The F-5TH Super Tigris is an extensively modernized variant of the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II developed and operated by the Royal Thai Air Force in the late 2010s.
F-5TH Super Tigris: A Jet Fighter for Japan at Rank VIII |
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Vehicle History
Originally acquired in the late 1970s during the Cold War, Thailand purchased the F-5 to strengthen its air defenses amid growing regional tensions in Southeast Asia at the time and rising influence of both the U.S. and Soviet Union in the region. By the 2010s, the RTAF faced aging fighter fleets and limited budgets, making full replacement with modern, current generation fighters financially difficult. Instead, Thailand opted to upgrade its F-5s in cooperation with Israel’s Elbit Systems, producing the F-5TH “Super Tigris”. The upgrade added modern avionics, radar, electronic warfare systems, new cockpit displays, and compatibility with advanced air-to-air and precision-guided weapons, bringing the aircraft’s capabilities close to those of newer multirole fighters.
The F-5TH both allowed Thailand to extend the service life of its existing fleet of F-5s while also complementing newer fighters like the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen. Entering operational service in 2019, the Super Tigris ensures that the RTAF continues to field capable multirole aircraft to the present day despite procurement constraints. The type is expected to remain in service until the late 2020s before reaching the age limit of the airframes.
Introducing the F-5TH Super Tigris!
The F-5TH Super Tigris is one of the latest modifications of a classic Cold War jet fighter that War Thunder players already know very well and which is seemingly defying obsolescence against all odds. This latest Thai upgrade brings the venerable F-5 into the modern age of jet combat, introducing various state-of the-art systems and, most importantly, greatly expanding the selection of advanced ordnance options to rival the latest fighters of other nations. Let’s take a look at this jet, coming in the Tusk Force major update!
Based off the F-5T that might already be familiar to many of you from a previous update, the F-5TH builds upon the Tiger’s signature speed and agility and combines them with meaningful upgrades, intended to bring the aircraft on par with much more recent fighter types. As such, the aircraft retains the same engines and overall design, but is outfitted with advanced avionics and incorporates a fully digital “glass cockpit” as well as a more capable radar system.
The true star of the show however, is found in the aircraft’s suspended weapons arsenal. While the previous gen F-5T already offered a respectable selection of advanced weapons, the Super Tigris elevates this to another level. Being modified to carry the latest air-to-air missiles, the F-5TH can mount AIM-9M, Python-3, as well as Derby ARH missiles. In addition to this, the Super Tigris’ arsenal is further augmented by the ability to mount guided bombs. All this taken into account results in a greatly expanded versatility which underlines the F-5TH multirole capability. In other words, thanks to the availability of these new weapons, the Super Tigris can be seen as a force to be reckoned with, even in top tier matches, despite its Cold War legacy!
The Super Tigris will soon be making its way to War Thunder as part of the Tusk Force major update. Arriving to the top ranks of the Thai subtree, the F-5TH will provide the Japanese aviation tree with access to another excellent fighter, further reinforcing its top tier lineup. That’s all for today. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.