"Since the recent addition of multi-SAM systems in War Thunder, I’ve been wondering how realistic or even possible it is to deploy nuclear weapons anymore. With these new radar-guided air defense systems, aircraft can now be locked onto and destroyed from extreme ranges, making it almost impossible to reach the drop zone — especially with older or slower bombers that were originally designed for this purpose.
Now that the game has reached this level of modernity, it’s clear that a new balance needs to be considered. The introduction of multi-SAMs makes sense from a progression standpoint, but it also means that certain mechanics — like nukes — may no longer function as intended. Unless the opposing team is completely unaware or already losing badly, the odds of successfully deploying a nuke are extremely low.
It could be a good time for Gaijin to rethink how nukes work at top tier — whether that means adding new delivery systems, support roles to suppress SAMs, or alternative mission types. The core idea of having multi-SAMs in the game is fine, but the rest of the mechanics may need to evolve alongside them."
Top tier nuke carriers could do with an upgrade to the next gen of aircraft, but from my understanding, none of the new SPAA will be any stronger than the Pantsir. So nothing will really change. If you can evade a Pantsir, you can evade the new SAMs
Yeah, that’s true — if the new SAMs are on par with the Pantsir in terms of raw capability, then on paper nothing drastically changes. But I think the main issue is density and coverage. With multiple high-end SPAA on the field, the airspace becomes way more saturated, and even experienced players will struggle to find safe approach angles or timing windows.
It’s less about a single Pantsir and more about the layered, overlapping zones of control that make it feel like there’s no room to breathe. That’s where I think nukes — and the aircraft carrying them — start to feel outdated in terms of mechanics.
Updating the nuke system or adding tools to help break through that kind of defense (like SEAD roles or more modern delivery methods) could really help keep things balanced and engaging at top tier.
Well, Id certainly be all for proper SEAD equipment, but I think for now, the main upgraded needed is jut to move the nuke carriers along. Swap the Jags out for Tornados for example. They could also be given their BOZ pods for a very decent CM count.
From what little I know. I dont think it would necessarily be all that different to the Tornado or F-111. Probably one of the very few “Strategic bombers” that would be reasonable in game
On one hand nothing will really change for nuke carriers even with SLM. Theres no AWACS nor datalinks, ground based AA will still be limited by the horizon, so treetop flying nuke carrier will be able to comfortably reach the ground battle area.
On the other hand nuke carriers could recieve an upgrade, helicopters and other planes cam effectively deny the nuke.
