[Development] Su-15TM: Aerial Border Guard - News

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Su-15TM: Aerial Border Guard

2 November 2026 Development

The Su-15TM is the USSR’s most widely produced jet interceptor, coming to the game in the next major update!

Su-15TM: A Jet Fighter for the Soviet Union at Rank VI

At a glance:

High speed and rate of climb
New R-98MR and R-98MT missiles
Unguided ground-attack weaponry
Good maneuverability
No flares/chaff

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Introducing the Su-15TM!

Hey everyone! Today we’re taking a look at the Su-15TM, which is a high-altitude interceptor with superb flight characteristics, speeds of up to Mach 2, and new air-to-air missiles. Let’s get acquainted!

Using the Su-15TM in Battle

The Su-15TM is set to become one of the best interceptors at its rank. Firstly, the aircraft boasts excellent climb rate and a top speed exceeding 2,200 km/h at high altitude, while also maneuvering quite well, especially vertically! Secondly, the Su-15TM introduces the R-98 family of medium-range missiles to War Thunder, which are exclusive to this aircraft. For close-range combat, good old 23 mm gun pods and R-60 air-to-air missiles are available. A radar and a Radar Warning Receiver aid situational awareness, though the Su-15TM lacks countermeasures, so be sure to stay alert! Despite being primarily designed for high-altitude air combat, the Su-15TM also has ground-attack weaponry, including bombs and rockets and of course the 23 mm cannon can prove useful here too.

Feature Spotlight: R-98 Missiles

We wanted to focus on the new R-98 missile in this section. This missile became part of an interception system carried by the Su-15. In combat, the Su-15TM can carry two of these missiles alongside other armament, such as R-60 air-to-air missiles or external fuel tanks. The first new missile that you’ll use is the R-98MT, which features an IR seeker and a range exceeding that of the R-60. Notably, however, its target lock is limited to the target’s rear hemisphere. The second variant, the R-98MR, is definitely more interesting, as it’s equipped with a semi-active radar seeker that functions even in head-on engagements!

Developer comment: We’re placing the Su-15TM at rank VI in the Sukhoi jet aircraft line. It will be the earliest aircraft in the USSR air tree to feature medium-range air-to-air missiles. You’ll need to master the capabilities and nuances of employing this weaponry, as only a pair of missiles can be carried into battle. In short, the Su-15TM is not only a fast and maneuverable interceptor but also a stepping stone to the era of more advanced, long-range weaponry.

The Su-15TM represented a further development of the interceptor system based on the Su-15 airframe. Factory trials of the fighter began in the spring of 1970, followed by state trials in the autumn, the results of which led to a recommendation for serial production. In 1974, the Su-15TM was modified to engage ground targets. The aircraft was officially adopted for service on January 21st, 1975. These fighters served with Soviet Air Defense Force aviation regiments. In Russia, the last Su-15s were retired from service in 1994. Approximately 70 aircraft went to Ukraine, where they remained in service until 1996.

That’s it for this one, you can look forward to the Su-15TM coming to the game in the next major update. Until then, happy battles ahead you!

Please note that vehicle specifications may be subject to revision and change before being added to the game.