🚀IRIS-T SLM and Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems!

‼️Introducing Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems!

In War Thunder’s next major update, we’ll be adding new and advanced SAM vehicles to the game! Some of these new machines are not singular units on their own, but consist of multiple vehicles to use in battle, something never seen before in the game. In real life, many modern SAMs consist of several vehicles that work together, including launchers, command centers, support vehicles and radars. In War Thunder, only the radar and launcher vehicles will be available to be controlled by the player — the command and support vehicles are considered to be working further away and in the lore of the game are located outside of the playable area (they’re not really there, but let’s pretend they are).

❓How do they work exactly?

Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems consist of at least two vehicles — a vehicle with a radar for surveillance and fire control, and one or more launchers. Players can control these vehicles and cycle between them by pressing icons on the hotbar or using keybinds while in-game.

At the start of the battle, players will be in control of a mobile radar vehicle. It’s advised to drive this to a hidden position to conceal it from enemy fire. Afterwards, the player can then place launchers nearby utilizing the same mechanic used for placing ammo boxes. Having placed one launcher, the player will then be able to deploy a second one or leave it in reserve in case the already deployed launcher gets destroyed.

While controlling Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems, the player will have full control over the functionality of both the radar vehicle and the launchers while using any of the vehicles. For example, while driving the radar vehicle, you’ll be able to launch missiles from the deployed launcher vehicles.

As we’ve already mentioned, when one of the launchers is destroyed, the player has the option of using the remaining one they left in reserve. To go further, when the radar vehicle is destroyed, then the entire Multi-Vehicle SAM System is considered lost, and players will get notified that the vehicle is no longer functional and get forced out of it. The exception would be vehicles where the launchers can operate independently in real life. Similarly, Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems will be considered lost when all launchers available to the player are destroyed.

All of the top ranked Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems coming in the Leviathans major update each have their own pros and cons. They’ll receive missiles with different types of homing heads (IR or ARH), the presence or absence of radio correction on the trajectory course and different zones of destruction. Let’s now move onto discussing the German IRIS-T SLM.

The upcoming War Thunder Leviathans update brings multi-vehicle SAM systems to the game. One of them is the German IRIS-T SLM that we’ll be looking at today!

🇩🇪IRIS-T SLM: A SAM for Germany at Rank VIII

At a glance:
▪️IRST-SL missiles with IR+IOG+DL
▪️Three vehicles: radar and two launchers
▪️Vertical missile launch
▪️Large in size

👋Introducing the IRIS-T SLM!

🛍Kick-start your German vehicles research with this pack: Two Fronts Pack
🛍You can greatly speed up the research of the IRIS-T SLM with this pack: Leopard 2A4M CAN Pack

🛍Pre-order: Leopard 2 2A4NL (OTCo)

The Dutch Leopard 2A4NL (OTCo) (short in-game name: Leopard 2 (OTCo)) is a modernized variant of the German Leopard 2A4, adapted to meet the needs of the Royal Netherlands Army. Featuring the excellent 120 mm Rh120 L/44 smoothbore cannon from the base model, the Leopard 2 (OTCo) can fire a HEATFS shell and excellent APFSDS shells. It also has a balanced amount of armor at the front of the turret and hull, providing decent protection. Like all Leopard 2 variants, the Leopard 2 (OTCo) is distinguished by excellent mobility and a respectable top speed of 68 km/h.

The Leopard 2 (OTCo) is coming to the game as a new premium tank for France’s ground forces tree. It features some customization differences, including a camouflage net that can be toggled on or off, and decal markings at the front and back of the hull.

That’s it for this one! This tank is coming to the game in the Leviathans major update, but pre-orders for it have started today, featuring unique pre-order bonuses, Golden Eagles, Premium Account time and of course the Leopard 2A4NL (OTCo) itself!

The Kit Includes:
🔹Leopard 2 (OTCo) (Rank VII, France)
🔹2500 Golden Eagles
🔹Premium account for 20 days
🔹Pre-order bonus: "Will to uphold" unique title
🔹Pre-order bonus: unique "Insignia of the 43 Mechanised Brigade insignia of the Royal Netherlands Army" decal

➡️Pre-order — Leopard 2 (OTCo) Pack

👀"Leviathans" UPDATE PREVIEW

📱 YOUTUBE
📱 TWITCH

🇹🇷A Decal and Discount on the T129 ATAK & F-104S TAF for Turkish Air Force Day!

The first air squadrons appeared in the Ottoman Empire on June 1st, 1911. This date is also celebrated in the Turkish Republic as Air Force Day. Under president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Turkish Air Force became one of the largest in Europe. They were modernized several times, which was facilitated by the country’s accession to NATO. Turkey was one of the five countries where F-16 fighters were produced.

🛍50% discount on the T129 and & F-104S TAF!

Both the T129 (rank VI) attack helicopter and the F-104S TAF (rank VII) are available for 4635 Golden Eagles.
The F104S TAF will remain available for purchase at full price after the end of this promotion!

When: From May 30th (13:00 GMT) until June 2nd (13:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Helicopters / Aviation > Premium Vehicles.

T-129 ATAK
▪️The T129 is a modified version of the Italian A129 Mangusta, produced for the Turkish Air Force. The engines were replaced Turkish-made ones and the helicopter got access to Turkish L-UMTAS and CIRIT missiles instead of the Hellfire. The T129 can also take Stinger air-to-air missiles and FZ49 rockets into battle, and can always rely on the 20 mm TM197B cannon. Overall this helicopter can take out ground vehicles and aircraft.

F-104S TAF
▪️The F-104S was purchased by Turkey from Italy in the 1960s and 70s. These aircraft are characterized by poor maneuverability but at the same time excellent rate of climb and acceleration. This aircraft is equipped with a ballistic computer, countermeasures, can take 250 to 2000 lb bombs into battle, and against aircraft can rely on the AIM-9P Sidewinder and AIM-7E Sparrow!

⭐️Earn the “Emblem of the Turkish Air Force pilots” decal!

When: From May 30th (11:00 GMT) until June 2nd (11:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using aircraft of any country at rank III or higher to receive the “Emblem of the Turkish Air Force pilots” decal.

🐋🐋🐋The Dev Server is Opening with Major Update “Leviathans”

Today, we’re opening the dev server featuring the new “Leviathans” Major Update!

You can download the Dev Client here

🇨🇦Moments of Valor: Canada

Every year on the first Sunday in June, Canada celebrates Armed Forces Day. At the start of the First World War, the Canadian Armed forces had just 3,500 men, but by the end of the war with conscription announced, they expanded to 400,000. 24,000 of these took part in battles in Europe. The conscription for the Second World War was even larger, with more than a million Canadians serving and of these, 42,000 died in combat. Currently, the Canadian Armed Forces have just over 90,000 personnel.

In honor of Canadian Armed Forces Day, we’ve created a special video in the Moments of Valor series, exclusive bundles with premium vehicles and unique camouflages, as well as a pre-order pack for the Northtrop NF-5A.

🛍Special offers in the Gaijin Store

When: From June 1st (09:00 GMT) until June 9th (09:00 GMT).

➡️“Stand on guard” Bundle

🔹M5A1 5th Canadian Armoured Division Pack
🔹Leopard 2A4M CAN Pack + unique modern forest camouflage
🔹Ram II (Rank II, Great Britain)
🔹Unique “Stand on guard” title

➡️“Pathway to the stars” Bundle

🔹Mustang Pack + unique “P-51D '9569', Royal Canadian Air Force” camouflage
🔹F/A-18С Early Pack + unique camouflage for the 60th anniversary of the 425th Squadron, Canadian Air Force
🔹Sabre Skyblazers Pack + unique camouflage of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), aerobatic flying team 'Golden Hawks'
🔹Unique “Pathway to the stars” title

❗️Note! You can also get the titles if you already have all the vehicles from the bundle and play 3 battles with each of them from June 1st to 9th (09:00 GMT).

The following camouflages (including the ones created by War Thunder Live users) have been permanently added to the game for Golden Eagles

▪️Sabre Skyblazers (USA, Rank V): camouflage of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), aerobatic flying team 'Golden Hawks'.
▪️F/A-18С Early (USA, Rank VIII): camouflage for the 60th anniversary of the 425th Squadron, Canadian Air Force
▪️Leopard 2A4M CAN (Germany, Rank ранг VII): modern forest camouflage
▪️P-51D-20-NA (USA, Rank IV): “P-51D '9569', Royal Canadian Air Force” camouflage
▪️P-400 (USA, Rank II): “Royal Canadian Air Force, Test and Development Establishment, Air Force Headquarters, 1941” camouflage
▪️C2A1 (Germany, Rank VI): “1st Troop 2nd Battalion, Lord Strathcona’s Horse, Royal Canadian Battle Group, JTF, Afghanistan” camouflage

🛍Pre-order — Northrop NF-5A Pack

The Kit Includes:
🔹Northrop NF-5A (Rank VII, France)
🔹2500 Golden Eagles
🔹Premium account for 20 days
🔹Pre-order bonus: unique “Freedom fighter” title
🔹Pre-order bonus: unique “Emblem of the 313 Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force” Decal
🔹Pre-order bonus: unique Abbotsford Air Show demonstration camouflage (Canada, 1989)

🏪HMCS Haida and Stuart VI (5th CAD) are temporarily available for Golden Eagles!

When: From June 1st (09:00 GMT) until June 4th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain / USA > Bluewater fleet / Army > Premium Vehicles.

HMCS Haida (Britain, rank III) is available for 4,880 Golden Eagles and the Stuart VI (5th CAD) (USA, rank II) is available for 700 Golden Eagles!

🛍The Ram II is at a discount!

When: From June 1st (09:00 GMT) until June 4th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Army > Premium Vehicles.

The Ram II (Britain, rank II) is available at a 50% discount for 576 Golden Eagles.

⭐️Earn the “Emblem of the Canadian Armed Forces” decal!

Get this cool decal for this day!

When: From June 1st until June 4th (09:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using British vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Emblem of the Canadian Armed Forces” 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 → Canadian Armed Forces Day.
▪️You can find the decal in the “Allies → Tanks” tab in the customization menu.

4️⃣4️⃣Get the T86 in the Normandy ‘44 Event!

June 6th, 1944. A day of heroic deeds from the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Celebrate the anniversary of the start of Operation Overlord with us, take part in ground battles and get decals honoring D-Day, a decoration and the American T86 prototype tank!

🏪From June 5th (11:00 GMT) until June 17th (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Ground Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards!

🇺🇸T86 — A Premium Light Tank for the USA at Rank III

In 1944, a prototype of the M18 was converted into a special amphibious variant in the United States. The hull and turret were modified to provide amphibious capabilities, with the size of the vehicle increasing significantly and the armor being reduced. What came from this was the T86, which retained good mobility and firepower. This conversion remained at testing only, but the experience gained from it was further used in attempts to create an amphibious fire support vehicle.

🎁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: trophy with a random reward
▪️For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
▪️For 5 Stages: “Johnson machine gun” decoration
▪️For 6 Stages: non-tradable coupon for the T86

➡️LEARN MORE

🥷🏻Pre-order: RAH-66 Comanche: Stealth Unicorn

Meet the RAH-66 Comanche, a stealthy reconnaissance and attack helicopter developed during the late Cold War to counter high-tech threats, which was ultimately rendered obsolete due to shifting military priorities and rising project costs.

🇺🇸RAH-66 Comanche: A Premium Attack Helicopter for the USA at Rank VI

At a glance:
▪️Reduced radar and IR signature
▪️Excellent flight characteristics
▪️20 mm rotary cannon
▪️Advanced precision weapons

👋Introducing the RAH-66 Comanche!
The RAH-66 Comanche is a unique light attack helicopter, incorporating several experimental technologies with the aim of decreasing the vehicle’s detection on a modern battlefield. Coming soon in the Leviathans major update, this futuristic-looking helicopter is available to pre-order starting today! Now, let’s take a look!

🛍Pre-order – RAH-66 Comanche Pack

🔹RAH-66 Comanche (Rank VI, USA)
🔹Premium account for 15 days
🔹2000 Golden Eagles
🔹Pre-order bonus: unique title “The Duke”
🔹Pre-order bonus: unique “War Chief” decal

🛣MSC: Paving The Way

Today we’ll be taking a look at the MSC, the first Leclerc that was created to test and evaluate new systems, which will be coming to the game in the Leviathans major update.

🇫🇷MSC: An MBT (Medium Tank) for France at Rank VII

At a glance:
▪️120 mm cannon!
▪️HEAT-FS and APFSDS
▪️Good mobility
▪️Light protection

👋Introducing the MSC!
Meet the MSC, the first Leclerc to have been produced. This tank was fully built and acted as a testbed between 1986 and 1989 to test electronic equipment, a stabilizer and other important features that would be used in future Leclercs. It ultimately helped pave the way for the full-production Leclerc that we all know today, first produced in 1992. Today we’ll compare it to the Leclerc variants already in the game, so let’s dive in.

🛍Kick-start your French vehicles research with this starter pack French Starter Pack
🛍You can greatly speed up the research of the MSC with this pack Pre-order — Leopard 2 (OTCo) Pack

⚔️Bismarck: The Iron Chancellor

Today we’ll be covering the legendary Bismarck! One of the most famous battleships of all time with a fascinating story.

🇩🇪Bismarck: A Battleship for Germany at Rank VII

At a glance:
▪️380 mm (15 inch) guns
▪️Strong all-around armor layout
▪️High accuracy
▪️Limited anti-air protection

👋Introducing Bismarck!
The time has come to talk about Bismarck, perhaps Germany’s most famous ship and one of the most famous in history, ultimately being a true household name. This epic ship is joining the top ranks of the German Bluewater fleet in the next major update, so let’s take a look at what she can do.

🛍You can greatly speed up the research of the Bismarck with this preorder pack: Pre-order - KMS Gneisenau Pack

🐸It is summer, my dudes.

🇮🇱The M-51 (W) and Merkava Mk.2D Return On the Anniversary of Them Entering Combat!

On June 5th 1967, the Six-Day War began, where Israeli M-51 Sherman tanks were used for the first time in combat. 15 years later on June 6th 1982, the Lebanon War started, where Merkava tanks were used for the first time, proving themselves against Syrian T-72s.

⬅️The M-51 (W) and Merkava Mk.2D are available for Golden Eagles and are back for good!

The M-51 (W) (rank IV) is available for 4880 Golden Eagles, and the Merkava Mk.2D (rank VI) is available for 8910 Golden Eagles! They are now back for good and will not be disappearing from purchase.

That’s not all, as until June 9th (11:00 GMT), both of these tanks have a 30% discount, allowing you purchase them for 3416 and 6237 Golden Eagles respectively!

When: From June 4th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Israel > Army > Premium vehicles.

▪️The M-51 (W) tank utilizes an M4A3 chassis, providing improved frontal protection compared to an M4A1. Its armament consists of a French 105 mm gun, notable for firing a HEAT that has impressive penetration capability of up to 400 mm. Additionally, this tank is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, upgraded from a 7.62 mm.

▪️The Merkava Mk.2D is the newest variant of the Merkava Mk.2, boasting turret protection on par with the Mk.4. Armed with a 105 mm Sharir cannon, it includes a two-plane stabilizer and a laser rangefinder that automatically adjusts for distance, proving highly effective at long ranges. This tank is equipped with composite armor screens, smoke grenades, engine smoke, and a front-mounted engine that helps absorb incoming fire.

🐕Tan-SAM kai: “Maddog”!

An improved Japanese Type 81 SAM System with multiple vehicles is coming in the Leviathans major update for Japan!

Tan-SAM kai: An SPAA (SAM) for Japan at Rank VIII

At a glance:
▪️One fire control vehicle and two launchers!
▪️Two types of missiles: ARH and IR
▪️High speed
▪️Very large in size, with no armor

👋Introducing the Tan-SAM kai!
The new mechanics of Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems will significantly increase the combat capabilities of the Type 81(C) system, a familiar vehicle if you’ve progressed through the Japanese ground forces tree. Today we’re presenting a newer Tan-SAM kai system, consisting of a radar vehicle and two launchers, plus an arsenal of new missiles, one of which includes an active radar homing seeker (ARH). Let’s get right into it!

❗️As we spoke about in the Multi-Vehicle SAM System blog, most of these new vehicles will be considered fully destroyed when the radar vehicle is lost — but the Tan-SAM kai is different! This is because the launcher vehicles can operate autonomously, without target designation from the radar vehicle — when the radar vehicle is destroyed or the radar has been turned off, then target designation for the ARH missiles is no longer possible.

🛍Kick-start your Japanese vehicles research with this pack: Japanese Starter Pack
🛍You can greatly speed up the research of the Tan-SAM kai with this pack: Type 90B "Fuji" Pack

4️⃣4️⃣Normandy ‘44: T86

The T86 is an American amphibious vehicle, coming in as the main reward in the Normandy ‘44 event!

🇺🇸T86: A Premium Light Tank for the USA at Rank III

At a glance:
▪️M18 Hellcat base
▪️76 mm gun with APCR, APCBC, AP shells
▪️Vertical stabilizer
▪️Large in size, making it vulnerable
▪️Amphibious!

👋Introducing the T86!
The Normandy ‘44 event honors one of the most decisive operations during the Second World War. D-Day happened on June 6th 1944 and for this momentous occasion we have an event that started today, featuring the T86 American experimental amphibious tank which is based on the popular M18 Hellcat, two D-Day related decals and a decoration. Let’s take a closer look at the T86!

➡️Click here to find out more details about the Normandy ‘44 event

🚘🚀CLAWS: Hummissile

Meet this mobile SAM vehicle, featuring radar missiles on the back of an army Humvee jeep!

🇺🇸CLAWS: An SPAA (SAM) for the USA at Rank VIII

At a glance:
▪️Launcher and radar vehicles on Humvee chassis
▪️Two missile types: IR and ARH
▪️Very high top speed!
▪️Vulnerable to being taken out

👋Introducing the CLAWS!
The CLAWS is set to be one of the most interesting new vehicles coming in the Leviathans major update. Not just because it is capable of firing both AIM-120 ARH missiles and new to the game AIM-9X all-aspect missiles, but because it’s a Multi-Vehicle SAM System based on the famous Humvee chassis! Let’s take a further look at what it is all about.

🛍Kick-start your USA vehicles research with this pack: US Starter Pack
🛍You can greatly speed up the research of the CLAWS with this pack: M1A1 HC "Click-Bait" Pack