- Yes, this is a good plan if sub tree folders are not an option
- No, I don’t want to see Australia, Canada or New Zealand get tech trees, they should be split in to different tech trees as is currently done
- No, I don’t think these nations need to be combined
Welcome to the final suggestion in a series of united tech tree suggestions combining Australia, Canada and New Zealand, with Air, Ground, Coastal and Bluewater already out. Many are unhappy with the current treatment of Canada especially, in War Thunder being split up in to multiple tech trees forcing us to not only grind multiple tech trees to get our vehicles, but more importantly preventing us from building lineups with them. These suggestions were made to help visualize that together these nations can bring enough content to the game to be worth adding.
Now this may not be the perfect solution, the best way to add new nations to the game would almost certainly be Nation Folders, where we’d likely see trees for these nations that look more like the existing suggestions for Canada and Australia/New Zealand attached to existing tech trees in the game. But given that is not a currently existing mechanic, this suggestion is intended to serve as something of a backup plan.
Aside from the aforementioned poor treatment of Canada needing a true, single-tree home in the game for the sake of lineups? Canada, New Zealand and Australia are basically siblings, all being part of the English Empire/Commonwealth of Nations. They all still hold the British monarch as their own. And as a result, all 3 have shared not just military technology with each other, but have often fought alongside each other in many major conflicts, including all those in the timeline of War Thunder. On many occasions Australia and New Zealand have actually operated as a singular military force even (see: ANZAC). And even now, these three nations are the core group of a proposed alliance known as CANZUK, with the only other member there being UK which of course already has a tech tree in War Thunder.
We also feel that without nation folders, a full Commonwealth tech tree would be overcrowded and very unnecessary. These 3 are much closer with each other than most nations of the Commonwealth as it stands anyway.
UH-1H Bushranger
Spoiler
Brief: This unique Australian gunship modification of the UH-1H is a national icon of the Vietnam war and served in the Australian defence force right up until 2004. I have included a link to the Bushranger story below. With no guided AGMs I see it being a similar BR to Japan’s UH-1 already in game. The added machine guns and miniguns will not improve its effectiveness in War Thunder much, however the door gunners, if given the bomber turret gunner mechanic, might be useful on occasion.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 204km/hr
Rate of Climb: 8.1m/sec
Armament: XM21 weapon system carrying 2x 7.62mm miniguns with 9600 rounds of ammunition, and 2x 7 round 70mm folding fin aerial rocket launchers. 2x door gunners, each side having 2x M60 machine guns with 1500 tracer rounds.
Useful Links: https://raafansw.org.au/avMat/TBS_FirstEdition_Rev2021.pdf
CH-136 Kiowa
Spoiler
Brief: Canada purchased 74 OH-58A helicopters and designated them the CH-136 in Canadian service. The remained in service for a couple of decades before being replaced by the CH-146 Griffon.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 222km/hr
Armament: Emerson Min-Tat 7.62mm turret, up to 14x 2.75" FFAR rockets
Useful Links: CH-136 Kiowa
CL-84-1 Dynavert
Spoiler
Brief: This '60s/'70s Canadian prototype aircraft is a tilt-wing, and some people may feel this could equally go in an air tree, it was my feeling that all tilt-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft should be in heli trees in War Thunder. Especially when you consider that in air battles they’d need to be a low BR fighting WW2 planes, while they can simply hover and shoot them down during dogfights. In the heli trees they provide an ultra fast option compared to traditional helicopters while generally providing similar armaments and the ability to hover.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 517km/hr
Rate of Climb: 21m/s
Armament: 2x fuselage hardpoints capable of carrying 7.62mm SUU-11A/A gunpods, bombs, rockets and aerial torpedoes
Useful Links: Canadair CL-84-1 Dynavert: Maple built V/STOL
CH-135 Twin Huey
Spoiler
Brief: The CH-135 entered Canadian service in 1973 being used primarily in support of field troops. The second engine adds some durability in case one is disabled. Over time, much like the Canadian Kiowa, tests were carried out with rocket pods and min-tat guns, although finding specifics from the reports is proving difficult. The CH-135 was retired from service by 1999. If it is ever deemed too difficult to add the CH-135, there is always Australia’s UH-1B Ned Kelly that could fill this low BR entry level premium.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 204km/hr
Armament: CRV-7 rocket pods, min-tat gun
Useful Links: https://prestohost94.inmagic.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=N2Y2ZjU1MWMtYzBjZS00MmMwLWE4MzItOGQ2ZDk5ZjRjNjMz&rID=MjIyMA==&pID=NjQ0&attchmnt=False&uSesDM=False&rIdx=MTM2MQ==&rCFU=
CH-135 Twin Huey - NAFMC
SH-2G (I) Super Seasprite
Spoiler
Brief: New Zealand had placed an order for SH-2G Super Seasprites at the same time Australia did, the first 5 coming in to service in 2001. Australia’s program for the SH-2G (A) however ran way over budget and eventually was decided it no longer even fit the requirements. In 2013 New Zealand announced it would buy 10 of Australia’s 11 Super Seasprites and they were redesignated the SH-2G (I). It could once again offer a potentially quite powerful missile at a lower BR than expected due to the helicopter only being able to carry two. There could also be a skin for AU on this NZ helicopter.
Top Speed: 256km/hr
Rate of climb: 12.7m/s
Armament: 2x AGM-119 Penguin MK2 or 2x Mk 46 torpedoes
Useful Links: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/our-equipment/aircraft/sh-2gi-seasprite-helicopter/
Tiger ARH
Spoiler
Brief: The Tiger ARH is the Australian version of the EC-665 Tiger, the first 4 were assembled in France while the next 18 were assembled in Australia.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 290km/hr (with armament)
Armament: 1x 30mm GIAT M781 Cannon, up to 54x Thales FZ90 70mm rockets with APKWS laser guidance, up to 8x Hellfire II AGM missiles progressively through time in AGM-114M, AGM-114R and AGM-114R2 variants
Useful Links: EC-665 Tiger ARH - Southern Hemisphere Tigers
SH-2G Super Seasprite
Spoiler
Brief: New Zealand had five SH-2G Super Seasprites before taking on ex-Australian SH-2G (I) helicopters. This could be placed in an interesting place within game, having two missiles that might be quite effective for the BR, but only two before needing to land and reload. Having naval capability also sets up this tree for if/when the game heads in that direction for naval battles. Since the regular tech tree would get the later SH-2G (I) Super Seasprite anyway, the G model makes a good option for a premium.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 255km/hr
Rate of climb: 12.7m/s
Armament: 2x AGM-65D Maverick or 2x Mk 46 torpedoes
MH-60R Seahawk
Spoiler
Brief: The MH-60R Seahawk is the naval variant of the Blackhawk. This version can can carry Hellfire missiles, aerial torpedoes and APKWS rockets and has a full suite of radars, sensors including MAW and countermeasures. If helicopter door gunners ever get the bomber turret mechanic in game, its door gunner is another little added tool at its disposal (albeit probably not that useful). Australia has 23 currently in service and another 13 on order. New Zealand has also announced they will procure the MH-60R so there will be skins for both nations here unless New Zealand go ahead and use AGM-119 Penguin on theirs in which case a second version could be made, maybe as a premium.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 333km/hr
Armament: Up to 2x Mk 54 torpedoes, up to 8x AGM-114 Hellfire II in AGM-114N and AGM-114R variants, 19x AGR-20/A APKWS rockets, 1x door mounted GAU-21 heavy machine gun
Useful Links: https://www.navy.gov.au/capabilities/aircraft/mh-60r-seahawk
https://www.navy.gov.au/capabilities/weapons/agm-114n-hellfire
https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mh-60r-seahawk-multi-mission-naval-helicopter/
AH-64E Apache
Spoiler
Brief: The AH-64E has begun replacing the Tiger ARH in Australian Army Service. 29 are on order. It’s not currently known what missile inventory Australia will operate on them, however the other AH-64Es in War Thunder have all used the same weapons regardless of operator nations thus far.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 293km/hr
Rate of Climb: 14.2m/s
Armament: 1x 30mm M230 chain gun, up to 16x AGM Hellfire II missiles expected to carry on with Australia’s stocks of AGM-114R2 variant, up to 76x 70mm rockets like to carry on with Australia’s APKWS weapon stocks. Or per current War Thunder AH-64E:
Useful Links: AH Mk.2 Apache | War Thunder Wiki
https://www.boeing.com.au/products-services/defence-space-security/apache
Spoiler
In this section I’d like to mention a few other helicopters that are not currently suitable for the game, are not eligible, and naval ASW helicopters that could come to the game in some format in the future. Not including helicopters that never had more than door mounted machine guns.
Probable near-future Canadian attack helicopter/additions
Spoiler
Canada has announced plans to replace their current rotary fleet, and while this is very early stages right now (mid-2026), initial indications are that it could result in one or more War Thunder-capable platforms, including an attack helicopter.
Useful Link: Yes, We’re Getting New Helicopters (But Not What You Think)
Australian AH-1G Cobra
Spoiler
In 1970 Australia made plans to buy 11 AH-1G attack helicopters at a cost of $12.4 million. However, much to the objection of the Army, just 10 months later the deal was cancelled. Politicians no doubt feeling that after the withdrawal from Vietnam, the capability was not essential. Given there was an actual contract for them, there may be at a stretch enough for it to be added to this tree, however given none were delivered I have left it out of the suggested tree. It was rumoured that AH-1Gs were seen sporting RAAF roundels around Amberley, though this was likely a practical joke Australians played on some visiting Americans.
Useful Link: 3A16 - Bell Model 209 AH-1G Cobra
TGR Helicorp New Zealand Wolverine X4
Spoiler
A New Zealand company known as TGR Helicorp were making plans to build a military model of a helicopter based loosely on the American Sportscopter Model 496. With a Kevlar fuselage, carbon fibre rotor blades and a fenestron tail rotor system with seven blades, it was also claimed to be the world’s first diesel powered helicopter. By 2008 the company and the program had all but died, with only mockups, including an unmanned variant, having been built.
Useful Link: https://aeropedia.com.au/content/tgr-helicorp-bandit-wolverine-snark-alpine-wasp/
CH-124 Sea King (Canada)
Spoiler
Brief: The Sea King was a Canadian assembled variant of the Sikorsky Sea King, built to Canadian specifications. It entered service with the Royal Canadian Navy in 1963 as their ASW rotary wing platform before being retired in 2018, a whopping 55yrs of service. As they are only armed with two anti-submarine torpedoes, it could theoretically come to the game in some format one day for naval battles against submarines, but it is not currently suited to War Thunder.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 222km/hr
Rate of Climb: 11.3m/s
Armament: 2x Mk.46 torpedoes, door mounted gpmg
Useful Links: Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King - Wikipedia
https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/aircraft/ch-124.html
CH-148 Cyclone (Canada)
Spoiler
Brief: The Cyclone entered service with Canada in 2018 replacing the Sea King, and is their current ASW rotary wing platform. It is a military version of the Sikorsky S-92 built to Canadian specification. As they are only armed with two anti-submarine torpedoes, it could theoretically come to the game in some format one day for naval battles against submarines, but it is not currently suited to War Thunder.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 287km/hr
Armament: 2x Mk.46 torpedoes, door mounted gpmg
Useful Links: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-ch148-cyclone-helicopter.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/aircraft/ch-148.html
Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone - Wikipedia
Westland Wasp (New Zealand)
Spoiler
Brief: New Zealand acquired the Westland Wasp in 1966 to equip its new Leander-class frigates and perform ASW operations. They would remain in service for an incredible 32 years, being retired in 1998. As they were only ever armed with two anti-submarine torpedoes, it could theoretically come to the game in some format one day for naval battles against submarines, but it is not currently suited to War Thunder.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 193km/hr
Rate of Climb: 7.3m/s
Armament: 2x Mk.44 torpedoes
Useful Links: Wasp Helicopter — National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy
SH-2F Seasprite (New Zealand)
Spoiler
Brief: While New Zealand awaited Super Seasprite deliveries, in 1997 the acquired 4 Seasprites as an interim solution and to assist with training ahead of the Super Seasprite’s delivery. As they were only ever armed with two anti-submarine torpedoes, it could theoretically come to the game in some format one day for naval battles against submarines, but it is not currently suited to War Thunder.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 278km/hr
Armament: 2x Mk.46 torpedoes, door mounted M60 mg
Useful Links: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-themes/aviation/seasprite-helicopters/
UH-1B Ned Kelly (Australia)
Spoiler
Brief: The prototype gunship Huey based on the Bravo model. Slightly worse than the UH-1H Bushranger, but the beginnings of a legend and a possible premium option should the CH-135 for Canada not pan out (I chose the CH-135 over this because Canada didn’t have much else). The same page I linked for the UH-1H also covers the Ned Kelly.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 217km/hr
Armament: XM16 weapon system carrying 4x forward firing M60 machine guns, and 2x 7 round 70mm folding fin aerial rockets. 2x door gunners, each side having 2x M60 machine guns.
Useful Links: https://raafansw.com/avMat/TBS_FirstEdition_Rev2021.pdf
Westland Wessex 31A and 31B (Australia)
Spoiler
Brief: The Wessex 31A entered service with the Royal Australian Navy in 1962 as an ASW platform with dual utility use. In 1969 they were upgraded to 31B model specifications, which meant the more powerful Mk 165c 1600 shaft horse power Napier Gazelle engines for increased load and performance; a new ASQ-13 sonar; improved navigational aids and radar. As they were only ever armed with two anti-submarine torpedoes, it could theoretically come to the game in some format one day for naval battles against submarines, but it is not currently suited to War Thunder.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 212km/hr
Rate of Climb: 7.8m/s
Armament: 2x Mk.44 torpedoes
Useful Links: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/history/units/westland-wessex-31a
https://seapower.navy.gov.au/history/units/westland-wessex-31b
Westland Sea King Mk 50 (Australia)
Spoiler
Brief: The Mk 50 was an upgraded version of the Sea King specifically made to meet Australian requirements. It entered service with the Royal Australian Navy in 1974/75, replacing the Wessex as their ASW platform. As they were only ever armed with anti-submarine torpedoes and depth charges, it could theoretically come to the game in some format one day for naval battles against submarines, but it is not currently suited to War Thunder. (Yes I guess you could use depth charges like bombs, but a bombs only heli would be very bad)
Specifications:
Top Speed: 230km/hr
Rate of Climb: 15.2m/s
Armament: Up to 4x Mk.46 torpedoes or depth charges, door mounted MAG 58 mg
Useful Links: https://www.faaaa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SEA-KING-V4.pdf
https://seapower.navy.gov.au/history/units/westland-sea-king-mk-50
Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk (Australia)
Spoiler
Brief: A version of the Seahawk built to Australian specifications, it entered service with the Royal Australian Navy in 1988 replacing the Sea King, and was eventually retired in 2017 being replaced by the newer MH-60R. As they were only ever armed with two anti-submarine torpedoes, it could theoretically come to the game in some format one day for naval battles against submarines, but it is not currently suited to War Thunder.
Specifications:
Top Speed: 270km/hr
Rate of Climb: 8.4m/s
Armament: 2x Mk.46 torpedoes, door mounted 12.7mm mg
Useful Links: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/history/units/sikorsky-s-70b-2-seahawk
We hope you appreciate the passion that went in to these projects, seeing better treatment of Australia, Canada and New Zealand in WT is something we care about. The helicopter tree might not be as exciting as all of the other branches, but it still contains one indigenous design (that being one of only a handful of tilt-wing/rotor aircraft available to any tree in all of War Thunder for a unique playstyle) and a number of market unique helicopters. And it produces enough content so that none of the united Australian/Canadian/New Zealand branches are left short, which is more than some existing tech trees already in War Thunder can claim to do.