A Historical and Strategic Justification for Iran’s Inclusion in War Thunder’s Italian Tech Tree
War Thunder’s approach to nation-based tech trees is rooted in historical, military, and diplomatic connections. As the game has evolved, subtrees have been added to fill out nations that would otherwise lack diversity in their vehicles, such as Hungary under Italy and South Africa under Britain. The addition of Iran to the Italian tech tree follows this logic, given their extensive historical economic, military, and diplomatic relations that set Italy apart as Iran’s most consistent Western partner.
While some may argue that Iran’s military history is more aligned with Russia, this claim lacks merit given that Russia’s tech tree does not require additional vehicles. The Soviet Union and later Russia were able to produce a complete indigenous lineup of vehicles at every technological stage, making foreign additions unnecessary for balance. In contrast, Italy has notable gaps, particularly in modern aviation and armored vehicle lineups, which could be filled by Iranian equipment. The historical economic and military exchanges between Italy and Iran, along with their strong diplomatic ties, justify Iran’s place in Italy’s tree far more than any other major nation in the game.
Historical Ties Between Iran and Italy
Early 20th Century: The Foundations of Cooperation
Italy and Iran’s modern relationship dates back to the early 1900s. During Iran’s Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911), Italian institutions provided refuge to Iranian intellectuals who were modernists seeking engagement with the West. This marked one of the first indications that Iran viewed Italy as a reliable European partner, even during periods of domestic turmoil.
In 1950, Italy and Iran formalized this bond with a Friendship Agreement, strengthening diplomatic and trade relations. The relationship deepened further in 1957 when Italy’s state-run energy giant ENI negotiated a groundbreaking oil agreement with Iran, creating the Società Irano-Italienne des Pétroles (SIRIP), which ensured Iran held a 75% share of its oil profits. This deal was revolutionary, as it gave Iran more control over its resources than was common under traditional Western oil agreements.
By 1977, Italian President Giovanni Leone traveled to Tehran with a high-ranking political and economic delegation, reinforcing Italy’s commitment to Iran as a strategic economic and trade partner. However, this period of high engagement was briefly disrupted by the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Italy’s Unique Role After the Islamic Revolution
While many Western nations distanced themselves from Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Italy remained engaged. Unlike the United States, the UK, and France—who actively supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)—Italy maintained a more neutral stance. While Italy did engage in trade with Iraq, it did not supply arms at the same level as other Western nations. This neutrality allowed Italy to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran, making it one of the few Western nations that did not sever ties despite geopolitical tensions.
By 1999, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami made an official visit to Rome, emphasizing Iran’s interest in rekindling economic and diplomatic relations with Italy. Italy reciprocated, becoming Iran’s top trade partner in the European Union, a status it held for much of the early 2000s.
Economic & Military Cooperation in the 21st Century
Economic Ties: A Proven Track Record
Italy was Iran’s third-largest trading partner in 2005, accounting for 7.5% of all exports to Iran. Even as sanctions reduced trade with Iran, Italy continued low-level diplomatic engagements and was one of the strongest European advocates for renewed nuclear negotiations. Italian diplomat Federica Mogherini, later the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, played a key role in securing the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.
This diplomatic effort resulted in Italy becoming the first Western nation Rouhani visited post-JCPOA, where the two nations signed €20-30 billion worth of trade agreements spanning infrastructure, energy, and industrial development.
Military Cooperation & Equipment Transfers
Beyond economic cooperation, Italy played a role in Iran’s military development, a key reason why Iran belongs in the Italian tech tree rather than Russia’s.
Iran has operated multiple Italian-produced military assets, including:
• Agusta-Bell AB 205 and AB 212 helicopters – Extensively used by the Iranian military.
• OTO Melara artillery systems – Showcasing direct military-industrial exchange.
• Naval systems – Co-developed between the two nations before the 1979 Revolution.
While Italian military exports to Iran ceased after 1979, these Italian-origin military assets provide direct justification for Iran’s inclusion in Italy’s tech tree.
Why Iran Does Not Belong in the Soviet/Russian Tech Tree
Some may argue that Iran should be placed within the Russian tech tree due to its procurement of Soviet and later Russian vehicles. However, this argument is fundamentally flawed because:
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Russia’s Tech Tree Has No Gaps That Require Foreign Additions
• Unlike Italy, Russia has no need for additional subtrees. The Soviet Union and Russia have produced an uninterrupted and fully capable domestic military-industrial complex.
• Every major aircraft, tank, and vehicle class is covered by native Soviet/Russian designs, making foreign additions unnecessary for gameplay balance. -
War Thunder Prioritizes Subtree Additions for Nations That Lack Depth
• South Africa was added to Britain’s tree because Britain lacks post-war indigenous armored vehicle options.
• Hungary was added to Italy’s tree because Italy lacks a modern tank lineup.
• By the same logic, Iran should be added to Italy’s tree, as Iran’s vehicle lineup fills gaps Italy currently has in War Thunder, particularly in modern aviation and armor. -
Iran’s Relationship with Russia Was Not Consistently Strong
• Iran and Russia were historically adversaries, with multiple wars between the Persian and Russian Empires.
• The Soviet Union invaded Iran in 1941, an event that left deep distrust between the two nations.
• Iran was never a Warsaw Pact member, unlike many nations integrated into Russia’s tech tree.
While Iran did purchase Soviet and later Russian vehicles post-1979, its relationship with Russia was more transactional rather than one of deep military alignment.
How Iran Enhances the Italian Tech Tree
Italy’s modern aviation and armored vehicle lineup in War Thunder is incomplete, particularly at top tier. Adding Iran as a subtree would allow Italy to receive:
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Advanced Jet Fighters
• F-14A Tomcat (IRIAF) – Iran is the only foreign operator of the F-14.
• MiG-29 (Iranian Variant) – Fills Italy’s modern fighter jet gap.
• Su-24 (Iranian Variant) – A viable top-tier strike aircraft for Italy. -
Modern Armored Vehicles
• Zulfiqar series (Iranian MBTs) – Based on American and Soviet tank technology, bridging gaps in Italy’s modern lineup.
• T-72S (Iranian Variant) – A domestic Iranian upgrade of the T-72, filling Italy’s modern MBT gap. -
Helicopters & Naval Enhancements
• Agusta-Bell helicopters (historically supplied by Italy to Iran).
• Iranian-modified naval systems, strengthening Italy’s Bluewater fleet.
Conclusion
The case for Iran in War Thunder’s Italian tech tree is clear:
• Iran and Italy have a long history of trade, military, and diplomatic cooperation.
• Iran has operated Italian-made military hardware, unlike Russia, which only sold equipment post-1979.
• Russia does not need a subtree, while Italy’s tech tree benefits from modern Iranian vehicles.
By following Gaijin’s established logic for subtrees, adding Iran under Italy enhances gameplay balance, tech tree diversity, and historical accuracy. Given the depth of Italy-Iran relations, Iran’s addition to Italy is the best choice for War Thunder’s future content expansion.
