The progression system that we presented in the previous issue of developers’ diaries has changed significantly. We did our best to improve it, taking your opinions and the results of the tests into account. These changes are still directed towards the same goals though: we want to motivate the players to use planes of all ranks and nations while ensuring fair conditions when it comes to researching new models. We hope the improved system to become more comprehensible and better reflect the expectations of our community - your expectations.

The idea of flight has captivated mankind since the dawn of time. However, the task of creating a heavier-than-air flying craft only became technically feasible in the beginning of the 20th century. Many researchers, engineers, and passionate enthusiasts worked on the problem all over the world. Despite this fact, Orville and Wilbur Wright, are widely acknowledged as the creators of the first vehicle similar to modern airplanes.

Torwards the end of 1944 Wehrmacht forces were exhausted by a series of defeats on both Eastern and Western fronts, as well as devastating Allied bombing raids, that had crippled German military and industrial infrastructure. American and British troops already reached the borders of Germany itself.  However, facing considerable supply issues they were unable to deliver reinforcements to the front lines quickly, and thus had to stop the advancement into the hilly and forested area of Ardennes by the middle of December 1944.

It’s Friday the 13th, but true warriors are not afraid! War Thunder gives insane discounts for all planes!

Heavy fighters were intended for a wide variety of tasks, from standard patrol and interception duties to acting as escort fighters, night interceptors.

Pilots! We continue our Stories of Soviet Warriors series by Artyom Drabkin. Today we would like to introduce the story of  Lieutenant Nikolai Purgin. "I saw two fighters coming to meet me: crosses, swastikas, and yellow-green camouflage. Real predators! I sped up and descended, trying to get away from them heading east..."

Italian engineers have managed to create a truly elegant design - a new full-metal M.C.202 monoplane built around the DB 601 straight engine significantly surpassed its predecessors in all characteristics, showing good maneuverability and climb rate.

Reversing his turn and craning his neck to check the skies behind his heavy fighter, the lone Thunderbolt pilot winced as he saw the relentless pair of Focke-Wulf 190s line up to fire again at his damaged aircraft. Low on fuel and critically low on ammunition, he realized that he was running out of options

A design bureau headed by Artiom Mikoyan (assisted by M. Gurevich and V. Romodin) was founded on December the 8th 1939. It’s name MiG and it was an abbreviation of two names - Mikoyan and Gurevich.

It started quickly. At 7.55am on Sunday 7 December 1941, the first wave of two Japanese aircraft flotillas began their deadly and low flying attack on the US Pacific Fleet, moored at Pearl Harbor on the Pacific island of Oahu.

Within a very limited time period and harsh weather conditions the soviet troops had prepared an attack that was meant to push the front line for 100 km.  As a result the Germans were defeated with several divisions being completely destroyed.

Challenge yourself as an escort fighter pilot, covering friendly IL-2 attackers on their way to raid German positions in today's special Event!

We are happy to announce that today the War Thunder project steps into the next stage of its development: the Ground Forces closed beta test.

One of the ways to take part in the Closed Beta is purchasing special advanced packs that include unique premium vehicles, exclusive titles and decals

Ground Forces HQ has issued a new mission to give you a chance to earn access in the upcoming Ground Forces closed beta test.

The DB-7 / A-20 was a winner for Douglas Aircraft, as it provided everything an army wanted, but it was rapidly becoming obsolete in the face of new fighters, bombers, and demands. On 10 July 1942 the improved A-26 took off for the first time and the test pilots praised its performance right away.

We’re happy to announce that today War Thunder took flight on PlayStation®4 and is available for download at no cost via the PlayStation® Network in Europe and also Australia and New Zealand.