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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 todayโs matchmaking environment.
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Historical Background
The RAF purchased fifteen former U.S. Navy F-4Js to strengthen the United Kingdomโs 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 RAFโs 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Available historical references describing the F-4J(UK)'s operational configuration consistently describe a typical combat loadout consisting of: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 ร AIM-9G/L Sidewinders
- 4 ร 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 aircraftโs operational service rather than a trial or experimental fit.
Suggested Change
Add 4 ร AIM-9L Sidewinders to the FGR.2 and F-4J(UK)'s air-to-air loadouts.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 aircraftโs 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.
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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.
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F-4J(UK)
- Add AIM-9L Sidewinders.
- Add Skyflash SuperTEMP, supported by RAF Phantom documentation.
- Investigate historically documented options for increasing countermeasure capacity.
- 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.
- Yes
- No
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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
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FG.1 (Early) Tech Tree
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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.
- Replace the F-4J(UK) premium with the later Phantom FGR.1.
- Keep the F-4J(UK) and implement the historically documented improvements (AIM-9L, Skyflash SuperTEMP, historically supported countermeasure options, and outer wing drop tanks).