Development Diaries | August–October 2025

Commanders, attention! From August to October 2025 the Modern Warships lineup has grown significantly: ultra-modern ships and combat modules from around the world have arrived in the game, each with its own role and tactics — from heavily armed capital ships and agile strike aircraft to submarines capable of launching upgraded ballistic missiles. This addition deepens gameplay and expands tactical options: want aggression — build strike-focused loadouts and force your tempo on the enemy; need map control — invest in recon and long-range weaponry. The new content encourages varied playstyles — from classic head-on engagements and flank raids on key objectives to coordinated defense and precise containment. In our brief overview — a breakdown of the key new additions and what exactly awaits you at release on Steam!

🛳️ Frigate FS Forbin

Country: France

Tier: III

Role: high-speed submarine missile-carrier Steam post image

FS Forbin — a French frigate developed as part of the Franco-Italian “Horizon” program. By NATO classification it effectively functions as a destroyer: fast, maneuverable, low-observable, and packed with modern electronics. Its weapons mix combines standardized mounts and specialized modules, while a thoughtful layout and strong air defense give the ship a wide tactical envelope and the ability to dictate the terms of engagement.

Tactics on this ship most often revolve around active flank maneuvers, where speed lets you seize the initiative, or working in the thick of battle — shoulder to shoulder with destroyers and cruisers, providing fire and cover. Bear in mind: despite solid protection and excellent mobility, the ship’s Achilles’ heel is a not-very-diverse strike arsenal — mainly missile batteries and main guns. Two sensible fitting concepts follow from this: either equip fast-reloading weapons to overload enemy defenses with simultaneous threats, or build a heavier, slower-reloading loadout and fight from long range — in calmer conditions where gun accuracy holds and missiles have time to accelerate and better penetrate the enemy’s air defense envelope.

🛳️ Battleship FS Super Alsace

Country: France

Tier: III

Role: old-school battleship with modern armament Steam post image

FS Super Alsace — a project for a fast battleship of the French Navy featuring an unconventional weapons layout. Strike power is concentrated in a combination of large-caliber artillery and auxiliary launchers, reinforced by automated gun systems. Special emphasis was placed on air defense: the ship received an expanded set of diverse AA systems that form a dense protective dome against aerial threats.

Gameplay for this ship is geared toward front-line combat. High durability, reliable air defense, and four powerful guns allow effective attacks: synchronized gun salvos combined with grenade launcher fire deal such damage that the enemy often has no choice but to seek cover and repair — if they’re lucky. Flank raiding at medium ranges is also effective when you choose the right moment to employ each weapon type. Long-range shooting makes sense only for commanders who can accurately judge distance and have artillery experience — otherwise accuracy drops to zero.

🛳️ Submarine CN Type 039C

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: underwater predator with a torpedo focus

CN Type 039C — a modern Chinese Yuan-class submarine equipped with the latest hydroacoustic technologies for low noise signature. An enlarged oxygen tank compartment enables prolonged submerged operations. In addition to extra torpedo tubes, this variant features new anechoic coatings that further reduce detectability by enemy aircraft and surface ships.

Overall gameplay on the CN Type 039C will be familiar to commanders who have experience with the RF Barrakuda (945) and JS Taigei — its small size and good handling let you rapidly approach enemy ships underwater and unleash massed torpedo attacks, dealing significant damage and drawing enemy attention. This creates openings for allied teams to break defensive lines during slow-paced battles. The best tactic for the new Chinese sub is to creep under the hull of an unlucky opponent and methodically attack them while they’re vulnerable, without worrying about return fire from grenade launchers — their firing arcs often prevent them from targeting you.

🛳️ Hovercraft CN DX-125

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: heavy hovercraft with heavy armament Steam post image

CN DX-125 — an experimental assault air-cushion vessel developed for the Chinese Navy. It stands out with an expanded set of offensive and defensive weapons and a reinforced, enlarged hull. The vessel is intended to escort slower allied ships and carry out a variety of operational and tactical missions. Its unusual layout ensures effectiveness against all types of maritime threats.

The new Chinese hovercraft is a heavyweight in its class, especially compared to the Pan Spatial Zeus. It has a broader weapons suite but lags behind its class counterpart in mobility. Gameplay for this ship centers on long-range play with its accurate, long-range equipment. With this tactic you’re less vulnerable to strikes from enemy carriers, which typically prioritize lone close-range targets. You can, however, bolster your AA by fitting a replaceable missile battery in the free slot. An interesting tactic is to hide behind cover or keep your distance, launch the TW 200 helicopter, and use it to fire Red Arrow 20/50 missiles. Due to their high trajectory and resistance to countermeasures, such strikes can rattle the commander of a low-HP ship while keeping you safe.

🛳️ Destroyer CN Type 051B

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: jack-of-all-trades ship with wide mission scope

CN Type 051B Shenzhen — an experimental modular destroyer of the Luhai class, built to expand Chinese naval engineering experience and develop a universal ship with fleet command systems. It can serve as a flagship when needed. The ship has undergone multiple upgrades and participated in anti-piracy operations. Successful engineering solutions from this project formed the basis for the Type 051C destroyer.

The new Chinese destroyer is a model of versatility in both armament and tactical roles: it performs well in head-on duels, hunts submarines, conducts flank raids, and delivers precision strikes on priority targets. It shines in coordinated groups: use long-range ASMs and guns to strike enemies anywhere on the map, or switch to submarine hunting by combining grenade launchers and torpedo tubes. Its baseline AA is not especially strong, but that can be offset by fitting a surface-to-air missile in the battery slot and by teamplay: stay inside allied AA coverage and watch each other’s backs so enemy strike aircraft can’t pick off isolated targets. That’s how the ship realizes its potential and consistently gives the team an edge.

🛳️ Assault Landing Ship HMS Fearless

Country: United Kingdom

Tier: III

Role: the most versatile ship in its class

HMS Fearless (L170) — a multi-role landing ship of the Royal Navy built with stealth technologies and improved seakeeping. It can perform a broad range of maritime operations thanks to a flexible payload system. Powerful engines allow it to retain high speed and maneuverability even in adverse conditions, providing combat advantage.

The new British assault ship is a true builder when it comes to equipment: the commander chooses missile systems, AA suites, as well as a helicopter and drones. Only the autocannons are fixed and cannot be replaced, but their high efficiency makes that a non-issue. Tactically, it is optimal as a support ship on the front line, where missile batteries and artillery help allies and then transition into active breakthroughs of enemy defenses. With the right loadout it can move from a support role to an independent strike unit that sets the battle rhythm. The new MARS UEV drones deserve special mention: use them aggressively for recon and, upon spotting an enemy, send them in for ramming detonations. With skilled simultaneous control of two such drones, you can inflict colossal damage on an enemy ship — up to half its HP or more.

🛳️ Cruiser RF Project 1165

Country: Russia

Tier: III

Role: multi-purpose missile cruiser

RF Project 1165 Svarog — a Soviet nuclear-powered missile cruiser of Project 1165 “Fugas”, built as both a sword of sea supremacy and a shield of layered air defense. On board is a full arsenal: powerful AA complexes, missile launchers, and gun systems that let it handle any fight. The ship is versatile and capable of engaging targets in the air, on the surface, or below. Replaceable systems yield high multifunctionality in battle, making this cruiser a true menace of the seas.

This cruiser functions best as long-range support: it reliably covers allies with missile salvos, while its other armaments — two guns and three grenade launchers — enable daring breakthroughs to rapidly turn the tide. It is confident against air threats: eight distributed AA points together with silo S-300 Fort SAMs destroy a significant portion of incoming missiles and easily repel small air raids. For its class the ship is notably mobile, enabling flank maneuvers: while the enemy is occupied in the center, a surprise side or rear attack combining guns, grenade launchers, and missiles breaks formations and creates ideal conditions for a decisive push.

🛳️ Submarine HMS Vanguard (S28)

Country: United Kingdom

Tier: III

Role: nuclear ballistic missile submarine

HMS Vanguard (S28) — a Royal Navy nuclear submarine equipped with ballistic missiles and modern torpedoes. It is the lead ship of its class and the backbone of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. Low-observable technologies make it extremely hard to detect. Its nuclear reactor grants high speed, and in combat it is a powerful tool capable of delivering devastating strikes.

Optimal tactics are based on firing from cover, which aligns with ballistic missile trajectories and enables powerful strikes while remaining safe. Even with limited cover on the map you can occupy a strategically advantageous corner and start eliminating opponents, turning long-range firepower into battlefield superiority. This playstyle gives control over engagements, allowing you to choose the attack moment and greatly reduce retaliation risk. Starting a battle from the spawn point is not recommended — even submerged launches will draw enemy aviation attention quickly. Also avoid letting enemies close in: due to its armament the sub’s close-quarters options are limited. Torpedoes will help, but at best they prevent the enemy from leaving intact rather than fully neutralizing the threat.

🛳️ Frigate INS Nilgiri (P-17A)

Country: India

Tier: III

Role: multi-role stealth frigate

INS Nilgiri (P-17A) — a modern stealth missile frigate of the “17 Alpha” project for the Indian Navy.

Its design focuses on maximal concealment

composite materials and radar-absorbing coatings significantly reduce radar signature.

Another key advantage is high modularity

nearly all weapon systems are replaceable and adaptable, allowing flexible fitting for any naval task.

Thanks to the ability to swap almost all equipment, this frigate can perform a truly wide range of combat tasks. Head-on clashes, hunting stealthy submarines, flank attacks on enemy carriers — these are just some of what a skilled commander can accomplish. However, like any platform, it has weaknesses. The main one is that most of the AA is located aft. On the open sea that’s not critical, but if an enemy attacks with missiles while only your bow is exposed due to cover, they have a better chance of success. Timely deployment of flares or a smart withdrawal behind cover will help break the enemy’s line of fire.

🛳️ Submarine INS S5

Country: India

Tier: III

Role: high-speed ballistic missile submarine

INS S5 — an Indian next-generation nuclear submarine carrying ballistic missiles, developed as an evolution of the “Arihant” program. Experience with the previous class revealed reactor power and payload limitations, so a new design with expanded capabilities was created. Displacement of the S5 is nearly twice that of the Arihant, allowing space for a more advanced reactor and substantially larger missile loadout. This submarine will become a core element of India’s naval nuclear triad, elevating the country’s strategic deterrence.

Gameplay centers on delivering missile strikes from long positions, made possible by the sub’s heavy ballistic armament — the main instrument of combat that lets it operate from safe zones and force favorable engagement conditions. For defense the sub has a dual torpedo tube setup that, in the worst case, ensures it won’t be destroyed without consequence, and in the best case forces an enemy ship to close to minimal range for you to launch ballistic missiles. The sub’s mobility is noteworthy: high speed lets it seize advantageous positions and reposition quickly as threats approach.

✈️ Strike fighter J-36

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: ultra-modern multi-role aircraft

A Chinese sixth-generation attack aircraft with a tailless aerodynamic layout, V-shaped stabilizers to reduce detectability, and the ability to deliver preemptive strikes, including nuclear ones.

Thanks to a powerful, long-range weapons suite it can strike enemies without entering their air defense envelope.

✈️ Fighter J-36 ASF

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: cutting-edge air superiority fighter

A tailless fighter variant based on the J-36 project. This fighter is designed to engage aerial targets at medium and long ranges using air-to-air missiles and a unique laser cannon.

Thanks to its powerful airborne laser it handles agile enemy aircraft much more effectively.

✈️ Drone Jiutian

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: jet-powered strike mothership drone

A heavy Chinese UAV carrying a broad missile loadout, laser-guided microdrones, mines, and even nuclear warheads. Beyond a wide range of weapons for striking surface and subsurface targets, it can conduct reconnaissance and hunt enemy submarines.

With long-range weapons it can strike from afar. A key feature is the CH-901J kamikaze drones guided by laser designation.

✈️ Strike fighter AV-8B Harrier II Night Attack

Country: United Kingdom

Tier: III

Role: deep-strike V/STOL attack aircraft

A British modernized V/STOL attack aircraft designed for round-the-clock operations. It features thermal imaging sights, improved avionics, reinforced airframe, and new Pegasus 11 engines.

Thanks to a mix of long-range armament and the ability to hover in V/STOL mode, it can effectively strike targets outside enemy AA coverage while performing minimal maneuvers.

🚁 Helicopter MAH Marineon

Country: South Korea

Tier: III

Role: multi-role attack helicopter

A naval attack variant MUH-1 Marineon for Korean maritime forces. It has short wings with multiple missiles including hypersonic ones, and a nose turret with a 12.7-mm gun.

With this armament it can effectively engage air and surface targets at medium range, strengthening a ship’s defenses.

✈️ Bomber Moskalyev DSB-LK

Country: Russia

Tier: III

Role: hypersonic strategic bomber

A Soviet experimental hypersonic long-range strategic bomber. Use of titanium in the structure and six high-power engines enables very high speeds, while the airframe shape enhances stealth.

Due to its specialized armament it can strike both from afar and right under an enemy’s nose, thanks to one of the highest speeds in its class.

✈️ Drone S-70BM Sledopit

Country: Russia

Tier: III

Role: jet-powered strike UAV

A Russian heavy strike UAV built on a flying-wing scheme using composite materials, low-observable coatings, and a new powerplant. It carries diverse armament, including nuclear options, and can strike air and surface targets.

Thanks to its weapons it can hit opponents at long ranges, notably using hypersonic missiles with nuclear warheads.

🚁 Helicopter RAH-66B Sea Comanche

Country: USA

Tier: III

Role: stealth attack helicopter

An anti-submarine variant of the US LHX combat helicopter program. It has excellent maneuverability and a wide arsenal for engaging all target types. It uses stealth technologies and modern navigation systems.

Indispensable for players who value the ability to hit any target.

✈️ Strike fighter AL-301

Country: USA

Tier: III

Role: futuristic attack aircraft with a powerful combat laser

An American concept for a low-observable future attack aircraft with a hybrid propulsion system and multiple unique engines. It achieves high speed and excellent maneuverability.

Capable of engaging all target types on the battlefield.

Autocannon AFGS

Country: China Tier: III Type: automatic anti torpedo gun

A Chinese defensive grenade-launcher-style system with a drum magazine, designed to counter torpedo threats. It fires automatically at incoming torpedoes at close ranges.

An indispensable aid for creating automated anti-submarine defenses.

Missile DF-31AG

Country: China Tier: III Type: anti-ship ballistic missile

A refined variant in the Chinese DF-31 missile family. It flies a high trajectory and carries submunitions to deal area damage. The missile’s structure has been reinforced to improve its chances of penetrating even the strongest air defenses.

It proves highly effective against enemies thanks to the combination of speed and trajectory.

USV CH-T1

Country: China Tier: III Type: naval drone-ground effect vehicle with self-detonation capability

A modern Chinese military ground-effect naval drone designed to combat ships. It skims above the water at high speed carrying a powerful self-detonating charge and several torpedoes. The CH-T1 is intended to strike large surface ships, conduct fast torpedo attacks, and block sea areas — a technological achievement in modern naval warfare.

By detonating on impact it inflicts massive damage to an enemy ship, forcing it to fall back for repairs.

Cannon H/PJ-33B (100 mm)

Country: China Tier: III Type: naval gun

A Chinese 100-mm twin naval gun mount designed for engaging surface targets at medium ranges.

It offers good accuracy due to reduced dispersion when firing.

Grenade Launcher Swarmer-2 Atlas

Country: China Tier: III Type: launcher with laser-guided projectiles

A Chinese launcher with laser guidance, designed for precision strikes on surface targets at long range.

Especially effective against targets concealed behind smoke screens.

Torpedo ET40 (324 mm)

Country: China Tier: III Type: counter-measure-resistant torpedo

A Chinese electric torpedo with a three-round launch tube. Manual control of each salvo allows bypassing enemy subsurface countermeasures at the decisive moment.

The best choice for anti-submarine tasks.

Air Defense RIM-8 Talos (Nuclear WDU)

Country: USA Tier: III Type: high-power surface-to-air missile system

An American surface-to-air missile system intended to engage groups of aerial targets with micro-nuclear warheads.

Due to the area damage from a nuclear blast it can hit not only enemy aircraft formations but also the missiles they launched.

Torpedo Type 65-76A Kit

Country: Russia Tier: III Type: torpedo with nuclear warhead

A long-range Russian torpedo with a nuclear charge. It quickly acquires targets and deals area damage. It has high top speed but slow acceleration.

An excellent choice both for submarine hunters and for those who prefer hunting subs from the surface.

Missile S-10 Granat

Country: Russia Tier: III Type: cruise missile

A Soviet sea-skimming cruise missile with a nuclear warhead designed to strike high-value surface targets at long range. It can be launched from underwater.

A welcome addition for submarines that carry both SLBMs and anti-ship cruise missiles.

Air defense AK-630M2 Kvartet

Country: Russia Tier: III Type: gun-based AA system

An improved four-barrel variant of the AK-630-2. The complex effectively counters all aerial threats at medium ranges with dense, accurate fire.

Thanks to its rate of fire it almost always shoots down incoming aerial targets. The more of these installations on a ship — the better!

Autocannon Paket-NK

Country: Russia Tier: III Type: automated anti-submarine system

A modern Russian anti-torpedo defense system that automatically engages submarines and torpedoes at close ranges.

Missile Brahmos NG

Country: India Tier: III Type: hypersonic anti-ship missile

A hypersonic variant of the Russian-Indian Brahmos missile. It can strike surface targets at long ranges.

An excellent pick for players who prefer to attack frequently with missiles without waiting for long reloads.

USV Pan Spatial RAMSTORM 4

Manufacturer: Pan Spatial Aerospace Concept Design Tier: III Type: unmanned explosive motorboat

An experimental self-detonating unmanned boat that allows mounting additional armament. Its elongated hull carries an increased active contact explosive payload as well as several multi-purpose missiles.

It boasts high speed and maneuverability within its subclass, simplifying attacks with such drones on targets.

Grenade Launcher LARS-2 (110 mm)

Country: Germany Tier: III Type: multiple rocket launcher system

A German lightweight launcher for medium ranges. It has excellent firing accuracy due to the FIELD GUARD fire-control system.

It also features a fairly fast reload, making it a great choice for ships that rely primarily on rocket artillery.

Missile BrahMos ER

Country: India Tier: III Type: anti-ship missile

A variant of the Russian-Indian BrahMos anti-ship missile designed for long-range engagements.

Its excellent initial speed makes it useful across many combat scenarios.

Missile MdCN

Country: France Tier: III Type: anti-ship cruise missile with underwater launch capability

A French long-range anti-ship cruise missile intended for both surface ships and submarines. It features fast target acquisition and high speed, and can be launched from underwater.

Its quick lock-on and strike capability make it a great choice for submarines that want to break into the heart of battle underwater.

Cannon Archer (155 mm)

Country: Sweden Tier: III Type: artillery

A Swedish fully automated 155-mm gun firing high-velocity shells. It offers exceptional volley accuracy with a two-round salvo and can engage surface targets at long ranges.

Installing it on a ship with 2 or even 3 gun slots can turn the vessel into a true mini-battleship!

Missile Nasir

Country: Iran Tier: III Type: cruise missile with IR decoy resistance

An Iranian medium-range cruise missile with a unique flight profile. It can strike surface targets and ignores thermal decoys.

A great choice for those tired of "losing" missiles to thermal countermeasures!

Ballistic missiles for submarines

In addition, over these three months we reworked submarine ballistic missiles, giving them their own subclass and functionality. Both old models were updated and new ones were added.

In the equipment store you can find the following new additions:

1. JL-2 (China; T3)

2. R-39 (Russia; T3)

3. UGM-27 Polaris A-3 (USA; T2)

4. UGM-96 Trident I (USA; T3)

Missile R-29RMU2.1 Lajner

Country: Russia Tier: III Type: submarine ballistic missile

A Russian ballistic missile, a modification of the "Sineva" variant, intended for deployment on submarines. It carries an enlarged nuclear warhead.

It has a slightly higher flight speed compared to commonly available counterparts.