[Seasonal Offer] The Explosive Chord!

Unique ground, naval and air vehicles – in seasonal offers only!

Seasonal Offers

Commanders! 🚩 From July 18th to July 24th, 2025 (ends at 07:00 GMT), tank mode fans will be able to get a bargain seasonal set with a new Merkava Mk.2D platoon. Fans of naval battles will enjoy a battleship USS Colorado with a fantastic discount. And those who can't live without the sky, will be able to replenish their hangars with an I-301 fighter!

In the Tank Campaign: Merkava Mk.2D Platoon + 4 Keys for the Big Trophy from the “Freedom Fighters” season + Back-ups x5, Repair Kits x100, Medical Kits x50, Fire Extinguishers x50.
In the Ship Campaign: battleship USS Colorado + 2 Keys for the Big Trophy from the “Freedom Fighters” season + Smoke Generators x250 + Naval Supply x250.
In the Aviation Campaign: I-301 fighter + 4 Keys for the Big Trophy from the “Freedom Fighters” season + Back-ups x10.

Merkava Mk.2D Platoon (Rank IX)

Historical note

The Merkava Mk.2 is an upgraded version of Israel's main battle tank, the Merkava. It was developed in 1983 based on combat experience in the Lebanon War. The tank was equipped with a new fire control system, laser detection equipment, and an improved transmission. Special attention was paid to protection against HEAT shells, which had caused heavy losses to tanks in urban combat: the turret was equipped with additional armor screens, and in later versions, a thermal imaging sight and reinforced turret roof protection were added. The latest production modification, the Merkava Mk.2D, received composite screens to reinforce the armor of the hull and turret. The Merkava Mk.2D tanks were in service with the IDF until 2014 and were actively used in combat operations.

Merkava Mk.2D

The Merkava Mk.2D is the most advanced modification of the second generation of the Israeli Merkava main battle tank (Hebrew: “battle chariot”). Built with maximum crew safety in mind, this tank will offer future commanders a harmonious mix of combat characteristics with a focus on high firepower and exceptional survivability.

The tank is armed with a licensed copy of the American 105 mm M68 gun. The Merkava's ammunition load includes American shells: smoke, HEATFS, HESH (especially good against light vehicles), and two types of APFSDS. The M426 shell can penetrate all enemies of its rank!

Survivability is one of the main features of the Merkava series. The tank has a front-mounted engine and transmission compartment. This means that the habitable space of the hull is additionally protected by a massive engine. The likelihood of engine damage in combat is higher, but penetrating the front of the tank is no easy task. The turret of the Merkava Mk.2D is almost identical to later generations of the Merkava – its specific shape with armor plates sloped away from the center increases the chance of ricochets. Also, the Merkava Mk.2D modification received additional armor plating for the hull and turret made of composite armor elements designed to counter HEAT shells.

The Merkava Mk.2D is a versatile tank. It can operate both alone and in a group without any problems. Yes, it is slightly inferior to other tanks in terms of mobility, but this is not critical. However, it confidently surpasses most Western tanks in protection and is on par with the best vehicles in its class in firepower.

And now, let's talk about the other members of the new Israeli platoon!

Sabra Mk.I

Israel has developed a number of interesting upgrades for the venerable American M60 tank. The Sabra Mk.I is one of the most advanced variants, which was designed for export to Turkey. The main differences between the Sabra Mk.I and the original M60 are its powerful 120 mm smoothbore gun and additional turret armor.

Magach 7C

The Magach series of tanks is an upgrade of the M60 tanks for the Israel Defense Forces. The Magach 7C is the most advanced modification in the series. The tank received powerful combined armor and a new engine that compensates for the increased weight.

ZSU-23-4V

The famous “Shilka” in service with the IDF – four fast-firing 23 mm cannons and excellent mobility! The “Shilka” is merciless to low-flying aircraft, and its armor-piercing belts will deal with light armored vehicles that find themselves at the rear of your team.

USS Colorado (Rank IV)

Historical note

The Colorado-class battleships were an improved version of the Tennessee-class ships. The main difference was their more powerful 406 mm main guns. Although the lead ship of the series, USS Colorado, was laid down later than its sister ship USS Maryland, it was the first to enter service, in August 1923. During the interwar period, the battleship was engaged in combat training, participated in exercises, and made diplomatic visits, flying the US flag in various regions of the world. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the Colorado was undergoing repairs in the United States, which saved it from destruction.

After returning to service, it first patrolled the American coast and was then moved to the western Pacific to counter the Japanese fleet. The battleship actively supported amphibious operations, including the battles for Tarawa Atoll, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Okinawa. The Colorado ended the war in Tokyo Bay, witnessing Japan's surrender. For its combat service, the battleship was awarded seven stars, a distinction of the US Navy. In 1947, the Colorado was decommissioned and scrapped in 1959.

In battle

Devastating 406 mm guns, reinforced auxiliary armament, impressive armor! The formidable and unhurried hero of the Pacific theater of war, the super-dreadnought USS Colorado, is coming to War Thunder Mobile!

The main armament of the battleship consists of eight 406 mm guns in four turrets. The power of these giant guns is enough to penetrate the armor of any enemy, including the largest battleships in the game. The auxiliary armament consists of 127 mm guns, which are excellent for destroying light ships at short ranges.

In the game, the USS Colorado is featured in its 1942 upgrade, when the bitter experience of Japanese air raids forced American sailors to take care of the ship's air defense. The USS Colorado begins to repel air threats from long distances with the help of versatile 127 mm guns. At low altitudes, small-caliber automatic guns are used to protect the battleship from aircraft.

Due to its low mobility when encountering other battleships, commanders are best advised to choose maximum firing ranges, as this will further increase the chances of reducing damage from enemy hits. The destructive power of the USS Colorado's main caliber is its main advantage on the battlefield. Select the most dangerous targets from the enemy team – they have no chance!

I-301 (Rank V)

Historical note

Work on the future LaGG-3 fighter began in late 1938, when designers proposed creating a cheap, mass-produced fighter with an all-wooden structure. The main material was delta wood — birch veneer impregnated with phenolic resin and pressed under high pressure. The first prototype took to the air on April 9, 1940. In May 1940, a decision was made to begin serial production of the I-301, renamed the LaGG-1 (and then the LaGG-3 after modifications to increase its range). During production, attempts continued to improve the LaGG-3: its weight was reduced, and the landing gear and armament were refined. However, problems persisted, ranging from vibration of the control surfaces during dive to engine overheating.

Despite its shortcomings, the LaGG-3 became an important milestone in Soviet aircraft construction, demonstrating the potential of wooden structures. Later, it was used as the basis for the more successful La-5. By 1944, over 6,500 LaGG-3s had been produced, which saw combat until the middle of the war, when they were replaced by more advanced fighters.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: excellent armament, decent speed.
Weaknesses: limited maneuverability, small ammunition load for the 23 mm cannon.
Opportunities: attacks at low and medium altitudes, “boom-and-zoom” tactics.
Threats: maneuverable combat at horizontal altitudes.

In battle

This stylish compact fighter is the progenitor of the famous Lavochkin family of Soviet fighters. Let us introduce the I-301: a sturdy, fast fighter with enhanced armament!

Interesting: The prototype of the I-301 was covered with a reddish-brown resin varnish, which was polished to a shine to reduce air resistance. This appearance earned the I-301 the nickname “piano”!

The prototype of the LaGG family has very interesting armament. This is one of the fighter's main advantages. The main caliber here is the 23 mm PTB-23 motor gun. It is complemented by a pair of large-caliber Berezin UB machine guns and a pair of 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns. All weapons are concentrated in the front of the fuselage, which greatly facilitates aiming at long ranges. The I-301 can easily shoot down both fighters and heavier aircraft. However, it is important to remember the gun's small ammo load and reload in time between attacks.

In flight, the I-301 may lack climb rate and responsiveness. However, it has good speed for its rank and performs well in dive attacks. The I-301 can engage in forced maneuvering combat, but in battle it will encounter many opponents that significantly outperform it in turns. Therefore, it is not worth deliberately engaging in a duel at horizontal altitude. Its powerful armament dictates the most advantageous tactics – the I-301 is best used for attacks in passes and in “boom-and-zoom” tactics.