Here are some current rumors about upcoming content that could be coming to the game with the next major update (2.57) for War Thunder! Keep an eye out on this post as I will update it with new information as we get it!
When will the next major update arrive?
The second major update of the year usually goes live in June:
2.47 “Leviathans”- 25 June 2025
2.37 “Seek and Destroy”- 19 June 2024
2.27 “La Royale”- 14 June 2023
Upcoming content confirmed or hinted by Gaijin (developer or CM comments, appearances in trailers, dev streams, or the dev server) will be in this color. Otherwise, any content below this point is a RUMOR and is not confirmed to be coming to the game.
Confirmed Vehicles
Washington B.1
Leopard 2RI
NOMAD
Chervona Ukraina
North Carolina
Jean Bart
PGZ88
Confirmed Features
Nuclear Escalation will return temporarily with the next major at a higher BR as a test
3-plane stabilization for the Turm III
Missile simulation graph window in hangar view
Updated damage models for certain jets (Includes F-15, 16, MiG-23, 27 and more)
Unified cyclic targeting of radars with radar queuing controls
Visual improvements to MFDs
Rumored Features and Mechanics (not guaranteed to be in the upcoming update) and Denied Features:
Playable Carriers, many related files datamined in both desktop and mobile clients
Confirmed, with a potential timeframe:
SEAD and DEAD weapons ARMs coming in the first half of 2026
Anti-Ship Missiles could be implemented in the first half of 2026
Fifth Generation aircraft could come but no sooner than the second half of 2026, according to BVVD
Confirmed, but no timeframe:
SEAD and Strategic Bombing/Deep Strike missions for upcoming Aerial Warfare mode
Strategic bombers are being considered as event or squadron vehicles
Submarines, confirmed by BVVD, many related files datamined in desktop client, BVVD says development is still ongoing. Main challenge is integration.
Scouting mechanics and additional weapons for armed UAVs
PL-15 and similar missiles will require the implementation of dual-pulse mechanics
Regenerative steering public test being considered
Bombers will be made more durable
Chinese Carrier model in the future
New cockpit for G4M1
Further updates to Nuclear Escalation
Denied:
UI changes will be “evolutionary”, not everything will be changed at once
No indirect fire mode or Smoke artillery for SPHs
No battle rating spread of 0.7
Specific Rumored Vehicles
For a comprehensive list of leaked vehicles and assets, check out the work of the incredible leakers and dataminers at https://gszabi99.github.io/
“New wheeled vehicles for Russia, not a new branch, but many new vehicles” mentioned by BVVD
Ka-52M mentioned by BVVD as being worked on
2026 Decal: Palmaria, Hummel, Su-15, Arjun, F-16XL, Takao
Rank VIII premium aircraft for France is planned for this year
“A magic aircraft with its namesake being able to communicate with spirits” F-101A Voodoo?
“Another British aircraft that loves high altitudes” Welkin?
Two revshare planes
“some attack aircraft”
Nations, Tech Trees and Subtrees
Swiss ground forces for Germany, likely based on the addition of air subtree
Malaysia ground forces for Japan, likely based on the addition of air subtree
BeNeLux ground forces for France, likely based on the addition of air subtree
United Korea tech tree
Singaporean vehicles will be added to multiple tech trees, including Israel
Cyprus going to Israel
Indonesian ground forces for Japan coming in next major
Latest “educated guess” lists:
Remember, these are not official. They do not include all content and Gaijin’s plans can change!

DO NOT ask community managers or forum staff to comment on leaks or “guesses,” they can’t comment on such things. Official statements hold the most weight!