Development Diaries | February 2026

Commanders!

Modern Warships is entering a new stage of development. Ahead lies the Steam release, bringing with it a significant expansion of the project’s capabilities. The game is steadily growing: the roster of ships is becoming more diverse, the arsenal more advanced, and each update noticeably deepens the tactical complexity of battles.

The February 0.101 update adds a substantial amount of content and improvements that can change the usual course of naval warfare. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the key additions and explain what players can expect in this version.

🛳️ Frigate CN CSTP

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Modern frigate with a focus on torpedo armament

Steam post image CN CSTP emerged in an era when success at sea depended not only on speed and maneuverability but also on striking the enemy before they could respond. Built on the Type 056 platform, this modern frigate combines advanced electronics with stealth technology. Its modular equipment can be easily adapted for any combat task, while its unique Gauss gun and experimental torpedoes make it a true predator of the seas. Modern air defense systems allow it to defend itself under any conditions, neutralizing threats from above.

While it carries modern missiles and respectable artillery, the ship’s true strength lies in its torpedoes, which are its primary weapon in battle. Even without altering its current loadout, investing in torpedo upgrades can yield truly impressive results—up to 130,000 damage delivered almost guaranteed in a single salvo of 12 torpedoes. This is a ship where one successful attack can determine the outcome of an entire battle!

One of the most effective strategies for the new Chinese frigate is choosing between two playstyles. The first is aggressive flanking attacks, where CN CSTP strikes from an unexpected direction, turning the fight into a nightmare for the enemy with a torrent of torpedoes. The second is active support of allies: while the enemy’s attention is fixed on larger battleships and cruisers, CN CSTP methodically and safely deals damage from their blind spots using its full arsenal. In both cases, the ship shines where it is least expected.

🛳️ Destroyer CN Type 956EM Ningbo

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Artillery destroyer

Steam post image CN Type 956EM Ningbo is an unrealized but truly impressive modernization of the Type 956 destroyer, designed with maximum firepower in mind. In this concept, designers focused on the strength of traditional naval artillery while also improving the ship’s survivability, adding modern automated systems to counter underwater threats alongside torpedo launchers. The result is a powerful combatant capable of performing admirably even in the most intense naval battles.

Since most in-game maps are open seas, one of the most comfortable and effective tactics for CN Type 956EM Ningbo is engaging the enemy from maximum range. Using its powerful naval guns—such as the MONARC (155 mm) or similar—allows the ship to control the battlefield, methodically dealing damage with all its weapons while fully showcasing its artillery potential, all from relative safety.

However, the destroyer is not limited to cautious long-range play. If desired, it can take a more aggressive role—breaking into the thick of battle, smashing enemy defenses, and supporting its artillery with torpedoes in close-range clashes. The choice is yours: a measured, calculated fight at a distance, or a fast-paced, high-intensity close encounter.

🛳️ Aircraft Carrier CN Project 1143E

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Aircraft-carrying missile cruiser

Steam post image CN Project 1143E is a modernized version of the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Minsk, acquired by China in 1997. During extensive reconstruction, the ship received upgraded weapon and electronic systems, including a modern vertical launch system, significantly enhancing its combat potential. Despite a limited flight deck, it can carry a mixed air group of conventional carrier planes and advanced VTOL strike aircraft.

Despite its aircraft carrier classification and two strike aviation squadrons, CN Project 1143E is effective not only from the air, delivering devastating strikes, but also using its own armament—powerful missile batteries and unique automatic guns with explosive shells. Coupled with decent mobility, it can even take on the role of… a missile cruiser!

Tired of endlessly flying missions or facing dense enemy air defenses? No problem. In such situations, you can close in and, together with allies, unleash a missile barrage, systematically breaking through enemy defenses. Skilled players can mix tactics, launching missiles while managing aircraft, balancing firepower and mobility… leaving opponents with nothing but sympathy.

🛳️ Cruiser CN Chongqing

Country: China

Tier: II

Role: Modernized artillery cruiser

Steam post imageFormer British light cruiser, which took part in several WWII campaigns. Later sold to China and renamed “Chongqing,” it underwent extensive modernization and now features new armaments capable of effectively engaging any potential target. It boasts good seakeeping and versatile weapons, including missile batteries and strong air defense.

CN Chongqing is a pioneer of its class at Tier II, bringing fresh variety to the otherwise stagnant gameplay of this tier’s naval battles.

✈️ Strike fighter Nanchang Q-5Jia

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Light attack aircraft

Steam post imageSingle-seat, twin-engine Chinese attack aircraft, originally a nuclear strike platform. Successful for its time, it was actively exported and can engage both surface and air targets.

✈️ Bomber WH-7

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Next-generation bomber

Steam post imageChinese next-generation bomber prototype featuring reinforced composite materials, modern tracking systems, and stealth technologies. Designed for maximum operational efficiency against both surface and underwater targets.

✈️ Strike fighter JH-7

Country: China

Tier: II

Role: Multirole attack aircraft

Steam post imageLarge two-seat Chinese multirole attack aircraft. Designed for various combat scenarios and effective against both air and surface targets.

Grenade Launcher PHL-191 (370 mm)

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Multirole MLRS

Steam post imageSecond-generation large-caliber multiple launch rocket system from China. Highly accurate and capable of engaging ships and submarines at long range.

Missile (ASM) YJ-19

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Hypersonic missile with laser guidance

Chinese hypersonic cruise missile with a ramjet engine and laser guidance. Effective at long range with area-of-effect damage, optimized for surface targets.

Torpedo YU-12 (324 mm)

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Light torpedo

A Chinese version of a lightweight, long-range air-launched torpedo. It can effectively engage surface and underwater targets and bypass torpedo countermesures.

UUV HSU100

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Unmanned mini-submarine

State-of-the-art Chinese unmanned underwater vehicle. Equipped with advanced sensors for reconnaissance and stealth technologies. Armed with two specialized torpedo launchers for various combat scenarios.

Air Defense LY-1

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: High-precision combat laser

Chinese high-precision laser air defense system. Capable of engaging any aerial target at close range.

Cannon PLZ-05 (155 mm)

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: Long-range artillery

Large-caliber Chinese artillery system with powerful explosive shells. Effective against surface targets at long distances.

Grenade Launcher WS-3 (400 mm)

Country: China

Tier: III

Role: High-powered multirole MLRS

Chinese high-powered multirole multiple launch rocket system. Can engage surface and underwater targets at medium range, dealing area-of-effect damage and ignoring thermal traps.