War Thunder Heavy Cavalry Update Adds New Vehicles, Missile Tools, and Visual Improvements

War Thunder has received its Heavy Cavalry major update, adding new ground vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, naval units, and several system changes across the game. The update is now available for free and focuses on expanding high rank lineups while giving players more detailed tools for combat, navigation, and vehicle analysis.

The most notable additions arrive in ground battles. The United States receives the M1A2 SEPv3 and M1A2 Trophy HV, two newer Abrams variants with stronger turret protection and access to the M829A3 APFSDS round. Britain also gains new Abrams options through the Australian M1A1 squadron vehicle and a researchable M1A2.

Other nations receive additions that fill different roles. Italy gets the Palmaria self propelled howitzer, while Israel gains the Hunter armored fighting vehicle with Spike LR missiles and a 30mm cannon. China receives the radar guided PGZ88 anti aircraft vehicle, and Germany sees the return of the Hummel with its flexible 150mm gun.

Air battles also receive important changes. The F 101C Voodoo joins the American tree, while Italy and the USSR receive the M 346FA and Yak 130 trainers. Germany gets the Argentine IA 58A Pucará, and Britain receives the Washington B Mk I bomber.

One of the most significant gameplay additions is support for anti radiation missiles and electronic support measures. These systems allow aircraft to detect radar emissions and attack enemy anti aircraft systems more effectively. This could change how players approach heavily defended areas, especially in higher tier air and ground battles.

The update also includes several quality of life improvements. Players can now create up to 10 aiming points for GNSS guided weapons, making it easier to prepare precision strikes. Missile comparison tools have been expanded with more detailed data, while the minimap can now display missile names and velocity. Aircraft rewards have also been adjusted, so players can receive credit when an enemy crashes after taking nearby damage.

War Thunder has also refreshed the Ash River and Winter Ardennes maps while retaining their familiar layouts. More than 80 aircraft have received improved internal models and damage behavior, and several helicopter cockpits have been updated for a more detailed view.

The Heavy Cavalry update requires a large one time texture download for the new visual improvements. Standard clients will need roughly 20GB, while ultra high quality textures require around 35GB. The added download is tied to a switch to BC7 texture compression, which is intended to reduce color banding and improve vehicle detail in darker scenes.

Heavy Cavalry gives War Thunder players more than a list of new machines to unlock. The update adds systems that could affect how battles are planned, particularly for pilots using guided weapons and teams facing radar based defenses.