F-4J(UK) Phantom II. Historically Accurate Missile Loadout and Quality of Life Improvements (PART 1)

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𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The British F-4J(UK) is a premium aircraft in War Thunder that has struggled to remain competitive for quite some time. Despite sitting at a Battle Rating where it regularly faces much newer aircraft, it has seen very little attention since 2022.

This suggestion focuses on improving the aircraft through historically documents rather than artificial adjustments. The goal is not to make the F-4J(UK) and other British phantoms stronger than its contemporaries, but to ensure it accurately reflects its RAF service configuration while remaining relevant in today’s matchmaking environment.

𝐀𝐈𝐌-𝟗𝐋 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

Historical Background

The RAF purchased fifteen former U.S. Navy F-4Js to strengthen the United Kingdom’s air defence capability while additional Tornado F.3s entered service. Before entering RAF service with No. 74 Squadron between 1984 and 1985, the aircraft underwent refurbishment at the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) at North Island.

By this point, the AIM-9L had already become the RAF’s standard short-range air-to-air missile.

Available historical references describing the F-4J(UK)'s operational configuration consistently describe a typical combat loadout consisting of:

• 4 × AIM-9G/L Sidewinders
• 4 × Skyflash missiles
• One 600-gallon centreline fuel tank

Although additional primary documentation, such as RAF armament manuals or squadron records, would further strengthen the case, the available sources consistently describe the AIM-9L as part of the aircraft’s operational service rather than a trial or experimental fit.

Suggested Change

Add 4 × AIM-9L Sidewinders to the FGR.2 and F-4J(UK)'s air-to-air loadouts.

𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

The historical evidence supporting this change is even stronger.

The RAF CTTO Phantom Tactics Manual identifies the Skyflash SuperTEMP as compatible with RAF Phantom variants, indicating that the aircraft were cleared to employ the improved version of the Skyflash missile.

Currently, the Tornado F.3 is the only British aircraft in War Thunder equipped with the Skyflash SuperTEMP, despite documentation indicating compatibility with RAF Phantoms.

Historically appropriate recipients would include:

• F-4J(UK)
• Phantom FGR.2

Whether the Phantom FG.1 should receive the missile is a separate discussion, as it represents an earlier stage of Phantom service within the RAF.

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/skyflash-supertemp.40906/post-586088

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

The F-4J(UK) is currently limited to 60 countermeasures.

While this was generally sufficient when the aircraft was introduced, the current matchmaking environment is very different. The aircraft regularly faces opponents equipped with modern all-aspect infrared missiles, advanced radar-guided weapons, and significantly larger countermeasure loads.

If historical documentation exists showing that the F-4J(UK) could carry additional countermeasure systems, those options should be considered. Any increase should remain consistent with documented RAF service rather than being introduced solely for gameplay balance.

One possibility would be the addition of ALE-40 wing-pylon countermeasure pods, similar to those carried by other British Phantom variants. If evidence confirms the F-4J(UK) employed this configuration, it would provide a historically accurate improvement to survivability.

A similar issue exists with the American F-4J and F-4S. Available information indicates these aircraft could carry AN/ALE-37 countermeasure pods, which are already represented in-game on the A-6E TRAM.

Add Historically Supported Equipment to the U.S. Navy F-4J & F-4S Phantom II (PART 2)

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 This suggestion focuses on historically documented equipment that was available for the U.S. Navy F-4J and U.S. Marine Corps F-4S Phantom that is currently missing from WarThunder. The proposed additions are supported by official documentation and are intended to improve historical accuracy rather than alter game balance. [Screenshot 2026-07-15 133744] 𝐀𝐍/𝐀𝐋𝐄-𝟑𝟕 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝 The most significant omission is the AN/ALE-37 external countermeasure pod. War Thunder already i…

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬

This issue affects the Phantom family as a whole.

Operational Phantom variants were capable of carrying external fuel tanks on the outer wing stations, yet these are currently unavailable in War Thunder.

Although they would have little impact on combat performance, they would greatly improve endurance in Air Simulator Battles and Air Realistic Enduring Confrontation by reducing the need for frequent returns to base.

Adding these tanks would improve both historical accuracy and quality of life without affecting overall balance.

𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The F-4J(UK) regularly faces aircraft equipped with:

• AIM-9L and equivalent all-aspect infrared missiles
• More advanced radar-guided missiles
• Larger countermeasure capacities
• Newer avionics

Despite entering RAF service during the mid-1980s, its current in-game missile selection reflects an earlier generation of capability.

Adding historically documented equipment would not fundamentally change the aircraft’s role. It would remain an aging Phantom that relies on pilot skill, and radar management, but it would more accurately represent its RAF service and better fit the environment in which it currently operates in.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐅.𝟑

The British Tornado F.3 occupies the same Battle Rating while benefiting from:

• AIM-9L Sidewinders
• Skyflash SuperTEMP
• A significantly larger countermeasure capacity
• More modern avionics

This suggestion is not intended to place the F-4J(UK) on equal footing with the Tornado F.3. The Tornado is a newer interceptor with clear technological advantages.

The objective is simply to ensure the F-4J(UK) receives weapon systems that historical evidence indicates it was capable of employing.

𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

F-4J(UK)

• Add AIM-9L Sidewinders.
• Add Skyflash SuperTEMP, supported by RAF Phantom documentation.
• Increase countermeasure capacity with ALE-40s.
• Add outer wing drop tanks.

Phantom FGR.2

• Add AIM-9L Sidewinders.
• Add Skyflash SuperTEMP, supported by RAF Phantom documentation.
• Add outer wing drop tanks.

Phantom FG.1

• Retain its current missile configuration.
• Reduce its Battle Rating to 11.7 to better separate it from the later RAF Phantom variants.
• Add outer wing drop tanks.

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬?

• Yes
• No

𝙏𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙨:

• 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙-𝟰𝗝(𝗨𝗞) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲.
  
• 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗚𝗥.𝟮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙-𝟰𝗝(𝗨𝗞) 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗔𝗜𝗠-𝟵𝗟 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝘆𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣.
• 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙-𝟰𝗝(𝗨𝗞)'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.
• 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀.
• 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗚.𝟭’𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟭.𝟳.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.

𝗜 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻-𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀.

𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱. 𝗜 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻-𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙-𝟰𝗝(𝗨𝗞) 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗼𝗳-𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴.

F-4J(UK) Phantom II. Historically Accurate Missile Loadout and Quality of Life Improvements (PART 1)

𝙏𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙨: 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙-𝟰𝗝(𝗨𝗞) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗚𝗥.𝟮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙-𝟰𝗝(𝗨𝗞) 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗔𝗜𝗠-𝟵𝗟 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝘆𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙-𝟰𝗝(𝗨𝗞)'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀. 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗚.𝟭’𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟭.𝟳. [Screenshot 2026-07-22 200732] 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲…

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Deleted Section (Context and Archive)

𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃)

If some of these changes cannot be implemented for the F-4J(UK), another option would be to replace the current premium aircraft with the later RAF Phantom FG.1.

Gaijin has made similar changes in the past by replacing premium vehicles with updated variants, such as the CV90105. This shows there is already a precedent for replacing an existing premium vehicle when it results in a more accurate or suitable representation.

The later FG.1 would be a more representative premium Phantom, offering improved countermeasure capacity, better overall performance, and equipment that better reflects the later stages of RAF Phantom service while remaining historically appropriate.

Suggested Lineup

• FG.1 (Early) Tech Tree

• FG.1 (Late) Premium aircraft (replacing the F-4J(UK))

This approach would provide players with a more competitive premium aircraft while creating a clearer progression through the British Phantom family.

𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃)

I have solved the issue. Replacing No. 74 Squadron’s F-4J with the FGR.2 that they later operated would solve the countermeasures issue. The replacement could be added with this unique camouflage. Gaijin has added many vehicles like this in the past, so it would be a very inoffensive change that many players would appreciate. Final Days of the Phantom

If you’re one of the people who’d miss the F-4J(UK), it could simply be kept in the game as a modification. That way, you could switch between the F-4J(UK) and the FGR.2, with the FGR.2 serving as the upgraded configuration.

If you’re also frustrated by this, don’t forget to like and share, as it will help bring attention to these forgotten aircraft that desperately need to be revised!

Making Phantoms Great Again

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 This post is a summary of the changes I believe should be made to the Phantoms in War Thunder. Over time, many Phantom variants have been left behind due to missing equipment and outdated loadouts. As newer aircraft have been introduced, these issues have only become more noticeable, leaving several Phantoms less enjoyable and less competitive than they should be. The changes proposed here focus on improving gameplay and overall balance. They would ma…

German F-4F Historical Improvements: AIM-9L Compatibility, and Countermeasures for the Early (PART 3)

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The German F-4F Phantom II is an important aircraft in the history of the Luftwaffe, serving from the 1970s until the introduction of the F-4F ICE modernization programme. In War Thunder, Germany currently operates two Cold War F-4F variants: F-4F Early (BR 10.7) F-4F (BR 11.0) While both aircraft are generally represented well, several historically documented capabilities and equipment options are currently missing or inaccurately represented. This suggestion focuses primaril…

[HazelPam7769]

This will be a series where I cover other forgotten aircraft and explore how they could be improved using historical evidence without making them overpowered. I’ll be talking about the F-4s and J next, followed by the F-104s and not the A.

[kingoftigertank]

would be nice to see the british phantoms get some love, also the fgr2 could also carry sraam for whatever advantage that offers

[HazelPam7769]

It could come in handy during the occasional dogfight against a clueless lvl 30 F18.

[kingoftigertank]

true that, and any distracted numptys

[Bonrath]

@HazelPam7769

Suggested Lineup

• FG.1 (Early) Tech Tree
• FG.1 (Late) Premium aircraft (replacing the F-4J(UK))

This approach would provide players with a more competitive premium aircraft while creating a clearer progression through the British Phantom family.

HELL NO
Premiums should be sidegrades, not bloody upgrades, with tech tree options representing clear and sensible progression over both premiums and previous tech tree vehicles alike.
We’ve already gotten so many of those types of situations happening, like what’s even the point of grinding the tech tree in that case?

[HazelPam7769]

The FG.1 (early) would represent the earlier version of the Phantom used by the Royal Navy, while the FG.1 (late) would serve as a replacement for the F-4J(UK) if historical evidence does not support adding extra countermeasures.

This late FG.1 in RAF service would be on a similar level to the FGR.2 with these new missiles, while the standard FG.1 could be moved down to 11.7 for balancing reasons.

I hope my reasoning makes sense. If you disagree, you’re more than welcome to vote for Gaijin to add the extra countermeasures to the Phantom F.3 instead of replacing it. Either way, I think this would be a win-win situation for everyone.

The FG.1 we currently have in-game is the perfect candidate for the early version since it’s already represented in its 1970s camouflage. Giving it the same upgraded weapons as the FGR.2 would be pointless because the two aircraft would end up being virtually identical.

[Piment1]

This feels like a better alternative than a simple BR change as suggested in a different post. It’s no secret that British Phantoms are super underwhelming.

[BabySoEz]

@Morvran You could’ve done this ;)

[Venndigo7192]

everything here seems good… but for the adding a tech tree version of a premium, you are comparing completely different tanks that have drastically different performance

[HazelPam7769]

My first post was about this, and we both went back and forth over that jet.

[HazelPam7769]

@Venndigo7192

but for the adding a tech tree version of a premium

Adding a tech tree version of a premium aircraft in this instance is a valid change, and it wouldn’t be a unique aircraft locked behind a paywall. If the extra countermeasures can’t be added to the Phantom F.3, then adding a later version of the FG.1 would make up for it.

This would also shift attention away from adding yet another top-tier jet to the British tech tree, since they’d instead be improving an aircraft that’s already in the game.

If an FG.1 (Late) were added to the tech tree, it would likely be met with a lot of backlash for being an extremely uninspired addition. Replacing it with the F-4J would be completely valid because it offers better survivability in battle thanks to its increased countermeasure capacity. However, that’s only if the historical evidence doesn’t support giving those extra countermeasures to the F-4J(UK). That’s the worst-case scenario.

I don’t want them to replace the Phantom F.3 if it can carry the same number of countermeasures. But if it can’t, then I think we’d all rather have a version that can.

@Venndigo7192

you are comparing completely different tanks

I’m not comparing different drop tanks with each other. You might be mixing me up with a different suggestion. @Venndigo7192 I forgot to hit reply. lol.

@HazelPam7769

Adding these tanks would improve both historical accuracy and quality of life without affecting overall balance.

[BabySoEz]

@HazelPam7769

Phantom F.3

[HazelPam7769]

https://youtube.com/shorts/Tf3uK2RGU2c?si=2Z6eHu7tO_3f2nI5

[Tymxy]

Finally someone who mentions it. I want this aircraft changed. I love your documention. Good Job!

[HazelPam7769]

Thanks, mate. I’m trying to make Gaijin aware of the many issues affecting the Phantoms, especially the F-4J(UK), which has been neglected for far too long. If this gets enough attention, there’s a chance they might implement this in the upcoming battle rating changes.

[Morvran]

I have posts for it for every BR change and have done for 2 years now

[Tymxy]

I’am so glad! Can’t thank you enough!

[Tymxy]

keep it up! <3

[Tymxy]

how can we get moren attention to this?