update · August 19, 2026
War Thunder Update 2.57.1.98 Adds Anti-Radiation Missiles and Overhauls Nuclear Escalation
War Thunder Update 2.57.1.98 brings new AGM-45 Shrike, AS-37 Martel, and Kh-27PS anti-radiation missiles alongside sweeping tactical adjustments to the Nuclear Escalation mode. The patch also updates nuclear-carrying aircraft lineups and fixes crew replenishment bugs.
Update v2.57.1.98 delivers a major expansion to standoff weaponry and heavy mechanical overhauls for Ground Battles and the Nuclear Escalation mode. High-tier pilots gain access to several new anti-radiation missiles and corresponding modifications, while ground tactical loops receive targeted fixes to logistics, building regeneration, and automated vehicle pathfinding.
New Anti-Radiation Missiles and Aircraft Loadouts
A broad selection of aircraft across multiple nations now support specialized anti-radiation missiles via newly added modifications. The F-4C, F-105D, F-111A, and Ayit receive AGM-45 Shrike variants B-3B, B-4, and B-6. Meanwhile, the F-4E, A-6E TRAM, A-7E, Japanese A-7E, Kurnass, and Kurnass 2000 gain access to Shrike variants B-9 and B-10. European and Soviet rosters also expand: the Tornado GR.1, Buccaneer S.2B, and Jaguar A receive the AS-37 Martel, while the Italian and standard Su-22M3 variants receive the Kh-27PS. Additionally, F-4C incendiary bombs are now unlocked via the BLU-1 tier I modification research, with rocket unlocks shifted from tiers III-IV to tiers II-III.
Nuclear Aircraft Lineup Replacements
Nuclear-carrying aircraft in Ground Battles have been overhauled across several nations, and these planes are once again capable of CCRP bombing. For the US and Japan, the Canberra B.Mk.6 is replaced by the B-57B Canberra, and the Jaguar A is replaced by the F-105D. China swaps the Su-24M for the JH-7A and the F-16A MLU for the J-10A. Italy replaces the Tornado IDS ASSTA1 with the Tornado IDS (1995).
Nuclear Escalation Mode and Map Restructuring
Nuclear Escalation introduces a new era split into two Battle Rating brackets: 8.7–9.7 and 10.0–11.0. Matches now feature a mirrored layout where sides, bases, convoy routes, and map zones are symmetrically flipped. Airfields now host Osa SAM systems with four-missile payloads alongside stationary Rapier systems, while the 10.0–11.0 bracket adds S-75 and HAWK systems. MLRS units are entirely absent from this era.
Convoys, Buildings, and Logistics Adjustments
Destroyed factories and depots now take 15 minutes to rebuild instead of 10, preventing immediate respawns before reloading. Anti-aircraft guns protecting tactical assembly areas no longer respawn on an independent timer, instead reappearing only when their linked building is restored. Armored vehicle depots will no longer exceed production limits, stopping resource waste. Convoys can now capture destroyed structures, which immediately repair and resume operation. Tank convoys no longer clip through buildings, teleport into enemy garrisons, or slow down to 20% speed near enemies. Supply convoys now target the nearest unfulfilled depot rather than crossing the map.
Crew Replenishment Fix
A persistent bug that prevented the third and subsequent crew members sharing a role—such as a third loader—from healing automatically or replenishing during crew replacements has been resolved.
Why this patch matters
Update v2.57.1.98 brings much-needed clarity and tactical depth to high-tier engagements. By fixing broken convoy logic, expanding anti-radiation options, and restructuring nuclear delivery aircraft, the patch addresses major pain points for committed pilots and tankers alike.