In this update9
Full notes
Full Air Defender update
Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.
What changed
- Events
- UI and audio
- Gameplay
- Server
- Fixes
- Performance
Air Defender changes
Update - 23rd December 2025 - Build 0.3.6.3
Hi guys! There's quite a few features and fixes in this update:
Christmas Event (December 24th)
Special seasonal scenario available on Christmas Eve (19:00 your time). Look North ;)
Unique gameplay mechanics and festive UI elements
If you miss it, you can launch it manually in the ASMA console, with SANTA01, but you've got to figure out the super secret authentication code. Hint: very famous singer this time of year ;)
Hercules & Chinook Logistics System
- C-130 Hercules Supply FlightsNew logistics system to move fuel and weapons between military airfields
Hercules fly from RAF Lyneham with ALBERT## callsigns
Chinook Support Flights (VORTEX##): SUP (Supply) /RDP (Redeploy) runs between bases
Chinooks can deliver ammunition and supplies to civilian airfields, expanding your logistics network
Baseline fuel/weapons stocks added to all military airfields
Active Operations integration shows in-flight logistics missions
Interceptor & QRA Improvements
QRA will no longer retask redeploying (ferry) fighters
Fixed interceptors getting stuck at 0 knots when interacting with slow contacts
Interceptors now divert to surviving airfields if home base is destroyed
Interceptors resume their assigned mission after refuelling instead of RTB
RTB aircraft won't detour to tankers unless fuel is critical
Fixed CAP tasking - interceptors no longer disappear when retasked
Improved escort stability - fighters match escorted aircraft's speed properly
Tanker & Refuelling Improvements
Tankers slow to realistic AAR speeds while offloading
Fixed tankers getting stuck "preparing for departure" after being tasked
Tanker landing circuits are now realistic with proper downwind and final legs
Tankers pick runway direction based on inbound track
AWACS Improvements
AWACS RTB landings no longer get stuck circling near airfields
AWACS descends properly on RTB
Better handling of retasking to new loiter points
UI & Controls
- Right-Click Menu ToggleAvailable in Aircraft Control tab to enable/disable map context popup
Flight Info panel tab hover tooltips fixed
Discord join button added above main menu version label
Ident Bar count display widened to show 100+ correctly
Fixed camera zoom snapping to full-map view
Combat & Enemy AI
Improved enemy air-to-air engagement behaviour
Enemy escorts keep pace during time acceleration
Diverted RTB aircraft correctly show at divert airfield
Interceptors RTBing to destroyed airfields now divert to nearest surviving base
Active Ops correctly distinguishes Redeploying vs RTB/Diverting status
Key Bug Fixes
Fixed ID assignments repeatedly affecting Public State meter
Fixed training mission time speed persisting into Combat Ready
Fixed MAP overlays not restoring correctly after training
Fixed ASMA message clicks duplicating text
Fixed time speed hotkeys changing while typing in Help/Track List
Fixed civilian aircraft tracks clumping after landing
Fixed duplicate civilian airline callsigns
Fixed IFR aircraft doing 360° turns on final approach
Thanks for all your feedback and I hope you have a great holiday!
If you do see Santa in the game, be sure to share it on Socials!
Allan.
Source
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