War Thunder Plans a Premium PLZ45 for an Upcoming Major Update
The 155 mm self-propelled gun is designed to sit between the PLZ83 and PLZ05, though its specifications and model can still change.
Gaijin Entertainment has shown off the work-in-progress Chinese PLZ45 self-propelled gun, which is planned for an upcoming major War Thunder update. The developer also warned that the vehicle’s specifications and visuals may change before it reaches the game, as noted in its Steam announcement.
The PLZ45 is built around a 155 mm howitzer with a barrel length of 45 calibers. It will use three shell types: standard high-explosive ammunition, radio-fuzed high-explosive ammunition, and semi-armor-piercing rounds. Each shell weighs more than 45 kg, while two of the ammunition types will be new to War Thunder.
The PLZ45 fills a gap in China’s premium lineup
Gaijin plans to make the PLZ45 a premium vehicle because China does not currently have a premium option in this vehicle category. The developer said it will likely be offered through a pre-order pack, although the pack itself has not been detailed.
On the battlefield, the PLZ45 is intended to sit between the PLZ83 and PLZ05 self-propelled guns. Its cannon is more powerful than the PLZ83’s, but its muzzle velocity is slightly lower than the PLZ05’s. The vehicle also goes without a stabilizer, laser rangefinder, or autoloader.
That tradeoff gives the PLZ45 a Battle Rating between the two existing Chinese SPGs. Its cannon offers firepower comparable to the PLZ05, but the slow reload and lack of a laser rangefinder will keep it from simply replacing the more advanced vehicle. For players who enjoy long-range artillery gameplay, it should provide another way to build a Chinese ground lineup.
An export vehicle with Chinese camouflage
The PLZ45 was mainly produced for export, with Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Kuwait among its primary operators. Some examples also serve with the People’s Liberation Army, allowing the in-game vehicle to use camouflage patterns based on modern Chinese army vehicles.
The PLZ45 is nearly ready to appear in its final form, but Gaijin has not announced a release date or the details of its potential pre-order pack. What do you think of this new Chinese SPG? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
War Thunder
Developed by Gaijin Entertainment
War Thunder is a free-to-play vehicular combat MMO featuring aircraft, ground vehicles, and naval craft spanning from the early 20th century to the modern era. Players progress through technology trees across multiple nations, unlocking increasingly advanced military vehicles. The game offers three realism tiers for each vehicle type: arcade, realistic, and simulator modes. Originally developed as a flight simulator under the name "World of Planes," the game expanded to include tanks in 2014 and naval forces later, becoming a combined-arms experience. A mobile version was released in 2023.
- Genre Shooter, Simulator, Tactical
- Platforms Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One
- Perspective First person, Third person, Virtual Reality
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
- Release January 28, 2013
- Publisher Gaijin Entertainment
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