The Type 89 is a Japanese infantry fighting vehicle, developed during the 1980s by the Mitsubishi company and used by the JSDF in limited numbers. Japanese tankers in War Thunder can look forward to the addition of the nimble Type 89 to the game with the upcoming update 1.85 "Supersonic"!

In War Thunder, the Type 89 will be a new addition coming to the top rank of the Japanese ground forces tree with update 1.85. As a highly nimble, low-profile vehicle armed with a deadly quick-firing autocannon and ATGMs, the Type 89 will perfectly fit into the fast-paced combat of high tier battles.

Being an infantry fighting vehicle, it should come as no surprise to tankers that the Type 89 has superb mobility. Due to its low weight of just 26.5 tons and a powerful 600 horsepower Mitsubishi diesel engine, the Type 89 can reach an excellent top speed of 70 km/h on roads as well as 42 km/h in reverse, allowing it to quickly escape a precarious situation, if necessary.

However, great mobility usually comes at the expense of armor protection. For the Type 89, this most certainly rings true as its relatively light armor of just 35mm at its thickest, can only protect the vehicle from smaller caliber autocannon fire at best, whereas the vehicle’s sides are sufficiently protected to only defeat small arms fire and shrapnel.

Seasoned War Thunder tank commanders can make do with limited armor protection as long as a vehicle’s firepower makes up for it. With the Type 89, firepower doesn’t just make up for it, it profoundly defines the vehicle. Primarily armed with the 35mm KDA autocannon, already familiar to Japanese tankers from the Type 87 SPAAG. Although, this version has a reduced rate of fire, and a limited ammo rack,  the Type 89 is able to unleash a hailstorm of shells, capable of quickly defeating any potential opponents at close range.

Fighting at the top ranks will of course mean, that the Type 89 will frequently face vehicles fitted with highly effective armor types, or will face them at large distances where even an autocannon firing sub-calibre ammunition won’t be enough to guarantee a killing blow. In those cases, future commanders of this vehicle will be glad to have two ATGM launchers fitted to each side of the turret. The Type 89’s ATGMs are highly potent, being capable of punching through 700mm of steel armor, and have a maximum range of 4 km!

The Type 89 will become available to all players with the release of update 1.85 "Supersonic", as part of the top rank of the Japanese ground forces tree. While you’re waiting for the wonderful Type 89, stay tuned to the news to find out what else update 1.85 will bring with it. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

Update 1.85 Devblogs :