War Thundercan’t be considered as an awesome simulation of all-out war if not for theavailability of dogfightingor aerial forces. Those are essentially the cavalry of the modern world–fast, elevated, and majestic. Needless to say, aircraft, typically fighter planes, bombers, and helicopters, play a vital role inWar Thunder.
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While the tank crews toil in the mud below and die in their glorified metal caskets, aces up in the heavens spit fire at each other in a blaze of glory. When doing such a celebrated stunt in warfare, one not only has to look good but also be effective.When it comes to that,War Thunder’s best aircraft come to mind, so get ready to rain some death from above with these flying metal beasts.
Updated on July 21, 2025, by Reyadh Rahaman:In order to determine the best aircraft for each job, players will need to look at their stats, as well as pilot them, to get a sense of their capabilities.The fastest planes in War Thunder may be great for hit-and-runs, but, sometimes, precision and control trump speed when it comes to aerial warfare.
With that said,the best planes and helicopters in War Thunder are those that can deliver unparalleled destruction to enemies and offer much-needed support to allies. However, at the end of the day, one’s piloting skills are the most important factor for victory.
15EC-665 Tiger HAP
Helicopters aren’t exactly most people’s cup of tea or the most exciting aircraft since they aren’t as fast as planes but they make for good air support for tanks. With their rather limited role in combat, they have to at least be flexible enough to maneuver around the battlefield.
For that matter, the Eurocopter 665 Tiger HAP is one flexible bird. It’s a rank VI French attack helicopter that was removed from the game’s store but then was brought back after several updates. It’s a well-rounded helicopter that’s decent in all aspects and is a good investment for later tiers.
300 km/h
4,000 m
30 mm GIAT M781 cannon
450 rounds
720 shots per minute
14AH-1Z
Now, for those who want thebest ground attack helicopter: choose the AH-1Z.This attack helicopter is one of the fastest in the game and can reach heights of up to 6,000 meters, making it relatively safe against anti-helicopter weaponsand gunfire.
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It does have a slightly lower rating compared to the Eurocopter because the AH-1Z is more of a glass cannon and relies on ground support. It can’t exactly operate independently most of the time without getting shot down but the specific attack role it fills in makes it an important part of any assault.
411 km/h
6,000 m
20 mm M197 cannon
750 rounds
750 shots per minute
13B-29A-BN
Speaking of specific attack roles, bombers are made for the sole purpose of ending battles and matches in a flash. Not many planes are as successful as the B-29A-BN Superfortress. The name says it all; the B29 is aflying monsterthat’s capable of defending itself and ending matches.
The B29 is can wipe out a base in one bombing run. Due to its size and how conspicuous it is, it’s usually a prime target for fighter planes. That means it’s very much reliant on its own fighter escorts despite havingseveral gunsfor defense. Many players make it a priority to rip apart bombers.
641 km/h
12,000 m
12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns (x4)
4,000 rounds
12FW 190 A-4
The FW 190 A-4 is a low-rank German fighter plane but that doesn’t mean it’s a pushover. Historically, its nickname is Wurger which means shrike or beast of a plane in English. Seeing the FW 190 in action, that name is well-earned.
The FW 190 A-4can destroy enemy fighter planes fast and double as a bomber since it can have an additional payload.The Wurger can also carry a lovely variety of special ammunition that can spell trouble for anyone who doesn’t expect incendiary or explosive shells in dogfights.
648 km/h
20 mm MG 151 cannon (x2)
500 rounds
700 shots per minute
11Ho 229 V3
For fighter planes, maneuverability and mobility are often more significant factors than firepower or protection, especially for skilled players. How else could one pull off some ace moves and dominate the skies? With the Ho 229 V3, that’s more doable than usual.
This Axis German plane boasts a high rating and looks futuristic despite being a WWII craft. It’s the first jet in the Luftwaffe tech tree and the experimental nature of this fighter makes it more lightly armed than most aircraft. Even so, it makes up for it with how fast and evasive it can be, plus the intimidation factor associated with the plane’s design.
910 km/h
30 mm MK 103 cannon (x2)
340 rounds
380 shots per minute
10Arado Ar 234 B-2
One of the earliest planes inWar Thunder, the Arado Ar 234 B-2 bomber also holds the record for being the first-ever jet bomber in the world, all thanks to German engineering back in WWII. As expected, it was a marvel back in its heyday.
It has a BR of 6.3 and is well-liked by players for being easy to fly–almost effortless. That makes other activities such as doing bombing runs or dive-bombing easier since players don’t have to strain too much in maneuvering this bomber.
742 km/h
11,000 m
Only possesses ordnance options
N/a
9Sea Meteor F Mk 3
One of the oldest planes in the game’s development, the Sea Meteor has gone through a lot but remains among one of the favorite fighter planes of many players. This one takes a special kind of skill and restraint to pilot, however.
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While the Sea Meteor is a fast plane that is capable of outrunning enemies and then resorting to dive counterattacks, the wings will rip off easily at the hands of less experienced pilots.That’s why handling it with precision and care at high speeds can pay off if done right.
927 km/h
12,500 m
20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon (x4)
780 rounds
8F8F-1B Bearcat
For a WWII plane that can strike fear in the hearts of Axis enemies, look no further than the Bearcat or aptly called F8F-1B. It’s the last plane in the single-engine fighter category of the US Navy branch, making it one of the mostrefined aircraftin the tech tree.
What’s even more impressive is that most of the Bearcat’s enemies are jet fighters because it’s rank VI with a high battle rating. However, it can duke it out with more advanced planes due to its impressive armaments and fast movements as well as impressive acceleration.
708 km/h
10,900 m
20 mm M3 cannon (x4)
836 rounds
7Sea Hawk FGA.6
The British are some of the most proficient builders of impressive aircraft and the Sea Hawk FGA.6 is a testament to this record. It flew the skies near the end of WWII and is one of Britain’s earliest jet fighters.InWar Thunder, the Sea Hawk FGA.6 is one of the best.
It has a battle rating of 8.0 and has several roles from being a fighter craft to ground support. That’s all thanks to the high maneuverability of the Sea Hawk. Its brakes let it slow down fast for more precise targeting.
933 km/h
13,500 m
600 rounds
6Yak-3P
This Soviet fighter ranks high in many players' lists thanks to being an awesome all-around fighter plane. It has amazing maneuverability and fearsome weapons that don’t hinder much of its speed. Players can’t go wrong with this one, particularly those who are relatively new to the game and are looking for versatile aircraft.
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The Yak-3P has a battle rating average of 5.3 and has wings with higher durability compared to its Yak cousins. The red paint can be a liability when players are looking to avoid enemy eyes, but other than that, it’s a pretty solid plane whose only glaring problem is a poor defense.
639 km/h
10,400 m
20 mm B-20S cannon (x2)
260 rounds
