer. As long as you stay on the move and put out any potential fires in the ammo elevators, Giulio Cesare will be able to take a lot of shots, certainly more than 23 anyway, we would hope.Developer comment: The arrival of the Giulio Cesare (already present in the game as the Novorossiysk in the USSR tech tree) marks a shift in our approach to adding new ships. Previously, our policy was to include each ship in only one specific configuration; if a vessel had undergone multiple refits, only one version would make it into the game. Since this rule sometimes prevented the inclusion of highly interesting configurations, we decided to revise our approach. Until now, Italy was the only nation in the game without a top-tier premium ship, and the Giulio Cesare, in its original Italian configuration, is the perfect fit for this role. Vehicle HistoryBy the early 1900s, Italy’s naval dominance began to slip. While Italy was still focused on cruiser construction, other naval powers were quickly changing focus in response to HMS Dreadnought. This threat hit close to home in 1909, when leaked Austro-Hungarian plans for a new fleet of dreadnoughts made their way to the Italian admiralty, prompting an immediate response. While the primary Austro-Hungarian threat loomed over the Adriatic, Italy’s new battleships would be shaped more directly by the French Courbet-class. Being prime Mediterranean rivals, Italy could not accept France fielding a superior dreadnought, and the design of the new class occurred rapidly, with Giulio Cesare laid down on the 24th of June 1910.While seeing no combat in the First World War despite being launched on the 15th of October 1911, Giulio Cesare saw significant action in the Second World War. During the Battle of Calabria, she engaged the British Mediterranean Fleet with her sister in the first capital ship engagement of the campaign. Salvos were traded at roughly 24 km, until a single shell from HMS Warspite struck Giulio Cesare near the rear funnel knocking out 4 boilers; one of the longest range hits in naval history. She survived but was attacked again at Taranto, where British Swordfish aircraft sank her sister Conte di Cavour at anchor. She was untouched from this attack, and as the final sister she remained in operation until the Italian armistice in September 1943, when she was interned by the Allies at Malta.As part of war reparations, she was handed over to the Soviet Union in 1949 and renamed Novorossiysk, acting as a training ship and flagship of the Black Sea Fleet. Her end would come unexpectedly however, when in the morning of the 29th of October 1955, a huge explosion tore a hole in her bow while she was anchored at Sevastopol harbour. The flooding was instant and uncontrollable, and she capsized with the loss of over 600 crew, marking the largest peacetime naval disaster of the 20th century. The cause was concluded to be an old German mine detonated by her anchor chain, as searches of the harbor discovered numerous such mines nearby. She was later salvaged on the 4th of May 1957, and subsequently scrapped.That’s all for this one! Consider picking up Giulio Cesare in the next major update if you’re interested in getting into the Italian Bluewater tree. In the meantime we’ve got more upcoming vehicles and features to show you, so stay tuned!Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The F-16XL is a variant of the F-16 featuring a delta wing, increased fuel capacity, and an expanded number of hardpoints. In 1981, the F-16XL lost the competition to the F-15E Strike Eagle; in 1988, the two prototypes that had been built were transferred to NASA, where they were used during the 1990s for supersonic laminar flow research. Get this unique aircraft, complete with a special camouflage, a loading screen, and themed decals in the Space Program aircraft event!

From September 3rd (11:00 GMT) until September 21st (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Air Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards!

F-16XL — An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for the USA at Rank VIIIIn the game, the F-16XL stands out as one of the most unusual variants of the Fighting Falcon family. The aircraft features increased weight compared to production models, a lengthened fuselage, and a unique wing design. While its acceleration is less dynamic, its performance in tight turns has improved. Its armament options include two AIM-9L and four AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, as well as up to six AGM-65B Maverick air-to-surface missiles and bombs for ground strikes.“F-16XL” decal “Space” decal F-16XL loading screen“Ship No. 1” camouflage for the F-16XLAmong the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
• Silver Lion and Research Point boosters
• Random Wagers and Orders
• Universal Backups (1 - 3)
• A random camouflage for a vehicle you own
• 1 day of Premium Account

How to get all rewardsEach stage can be achieved for 45,000 mission points, every new stage achieved will give you a new reward.

Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Space Program” and click the “Get Reward” button.

You’re able to earn mission points in Air Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game. Points are only awarded at the end of the battle.You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles of Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on September 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th.

Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages

• For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
• For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
• For 3 Stages: “Military Survival Kit” silver chest
• For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
• For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
• For 6 Stages: F-16XL loading screen
• For 7 Stages: “Military Survival Kit” silver chest
• For 8 Stages: non-tradable coupon for the F-16XL
• For 9 Stages: unique camouflage and four random modifications for the F-16XL

Discounts for purchasing stages using Golden EaglesUnfinished stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re very close to completing a stage, its price will be significantly reduced.Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price to unlock this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time!The Coupon UpgradeWhen you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for the F-16XL, using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from September 3rd (11:00 GMT) until September 21st (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon F-16XL (USA)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is usable until 11:00 GMT on September 25th. Until then, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.You can track the progress of completing stages and the “Upgrade for coupon” item by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Space Program. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, you can do so with Golden Eagles until September 25th from the Achievements window, which will give you the corresponding rewards.