It seems we should have called our next expansion FOURTHAG as we now have our third “4th” division for WARNO - NORTHAG.
This time, the communist Polish People's Army brings to the battlefield the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana or the 4th Mechanized Infantry Division.
Zatem na przód!
Warsaw Pact’s Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana
The 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana or in short 4 Zmech. was originally formed in the Sumy region of Ukraine by communist forces in 1944 as the 4th Pomeranian Infantry Division. It was one of the first Polish units to take an oath on Polish territory. The formation’s patron was Jan Kiliński, a historical Polish soldier who commanded the Warsaw Uprising in 1794 against the then-Russian garrison.
The 4th Infantry Division fought heavily on the Pomerian Front. It ended World War 2 on the Elbe River and, in the post-war years, was integrated into the Polish People’s Army, to be reorganized as the 4th Mechanized “Pomerian” Division in 1962. In November 1966, the division was upgraded from a cadre-filled peace formation to full combat readiness, which included a sizable increase in materiel and manpower. New support units were formed, with the division becoming part of the first-line southwestern Silesian Military District (one out of three) until the end of the Cold War. The two western military districts would form a combined arms or tank army in times of war. Within WARNO, this is represented as the Polish 2nd Army.
The division was part of the communist Polish People's Army or Ludowe Wojsko Polskie (LWP). During the Cold War, the Poles formed by far the largest ground force (outside the Soviet Army, of course) of the Warsaw Pact. However, there were always doubts by the Soviet Union’s leadership about the Polish willingness to join the communist cause in wartime, fueled by history and Polish reluctance in joining internal Warsaw Pact operations such as the Prague Spring in 1968. Economic crises and martial law in the early 1980s disrupted civilian life in Poland, and further repressions by internal security forces - instigated by WARNO’s alternative USSR’s troika - ensured the Polish nominal loyalty in our 1989 war.
The Polish People’s Army was well-equipped with the Soviet Army’s export vehicles and weaponry, plus a decent amount of domestic designs, ensuring that the People’s Army was a fighting force to be reckoned with. Its (conscript) soldiers in the late Cold War were considered professional, including its officer's corps. The Polish army was (and is still to this day) held in great regard by the Polish nation due to its long and proud military history and tradition.
The Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana Detailed
As a non-Soviet Warsaw Pact mechanized infantry division, the 4 Zmech. shares similarities with the East German 4. Motorisierte Schützendivision. Immediately apparent is the shared reliance on the T-55 (including upgraded variants) as the main battle tank, and (no surprise here) the BMP-1 (known as the BWP-1 in Polish service) as its primary IFV.
However, the Polish Army did feature some unique elements. For instance, it didn’t use Soviet-made BTR-60 or -70 wheeled APCs, but instead relied on Czechoslovakian-Polish SKOT wheeled APCs. Although the basic versions of this vehicle shared similarities with Soviet examples, further developed variants diverged significantly.
Another example is that the Poles didn’t rely on T-55s capable of barrel-launching ATGMs. Instead, they developed some extremely accurate fire-control systems for this older-generation tank: the famous Merida. This turned the Polish T-55 into - undoubtedly - one of the best and most deadly T-55 upgrades of the time.
All Polish mechanized and armored divisions relied on a light special forces company for reconnaissance purposes. Furthermore, Polish foot soldiers were equipped with the RPG-7VM as the squad’s “best” anti-tank weapon, never buying the single-shot RPG-18 or RPG-22. Instead, they developed their own version, the Komar, which was definitely not one of the best Polish inventions to come out of the late Cold War. The Poles didn’t really trust magazine-fed 5,56mm light machine guns; they stuck to the heavier belt-fed 7,62mm, which they fielded at great numbers at platoon level (more than one machine gun per squad). This translates to less AT but more anti-infantry power.
The main truck of the Polish Army is the domestic STAR-266. Polish tube artillery was famous for being one of the most obsolete of all Warsaw Pact armies, still relying a lot on refurbished World War 2-era towed guns (the only change being the replacement of old wheels for modern tires).
As for rotorcraft, Poland developed many variants of the lighter Mi-2 helicopter, some of which can already be encountered with the East German armies in WARNO. They went even further and designed their own: the W-3W SOKOL.
The 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana in WARNO - NORTHAG
So, what’s the deal with the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana in WARNO? Note that all of the below is still very much work-in-progress and might be subject to change.
LOG
An average category. Players will be able to field the usual array of supply units, from a FOB to light GAZ-66 and heavy KRAZ-255B trucks.
Command units include the new SKOT R-2M and BWP-1K3 armored vehicles, as well as the light MI-2D PRZETACENIK helicopter.
INF
A very good category with plenty of new infantry options.
Regular Polish infantry come in two variants. The first is a 7-man mechanized infantry squad, the PIECHOTA ZMECH. (which are already in-game with the East German special Rügener Grupierung) deployable with a BWP-1. They represent one-third of the division’s infantry.
The second variant is the motorized infantry squad, the PIECHOTA squads, riding to battle in either SKOT-2 (fielding an HMG 12,7mm) or SKOT-2A (with a dual HMG 14,5mm and LMG 7,62mm) APC. These are all new units. They represent the remaining two-thirds of the divisional infantry and come in three distinct variants:
The basic PIECHOTA: 9-man squad with assault rifles, 1x PKM machine-gun and RPG-7VM.
The PIECHOTA (SVD) being a 10-man squad with assault rifles, 2x PKM, 1x SVD and RPG-7VM. They represent the one-out-three squads per platoon that received a platoon-assigned DMR and extra PKM.
The PIECHOTA DOW. which is an 8-man leader squad with assault rifles, 1x SVD sniper rifle, Komar and smoke grenades.
The new Polish combat engineers are featured in three flavors: the DOW. SAPERZY (command), SAPERZY (explosives), and SAPERZY SZTURMOWI (with LPO-50 flamethrowers) deployable in either MT-LB or SKOT-2 APCs.
Anti-tank squads include the new DRUZYNA PPANC. tank-hunters, which are the Polish counterparts to the East German Panzerjäger. They field the RPG-7VL, only available to them as a courtesy of the “March to War” timeline (in real life, they didn’t field this particular RPG variant).
Other weapon teams are the regular SPG-9 recoilless rifle and the PPK KONKURS ATGM. A special (new) transport is the new SKOT-2AM, which features a BRDM-2 turret with two Malyutka-M on its sides.
Military police can deploy as the new WSW squads.
A special war-time attachment will be some elements of the Samodzielny Batalion Szturmowy (or 1st Special Force Battalion) operating at the Polish 2nd Army level. The new KOMANDOSI are 6-man special force commando squads with Tantal assault rifles, 2x PKM, RPG-7VM, and smoke grenades. They can deploy in either new HONKER 4011 (“Polish Humvees”), new W-3 SOKOL light or Mi-8 [RKT] heavy helicopters.
ART
Average to good amount of slots, but with a selection of rather old units. These include artillery guns such as the Soviet-made M43 120mm mortars, the new H WZ. 1938/85 122mm (which as Soviet M-30, and new WZ. 1937/85 152mm towed howitzers. All of these are World War 2 vintage.
MLRS are much more modern with either the BM-21 GRAD or the new RM WZ.70/85.
TNK
A good amount of slots with the 4 Zmech. fielding two variants of the older-generation T-55.
The T-55A “old-timer” variant, which is the same as the East German version, comes both in vanilla and command versions.
The T-55AM MERIDA, already featured in the Rügener Grupierung, with a greatly improved FCS which translates to a 2275m gun with 60% Accuracy and 50% (Motion) stabilizer. Also, in either plain or command versions.
Both of the above tank versions come in an unusual “S” variant (the new T-55AS and T-55AMS respectively). These tanks sport two PW-LWD mine-clearing rocket charges which is the same as the East German “coffin-launcher” (aka “Pooratino”) as fielded by East German SPW-50PK(MRF) in the Rügener Grupierung battlegroup.
Dedicated anti-tank vehicles are UAZ-469 FAGOT and BRDM-2 MALUTKA-P ATGM carriers. A new unit is the D-48 85mm gun, similar to the existing D-44, but packing a heavier punch.
RECO
A good category for this division with lots of choice.
Infantry scouts are divided into 4-man ZWIADOWCY riding to battle in UAZ-469 jeeps or recon transport OT-65, 8-man SAPERZY ZWIADOWCY squads in BAV-485 amphibious trucks (basically a World War 2-era DUKW) or TRI HORS recon transport MT-LB, and finally a 7-man ZMOT. ZWIAD squad in recon transport ROZP. BWP-1 IFV. All units, except for the UAZ jeep and recon BMP-1, are new.
As previously mentioned, each Polish division had its own ROZP. SPECJALNE special forces recon squad in HONKER 4011 and HONKER RYS recon transports, the latter equipped with a 12,7mm HMG. Again, all units are new.
Dedicated armored recon vehicles are the new BRDM-1 PSNR1 (with ground radar) and BRDM-2 armored car.
Light recon helicopters include the new unarmed Mi-2Ro BAZANT and the armed Mi-2US.
AA
Average number of slots but with some new options. The standard STRZALA-2M MANPAD is available with a dedicated (new) SKOT-2P APC, which, while armed with a single 14,5mm is equipped with a special AA-capable turret (featuring anti-aircraft ranges). This allows it to engage aerial targets.
Towed guns include the ubiquitous ZU-23-2 plus its Polish upgraded cousin, the new ZUR-23-2S JOD with slightly improved accuracy and featuring two slapped-on Strela-2 missiles!
The new HIBNERYT and HIBNERYT-KG are the self-propelled variants of the above two 23mm towed guns, mounted on STAR-266 trucks.
The main divisional SAM will be the 9K33 OSA-AKM.
HELO
A pretty good category for the 4 Zmech. with a large array of helicopters.
Such as several domestic variants of the light Mi-2 gunship, including the Mi-2URN ZMIJA (with a 23mm gun and 57mm rockets), the Mi-2URP SALAMANDRA (with a 23mm gun and 4x Malyutka-M ATGMs) and the Mi-2URPG GNIEWOSZ (with a 23mm gun, 4x Malyutka-M ATGMs and 4x Strela-2M AA missiles). All these are new units.
Backed by the usual complement of Mi-24D and Mi-24W (Soviet Mi-24V, equipped with a Yak-B gun, 4x Kokon missiles and 96x 57mm rockets).
AIR
The division’s air support is a bit more average in terms of slots and choices.
The MiG-23MF in two distinct variants provides the battlegroup’s air cover.
Ground support is the domain of the Su-22M4 in CLU, AT, and HE payloads.
The 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana is a versatile and well-rounded mechanized infantry division. It might lack heavy or particularly high-tech equipment, but there is no clear chink in its armor, and will perform well in either offensive or defensive operations.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
In case you missed it: WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. It takes World War III to the North German Plain, where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The release is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
Until Next Time
We’ll be back next week but take a break from the usual NORTHAGDivisions and instead focus on the expansion’s new map: Railway.
NORTHAG Division #5- NATO British 4th Armoured Division
Make way for the British!
Yup, we are back again with the first part of a double WARNO - NORTHAG DevBlog whammy. In this week’s first post, we take a gander at NATO’s British 4th Armoured Division.
Right, dig in!
NATO’s British 4th Armoured Division
The 4th Armoured Division has a very long and illustrious military history, being involved in such conflicts and engagements as the Peninsular War, the Battle of Waterloo, the Crimean War, the Boer Wars, the World War I and - of course - World War II. For the longest time (and nowadays as well), it was known as either the 4th Division or 4th Infantry Division.
After finishing World War II in Greece, the formation redeployed to West Germany, where it was formed as part of the British Army of the Rhine during the Cold War. A series of (rather convoluted) reorganizations saw the birth of the 4th Armoured Division in the late 1970s. Further restructuring included a short-lived experiment with a task force concept before the 4th Armoured emerged with its brigade structure as we depict it in WARNO in the 1980s.
The 4th Armoured Division in the British Army of the Rhine
In 1989, the I British Corps commanded four divisions in West Germany: the frontline formations were the 1st Armoured (already in-game) and the 4th Armoured Division. The 3rd Armoured Division (Army General only) was kept in reserve and close to the Belgians, ready to support them with an armored brigade if the need was to arise (spoiler: they did). Furthermore, the 2nd Infantry Division (also playable already) would be brought quickly from the United Kingdom to reinforce the BAOR in the field.
From Thompson, Graham N. & Nevill, Teddy. The Territorial Army. Ian Allan Ltd, 1989
With the 1st Armoured being the strongest and best equipped (with two armored brigades and one mechanized infantry), the 4th Armoured (and the 3rd Armoured) were “armored” in name only. They could be more accurately referred to as mechanized infantry divisions, both fielding one armored brigade and two infantry ones.
In true British fashion, even these two formations didn’t have the same TO&E; as a matter of fact, all four divisions in West Germany had their own organization and equipment. The 3rd Armoured was the closest to 1st Armoured, with roughly the same materiel but with the ratio between mechanized infantry and tanks flipped. Meanwhile, the 4th Armoured deployed one armored and one mechanized brigade in West Germany but, in times of war, would reinforce the formation-in-the-field with an additional (wheeled) infantry brigade.
The British 4th Armoured Division Detailed
The first (and biggest) difference between WARNO’s1st Armoured Division and the 4th Armoured Divison is the new formation’s arsenal of tanks. The 4th Armoured has fewer tanks and, importantly, never fielded the CHALLENGER, only the older-generation CHIEFTAIN main battle tank.
Taking a look at its infantry combat force, the 4th Armoured clearly has more, but there is another caveat: the lack of WARRIOR IFVs. Instead, the formation’s mechanized battalions ride all sorts of FV432 APC into battle. And it got an even wider array of infantry at its disposal, with access to both motorized infantry in light but fast SAXON APCs and Territorial soldiers in trucks.
The 4th Armoured Division in WARNO - NORTHAG
What can you expect of the 4th Armoured Division in WARNO - NORTHAG?
LOGp
A decent category with quite a few options, though quickly becoming expensive.
Supply units featured are - of course - a FOB, the STOLLY light amphibious, and the new AEC MILITANT MK.3 heavy supply truck. You’ll also be able to deploy the CHINOOK HC.1 SUPPLY.
Command units include FV532 COMMAND, FV105 SULTAN, and SAXON CP.
INF
The 4th Armoured Division has access to good infantry, with units such as RIFLES squads in FV432, MOT. RIFLES in SAXON APCs, TERRIERS in BEDFORD trucks and ASSAULT PIONIERS.
Support weapon teams are available as the WOMBAT, MILAN 1, MILAN 2, MAG heavy machine gun, RMP and GUN GROUP squads.
While the division can’t count on IFVs, it does have access to more varied APC transport variants, such as the new FV432 SCAT (with double anti-aircraft MGs) for combat engineers and the new FV432 WOMBAT for recoilless rifle teams.
ART
A healthy amount of artillery supporting arms can rain down fire from afar. You get to play with L16 81mm and L121 155mm howitzers as towed pieces.
Self-propelled artillery guns include FV432 MORTAR, FV433 ABBOT and the M107A2 175mm.
TNK
Now we are talking about the good stuff, though most of the options are older-generation tanks.
The 4th Armoured Division relies mostly on CHIEFTAIN MK.9 and CHIEFTAIN MK.11 tanks (plus Command variant). It also fields the older and inexpensive (and new unit) CHIEFTAIN MK.6/2, which is much cheaper than a MK.9, but with less range and penetration.
Some ATGM carriers are the FV438 SWINGFIRE and FV102 STRIKER tank destroyers.
Attached to the British tank division is one Royal Engineer Armoured Squadron with the new CENTURION MK.12 AVRE 105, which is an old Centurion up-gunned to 105mm but only firing HEAT rounds (also very cheap!). The other engineer tank is the new CENTURION MK.5 AVRE ROMOR, which is similar to the current AVRE unit but with additional ERA armor.
RECO
Reconnaissance units are plentiful, which results in a good tab with ample options.
These include FERRET MK.2 and FOX recon armored cars.
SCORPION and SCIMITAR light tanks.
Light SCOUTS, heavier (new) MOTORIZED SCOUTS (coming in a SAXON), and SNIPER recon teams.
Plus the new GAZELLE AH.1 [RKT] and LYNX AH.7 CHANCELLOR recon helicopter, the latter equipped with radar.
AA
Pretty decent with the usual mix of MANPADs, being the JAVELIN and JAVELIN LML teams, and self-propelled SAMs being the TRACKER RAPIER.
Two towed units are also available: the RAPIER FSA and the new RAPIER FS2B DARKFIRE with more missiles at the ready.
HELO
A not very stellar category with only a few slots and options. They are cheap, though.
A handful of LYNX AH.1 and AH.7 HELARM.
AIR
Much like the division’s rotorcraft department, the Air tab is also not very high-flying. There are a few options and few slots, but - once again - at least it's not expensive.
Aircraft featured are JAGUAR GR.1 bombers in RKT and CLU roles, plus the latest (and new unit) JAGUAR GR.1A with self-defense missiles moved overwing, thus leaving more pylon space for bombs.
The existing PHANTOM F.3 in AA role.
Another new unit is the PHANTOM FGR.2 multirole fighter in both a heavy HE and mixed HE/cluster role. The latter loadout, with mixed bomb loads, air-to-air missiles, and a gun pod, is our successful testbed for a four-weapon-slot aircraft. We mentioned this before, but it took a little bit longer for us to get this extra weapon slot mechanic off the ground compared to the four-weapon-slot loadouts for infantry and ground vehicles.
The 4th Armoured Division can be considered a “missing link” between the very light 2nd Infantry Division and the heavy guns of the 1st Armoured Division, best described as a mechanized infantry division. It has numerous tanks and a wide range of mechanized infantry but none of the most state-of-the-art vehicle models, as well as lacking substantial helicopter and air support.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
In case you missed it: WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. It takes World War III to the North German Plain, where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The release is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the Dutch 4e Divisie, and the East German 9. Panzerdivision.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
Until Next Time
That’s it for the first DevBlog this week. Next up is the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana or the 4th Mechanized Infantry Division.
NORTHAG Division #4- East German 9. Panzerdivision
Guten Tag, genosse kommandant!
We’re back with this week's second WARNO - NORTHAG-themed DevBlog. Today, we’ll be taking a good look in Division #4 at the armored “poster child” of East Germany, the 9. Panzerdivision.
Seid ihr bereit?
The East German 9. Panzerdivision
The 9. Panzerdivision was the cream of the crop of the East German Nationale Volksarmee. The favored division was earmarked for the 5. Armee, with the tank formation set to be facing NORTHAG during any defensive (or, in our case) offensive operations. This division was at the top of the list of new equipment, receiving everything first and in greater number.
As such, the 9. Panzerdivision was not only the sole “full” T-72 tank division of the NVA, but it also received the latest models. Furthermore, the handful of BMP-2s that the Soviets ever agreed to sell to East Germany also ended up in this division. If the NVA had an equivalent to a Soviet Army’s “Guard” honorary title, the 9. Panzerdivision would have been it.
Much like the rest of the NVA, the 9. Panzerdivision was created at the inception of the East German Army in the 1950s, and the tank division was actually formed in 1956. Based in Eggesin, in the northeast of the communist country, it was closely modelled after Soviet example. During the Cold War, the division never saw any actual combat duty, except for some heightened readiness phases during the Prague Spring in 1968 and Polish unrest in the 1980s.
Warsaw Pact’s East German 9. Panzerdivision Detailed
In terms of the Table of Organization & Equipment, the 9. Panzerdivision follows in the footsteps of the (already existing in WARNO) 7. Panzerdivision.
However, there are some notable differences:
As mentioned above, the division is fully equipped with T-72, so no older T-55s at all.
MOT.-SCHÜTZEN motorized rifle squads are BMP-borne, no BTR deployable.
It got first dib on most new equipment. Nice!
The 9. Panzerdivision in WARNO - NORTHAG
Let’s look to see how the East German 9. Panzerdivision shapes up to be.
LOG
A pretty standard category for an armored division in terms of available slots.
The East Germans receive a FOB, a medium T813 MUN. supply truck and the new, heavy T815 MUN. one.
Command units are all armored and include SPW-50PU, BMP-1K SP2, and SPW-40P2(K).
INF
Quite similar to the existing 7. Panzerdivision but with fewer slots.
As previously mentioned, all MOT. SCHÜTZEN are BMP-borne, being brought to the battlefield in either SPz BMP-1 SP, SPz BMP-1 SP2 or SPz BMP-1P. The later coming in new Konkurs-equipped variants. The infantry are supported by MOT.-SCHÜTZEN FÜH. command squads.
The latest SPz BMP-2 was very rare (a dozen in real life), but we created a new MOT.-SCHÜTZEN (RPG-27) squad to accommodate this IFV. Note that the limited supply to the East Germans of the RPG-27 also occurs due to our “March to War” timeline. This new squad and IFV will be available in two cards only.
Of course, the usual complement of PIONIER combat engineers in either MT-LB or SPW-70 are available too.
Support weapons are PALR FAGOT, PKM 7,62mm and GR.-MG 30mm.
ART
Again, quite similar to the other East German armored division, but a bit more generous in number of units.
Aside from towed 120mm mortars, the 9. Panzerdivision’s artillery is entirely self-propelled. Units include 2S1 122mm, 2S3 152mm and RM-70 MLRS.
The latter unit will be available in both the standard HE variant and the new incendiary RM-70M (built on a T815 chassis).
TNK
As to be expected, the best category with a generous array of slots and options. If you want your T-72s, you will get them!
The KPz T-72M1, while rare in 7. Panzerdivision, is here the divisional warhorse. This tank will be available in command and plain “tank” variants.
A cheaper version is not the KPz T-72M but instead the late production version delivered to NVA specifications from Czechoslovakian factories, namely the new KPz T-72MÜV2 with slightly improved front armor.
Cherry on the cake, however, is the addition of one card of the new KPz T-72S. This was to be the new (main) Soviet export tank, built to almost a thousand units by 1989 but never delivered to Warsaw Pact client states due to the fall of the Berlin Wall. In our “March to War,” a few of these tanks would have started trickling down to the NVA where - of course - they would have been prioritized to the frontline service in the 9. Panzerdivision. The T-72S, being an export-downgraded version of the T-72B (which the Soviets kept for themselves), was still a major step-up over the T-72M1. Not only does it feature more armor, it can now also fire the Svir barrel-launched ATGM.
Completing the tank force is the GF SHTURM-S missile-based tank destroyer, with its planned delivery (which never occurred in real-life) expedited in our March to War timeline. As with the rest of the division, no towed equipment will be available.
RECO
Rather average with the 9. Panzerdivision being restricted to divisional assets only.
This means a 4-man AUFKLÄRER team which can be deployed in the new SCHIMMWAGEN MAV, an amphibious jeep.
Helicopter recon is the light but armed MI-2US ADDER.
A Soviet detachment of MI-8PPA for some heavy-duty aerial radar recon.
AA
Again similar to the existing 7. Panzerdivision with some differences:
No towed equipment (so no ZU-23-2) and no BRDM-2 STRELA either.
But it does mean more cards of both SHILKA and MT-LB STRELA-10 mobile SAMs.
HELO
A rather average category with expensive slots and limited choice.
The options on offer are good, though, and include the light MI-2 URN gunship and the MI-24D and MI-24P anti-tank Hinds.
AIR
A pretty strong category with the Luftstreitkräfte providing ample ground support to the nation’s “best” division. Aircraft will come in two different flavors:
MIG-23MF and MIG-23ML fighters.
SU-22M4 in rocket, HE, cluster and SEAD roles.
The 9. Panzerdivision can boast a large variety and lots of T-72. This is further backed by good air and artillery. Furthermore, all of its equipment is self-propelled, making the East German formation the perfect assault division. Due to its limited infantry, it fares less well on defense.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
In case you missed the news: WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO, and takes World War III to the North German Plain, where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The release is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the Dutch 4e Divisie, and the East German 9. Panzerdivision.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing each of WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2 we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
Until Next Time
That’s it! Next week, we’ll kick off with the NATO’s British 4th Armoured Division!
That’s right! In today’s NORTHAG-focused DevBlog, we will zoom in on the Royal Netherlands Army’s 4e Divisie powerful mechanized infantry division.
Get ready for an oranje-themed post with Scrabble-winning Dutch military terminology, pantserinfanterie, delicious acronyms, beards, and the mighty Leopard 2A4!
Gaan met de banaan!
NATO’s the Netherlands 4e Divisie
The 4e Divisie (just simple Fourth Division) was founded during World War I (in which the Netherlands remained neutral) but saw action during the brief five-day German invasion in World War 2. Later, during the Cold War, the Dutch reformed the division to be forward deployed in West Germany.
The 4e Divisie was part of the 1e Legerkorps, or the Dutch I Corps, which guarded the northernmost sector of NORTHAG. This area included the Waddenzee’s coastline, Bremen, and the Covering Force Area next to the Inner German Border. This was a section of West Germany jutting into communist territory and likely to be given up (or at least defended through delayed actions) in order to buy time for more NATO reinforcements to come. The bulk of I Dutch Corps’s units were based in the Netherlands.
(this map and the next are both from the excellent Orbat85 website)
For budget reasons, the Dutch government in the 1980s recalled home most of the West Germany-based troops (except for one brigade located in Seedorf). The promise was that the Koninklijke Landmacht, the Royal Netherlands Army, could deploy the whole corps from its home bases in the Netherlands to forward combat positions within 48 hours. A rather optimistic prediction to transport a whole corps 350 km by rail in war-time. The Dutch even offered to renovate the German railway system in its sector to ensure this redeployment was smooth and fast.
However, all NATO exercises and analysis pointed squarely to the opposite result in war-time: the Dutch would be late. The joke was that “the greatest problem facing the Dutch is getting to the war on time.” No one was under the illusion that the sole Dutch brigade in West Germany was enough to cover the arrival of the Dutch I Corps. Therefore, a Bundeswehr division was placed under Dutch command as additional help to delay an advancing communist enemy, and the Americans themselves kept one Forward Advanced Brigade from the 2nd Armored Division stationed in the region, just in case.
NATO’s the Netherlands 4e Divisie Detailed
The Netherlands and Belgian are closely connected, not only being neighbors and sharing many links in history, culture, and language. Unlike their southern Belgian neighbors though, the Landmacht had been thoroughly modernized by the early 1980s and fielded some high-tech equipment. The main combat power on the battlefield was the LEOPARD 2A4, with the Dutch Armed forces possessing over twice as much as West Germany. Even the 4e Divisie, a mechanized infantry division, could deploy more numbers of this tank than the whole Bundeswehr! The Dutch also used the same AIFV series of APCs and IFVs (called the YPR-765 in Dutch service) as the Belgians. The same array of variants were deployed, plus some additional ones, including supply, radar recon, and TOW-2 tank destroyer.
Taking to the sky, the Royal Netherlands Air Force was among the first of four partners (together with Belgium, Norway, and Denmark) to be admitted to the F-16 program. By the late Cold War, the modern fighter plane had replaced the aging F-5 Freedom Fighter in most (but not all) squadrons.
Back to the boots on the ground and the infantry’s small arms and other battlefield equipment. The Dutch also used the ubiquitous FN FAL as the soldier’s main battle rifle. Squad firepower was enhanced by the (equally ubiquitous) FN MAG, with Uzi SMGs used by some support troops. In the anti-tank department, the Dutch were slightly more capable than the Belgians in confronting communist armor. Soldiers could field M72A3, Carl Gustav recoiless rifles, and short-range M47 Dragon.
Reservist NATRES (Korps Nationale Reserve) soldiers were equipped with older equipment, including L4A4 (modernized World War 2-era Bren) LMGs. Support weapons include MAG 7,62mm and M2HB 12,7mm machine guns, plus TOW-2 ATGMs.
The 4e Divisie in WARNO - NORTHAG
Let’s take a look to see how the Dutch 4e Divisie looks like in WARNO - NORTHAG.
LOG
Standard in the logistical department with a FOB, the YPR-765 PRV as a light armored supply carrier and the DAF 4400 VRACHT medium supply truck.
Dedicated command vehicles include M577 PRCO and YPR-765 PRCO-CI.
The number of slots will be more limited than a usual mechanized infantry division. This is due, as explained before, to the Dutch planning to run their over-extended supply lines from far-flung home bases.
INF
Definitely a good category for the 4e Divisie. The bread and butter will be the PANTSERINF. mechanized infantry riding to battle in either trucks or the YPR-765 PRI IFV equipped with a 25mm gun. These squads will come in Command, LAW, Carl Gustav, and Dragon flavors (the recoilless rifle one being the most numerous).
The rest of the Dutch troops are made up of GENIE, combat engineers in Command, and explosives variants in M113 APCs. The Koninklijke Landmacht did not field flamethrowers.
NATRES reservist squads are also available with a special touch; to reflect the Dutch 1980s conscripts' rather lax attitude towards military discipline, long hair and beards were allowed in the army (to the horror of other NATO nations). This is accurately and painstakingly reflected in WARNO. These reservist squads field obsolete equipment and carry the Reservist trait. Yet, the Dutch conscripts get the option to be vetted, as regardless of their questionable haircuts, the soldiers made it up on the battlefield, consistently being among the highest scoring during various international exercises and training competitions.
To make sure the Doe Maar rebels stay in line, the KMAR GROEP squads, being the Koninklijke Marechaussee or Royal Military Constabulary watches over the reservists closely.
ART
The artillery category for the Dutch will be pretty standard with the usual complement of towed 120mm mortars (of French make) which can be transported by YPR-765 PRI.50 sporting a heavy machine gun, M114 155mm towed artillery pieces, and M109A2 155mm and heavy M110A2 203mm self-propelled ones.
TNK
The 4e Divisie, as a mechanized infantry division, might count on some of the best tank support out there. This results in a good category with a generous amount of slots and good unit choices.
All the formation’s brigades were converted to the LEOPARD 2A4 by the mid-1980s. These will be deployable in plentiful numbers, enough to put to shame any West German Panzerdivision.
There is a caveat, however. Leopard 2A4 deliveries to the Dutch Army started a few years before "true" 2A4 were ever build, meaning they were "hybrids": earlier Leopard 2 with the 2A4's fire-control system. Ingame, they will have the B-type armor of the 2A1/2A2/2A3 (all identical) but the 2A4's gun. Hence why we called it LEOPARD 2A4(B). Meanwhile, we've marched to war one card of "true" LEOPARD 2A4(C) with C-type armor, same as 5. Panzerdivision's one.
Some older LEOPARD 1NL can be deployed. These are non-upgraded original Leopard 1 tanks used before conversion to LEOPARD 2, and now manned by trained reservists filling up the tank regiments’ D squadrons. These tanks won’t feature the Reservist trait but won’t be able to be upvetted as much.
The final option in this category will be the YPR-765 PRAT, being a M901 ITW’s turret mounted on an AIFV instead of using a M113 as a base, wielding two TOW-2 launchers.
RECO
Another decent category with 4-man VERKENNERS recon teams transportable in old NEKAF Korean War-era jeeps or, 8-man GENIE VERK. with Uzi and Satchel charges going to war in a M113A1 VERK..
The Dutch also fielded a domestic light recon “tank” in the form of the heavily modified M113 C&V, being a Dutch-Canadian LYNX sporting a turret-mounted 25mm KDA autocannon.
Another new unit is the YPR-765 PRRDR, which is a wonderful acronym for Pantser Rups Radar or Armored Tracked Radar. Simply put, an AIFV armed with .50 cal mounting a battlefield radar.
An unarmed BO-105 CB provides an “eye in the sky” recon helicopter.
Finally, the Dutch long-range 104 Waarnemings- en Verkenningscompagnie will deploy the renowned Korps Commandotroepen, the Dutch Army’s special forces. These will be available as 4-man elite KCT VERKENNERS teams.
AA - standard with slots becoming quickly expensive. These do include the CHEETAH PRTL pronounced “pruttel” or Pantser Rups Tegen Luchtdoelen, which is the Dutch variant of an upgraded German Gepard SPAAG using domestic equipment which results in slightly improved accuracy.
Older towed BOFORS 40L70G, itself a major upgrade over the base model, with improved accuracy and AA range.
The last option are STINGER C MANPAD teams.
HELO
Clearly a weak point for the 4e Divisie. Much like the Belgian Armed Forces, the Dutch only had a few unarmed liaisons and recon ALOUETTE and BO-105 light helicopters.
There were no attack helicopters available to the battlegroup, and unlike the Belgian armed forces, none were being planned to be acquired.
As such, the division is currently being tested with no helicopter support. If this proves too much, some American or West German helicopters might be added as attachment.
AIR
A generous category in terms of air support. The Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu) operated two types of aircraft in the late Cold War: the NF-5A (F-5 Freedom Fighter) and the F-16A.
Both of the above airplanes are used in various roles, including fighter and fighter-bomber, sharing between them AA, HE, rocket and Cluster bomb loadouts. Note that the Royal Netherlands Air Force did not field any AGM missiles.
The Dutch 4e Divisie is a hard-hitting mechanized infantry division, compared to the more nimble Belgian counterpart (with its “glass cannon” tanks and Forward Deployed units). You’ll get to play with quite a few state-of-the-art main battle tanks, ATGM carriers, and good IFV and infantry support. Where it lacks is a solid logistical base and non-existent helicopter support.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
In case you missed the news: WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO, and takes World War III to the North German Plain, where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The release is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, and the Dutch 4e Divisie.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing each of WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division 2# we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
Until Next Time
That’s it for the first one this week. We’ll be back later detailing the East German 9. Panzerdivision.
NORTHAG Division #2 - The Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya
Hello commanders,
Welcome back to a new WARNO - NORTHAG DevBlog (two in a week!). In today’s post, we’ll highlight the first Soviet division coming with WARNO’s very first major expansion. As we already mentioned, from now on, two DevBlogs every week will be posted!
As teased in the previous post, let’s take a look today at the armor-heavy Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Note that all divisions are being tested and tweaked as we speak, so they are still work-in-progress!
Davai, davai! Go, go, go!
The Soviet 25th Tank Division
The Warsaw Pact’s 25th Tank Division sees the light just after the end of World War II through a reorganization of the 25th Tank Corps, which had ended the war in Hungary. By May 1947, the formation had left for garrison duty in Soviet-occupied Germany, where it would remain for the duration of the Cold War. In 1958, the division was converted to the 25th Heavy Tank Division before reverting to its original name (and role) in 1967.
Its home base was Vogelsang, an East German town on the Polish border. The 25th Tank Division formed part of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany’s 20th Guards Combined Arms Army.
Being stationed near the Polish frontier, the 20th Guards Combined Arms Army would have been a follow-up formation used as an exploitation force on the front. In this role, we have decided to use this army (and the 25th Tank Division) as the spearhead into the North Germain Plains, taking advantage of any breakthrough made by other forces in West Germany during World War III.
The 25th Tank Division Detailed
One of the reasons for the inclusion of the 25th Tank Division into WARNO - NORTHAG is that - unlike other currently featured Soviet divisions - it is fully equipped with T-64 main battle tanks.
The second part is to be found in the division’s unique Table of Organization & Equipment. Instead of the usual three tank regiments and one infantry, the standard structure for a Soviet tank division, the 25th Tank Division fielded four tank regiments and no infantry one! Note, this doesn’t mean it can’t deploy any motorized riflemen squads, as each tank regiment had its own organic infantry battalion. As you might expect from this division in WARNO, the number of infantry will be limited, and the number of tanks will - of course - be boosted!
The 25th Tank Division in WARNO - NORTHAG
So how does the Soviet 25th Tank Division look like in WARNO - NORTHAG?
LOG
Only average amount of slots and units with little in the way of a big logistical base.
Command units include BMP-1K3 and BMP-2K command vehicle, plus MI-9 CV helo.
A FOB can be deployed during the Deployment Phase, backed by URAL-4320 supply trucks, KRAZ 225B heavy haulers and Mi-8MT supply helicopters.
INF
Not the strongest category in terms of slots and availability due to the battlegroup's heavy tank focus and lack of infantry formations.
The 25th Tank Division can access the same range of infantry units as comparable divisions, but can deploy noticeably fewer of them. These include the usual number of MOTOSTRELKI and PLUMETCHIKI squads (only transportable in BMP) plus SAPERI (in the trusty MT-LB) with command variants being borne by the new MAV amphibious jeep.
Supporting infantry weapon teams (ATGM, heavy machine guns, MPs, etc.) will only be available in small numbers.
ART
The divisional artillery includes the usual complement of towed 2S12 120mm mortars, 2S1 GVOZDIKA and 2S3M AKATSIYA self-propelled guns and the BM-21 GRAD.
As a tank division in the lead of the attack, it will receive some heavy self-propelled guns from the 34th Artillery Division. These come as (brand-new and popularly requested) 2S19 MSTA-S 152mm self-propelled gun, featuring armor protection and capable of a direct fire role.
TNK
As expected, this very generous category will be well stocked with a full array of T-64B (including new variants BK, B1 and the regular B variant) plus the T-64BV (BVK, new BV1 and BV). The “K” versions being command variants, and the “1” denoting the lack of tube-launched ATGMs.
We also kept a single card of the older T-64A Obr. 83 which is basically a B1 with a less capable fire control system. This means less range, less accuracy and worse stabilizer, but equally important, much cheaper!
RECO
The division relies mostly on its own scouts for its ears and eyes on the battlefield.
The usual BRDM-2, BRM-1, RAZVEDKA and MOT. RAZVEDKA plus Mi-24K can deploy.
A welcome addition will be the new SCHMEL-1 UAV.
AA
A standard category with the regular complement of IGLA MANPAD teams, BRDM-2 STRELA, KUB SAM and BIRYUSA.
The 25th Tank Division hadn’t yet received its TUNGUSKA units, meaning no modern SPAAGs of this type for the battlegroup.
HELO
The battlegroup has a decent roster of combat rotorcraft (plus slots) at its disposal.
The usual suspects can be found, including Mi-8T [RKT], Mi-8MT [GUV] and Mi-24V in AA, rocket, and AT roles.
AIR
Air support for the 25th Tank Division is fairly good with a fine selection of Su-25 close air support planes, MiG-29 and Su-27S fighters, and even a SEAD-dedicated MiG-27K.
The 25th Tank Division is the Soviet tip of the spear, heavily focused on using its armor superiority during exploitation operations. Thanks to its unique organization, it only has limited infantry, average logistics, and AA units, but it counteracts this with good air, artillery, and combat helicopter support.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
In case you missed the news: WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO, and takes World War III to the North German Plains, where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The release is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including new nations Belgium, the Netherlands, and Poland.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing each of WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off the Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
Until Next Time
That’s it for this round of DevBlogs. We’ll be back next week with Division #3 featuring NATO’s Dutch 4e Divisie!
Welcome to the very first NORTHAG-themed DevBlog. That’s right, for the next couple of weeks, we’ll be detailing all the fun stuff in the upcoming major expansion for WARNO.
First up will be the new Divisions, a whopping 10 new battlegroups we’ll preview to your heart’s content. In future DevBlogs, we’ll also go deep with the 2 new Army General campaigns, the 4 new Operations, and 4 new maps.
Due to the volume of DevBlogs, and to not make each individual not too big, we’ve decided to split them up. This means that for the time being, we’ll be featuring two DevBlogs each week!
With that out of the way, let’s welcome to the stage the very first NATO division, the Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie or 16th Armored Division.
The Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie
The Belgians are not a complete newcomer in WARNO, having been featured both in the base game’s Army General campaign and represented in an existing NATO battlegroup, the West German 2. Panzergrenadier Division.
Let’s go back a bit in history. After World War II, the Belgian armed forces were in shambles. Joining NATO as one of its founding members in 1948, the Belgians (teaming with buddy Luxembourg) managed to provide United Nations fighting in the Korean War with an infantry battalion in 1950. The next year, it established the I (BE) Corps for deployment in West Germany. This corps was made up of two active divisions: 1er Division d'Infanterie and 16de Pantserdivisie. As you can already tell, the bilingual approach to naming its divisions (French and Dutch) stems from two different regions and languages in the country (Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia). Despite their names, both were actually mechanized infantry formations.
(all the cartoons are from Belgian artist Jean-Paul Van Den Broeck's postacards collection about the Cold War Belgian armed forces in Germany, which were very popular at the time)
During the Cold War, Belgium’s commitment to NATO never faltered, though the number of troops on German soil was gradually reduced. Only two active brigades from the 16e Pantserdivisie plus three recon battalions remained by 1989. These would be among the first to see action in our alternative World War III scenario.
The Belgian contingent was regarded as one of the weakest of the NATO forces deployed in West Germany. British NORTHAG command kept at least one armored brigade from the 3rd Armoured Division close by as reinforcements (as depicted in our Army General campaigns). One of the reasons for this perceived weakness was the quality and age of its equipment. The Belgian Army entered the 1980s with materiel dating back from the 1960s (if not from before): M75 and AMX-13 VCI APCs, early Leopard 1(BE), WW2-era M1 8-inch howitzers, M108 self-propelled guns, etc. Not all was dire, however, as Belgian governments had finally acquiesced to investments in new equipment, leading to a partial modernization by the 1980s with new units such as the F-16, AIFV, Mistral, and Gepard.
The 16e Pantserdivisie Detailed
While not all issues were solved, the mix of old weapons and brand-new stuff gives the Belgian Army’s division its special identity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the toys available to the 16e Pantserdivisie.
By the end of the 1980s, Belgian mechanized infantry rode into battle on the shiny new AIFV family of APCs and IFVs. This particular vehicle is a major armor and firepower upgrade of the venerable M113. While not accepted into service by the US Army (favoring the Bradley), the AIFV did find purchase in Belgian and Dutch armies. The AIFV is faster, sturdier, better armed, and equipped with smoke launchers while still retaining its amphibious ability. It can be considered a step up compared to most other APCs.
The AIFV comes in many different variants: command, APC with a .50 cal, and even an IFV version with MILAN or replacing the machine gun with a 25mm turret-mounted autocannon (a “poor man’s Bradley”).
Turning our attention to small arms, the Belgian foot soldier’s primary infantry weapon was the FN FNC, a FN FAL variant. This is - of course - the very successful Belgian battle rifle (aka “The Right Arm of the Free World”) produced under license by many other countries, including the UK (as the SLR), the Netherlands, etc. While Belgium’s own arms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FN Herstal) also designed the equally successful FN Minimi (the American M249), for a long time the Belgian Army couldn’t afford it and stuck with the earlier FALO (magazine-fed LMG variant of the FN FAL) and the heavier FN MAG (also a Belgian design!)
Some SMGs were used by combat engineers, military police, or territorial units. These were either the Uzi or domestic-made PM Vigneron. Squad anti-tank weapons are M72A1 LAW (an older version of the one currently in-game) or the RL-83 Blindicide itself, slightly better than the M72A3 LAW.
The 16e Pantserdivisie in WARNO - NORTHAG
So how does the Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie look like in WARNO?
LOG
The logistical arm of this mechanized division will be pretty standard, following other NATO divisions of the same kind.
This means the usual FOB and MAN Z311 medium and VOLVO N10 heavy supply trucks (the latter among NATO’s heaviest). No supply helicopter, though.
Command vehicles include ILTIS PC jeep, SULTAN and AIFV-B-PC.
INF
As mentioned before, most of the Belgian infantry, as MECH. FUSILIER will ride to battle in AIFVs. These soldiers are backed by Belgian RESERVISTES in M113 with the Disheartened trait, plus PIONEERS transportable in AMX-13 VCI. PREVOTE military police will also be available.
Infantry support weapons include MAG 7,62mm and M2HB 12,7mm heavy machine gun, MILAN 1 and handful of MILAN 2 ATGMs teams.
ART
Pretty average for the 16e Pantserdivisie. All the artillery guns available were embedded in brigades, meaning no centralized divisional heavy artillery.
Units that you will be able to deploy are M252 81mm mortars, M30 107mm mortars, and M109A2 155mm self-propelled guns.
TANK
Armored support will be in the form of LEOPARD 1(BE), which is an older variant of the venerable Leopard tank but with upgraded domestic-made optics and fire control systems. These tanks will fire at 2275m with good accuracy, though fragile in their armor disposition.
Though not available in real life in 1989, we have “Marched to War”-advanced one single card of LEOPARD 1A5(BE), which was an upgrade in development at the time. This tank is the same “glass cannon,” being more accurate (especially on the move) and with 1+ AP courtesy of the SABCA 105mm ammo being developed.
Anti-tank weaponry includes ILTIS MILAN, CRV(T) STRIKER, and the old JPK 90 which is nothing more than a West German-built Kanonenjagdpanzer. In Belgian service, this latter unit will be a regular unit (so non-reservist).
RECO
The 16e Pantserdivisie wasn’t the sole Belgian unit in West Germany. Three “cavalry” regiments would have provided a forward screen behind which I (BE) Corps would deploy in case of war. This is why the division can count on a solid reconnaissance tab. Outside the British Army, the Belgians were the most prolific users of the CRV(T). So many of this vehicle family were present, in fact, that they could equip three recon regiments, several smaller recon units, and even give one airborne tank squadron to its commando regiment (plus a host of reserve formations to boot).
Expect to see SCORPION and SCIMITAR recon tanks, plus SPARTAN recon APCs.
ECLAIREURS squads you should already know from their inclusion in the West German 2. Panzergrenadier. The 16e Pantserdivisie can also count on ESR special forces, either as a 2-man sniper team or larger 6-man recon squads (the only Belgian squads equipped with the Minimi machine gun).
Aerial recon is provided by the good ‘ol ALOUETTE II and a UAV in the form of the EPERVIER.
AA
Anti-air defenses will be provided by M167A1 VULCAN 20mm Gatling guns and GEPARD B2, together with a handful of MISTRAL. Another unique unit is the converting of a MAN Z311 truck with M55 Maxson quad .50 heavy machine guns.
HELO
In real life, the Royal Belgian Army did not have any dedicated attack helicopters. Actually, no real helicopters save for liaison duties, meaning the well-known and nimble ALOUETTE II. In 1987, the country ordered A.109 helicopters from Augusta, which, due to the widely reported embezzlement scandal, were only delivered in the early 1990s.
As part of our two-year “March to War,” this account and corruption scandal will be swept under the rug for the time being, and as such, we have given Belgium a handful of cards of anti-tank A.109HA, as well as a few special forces transports. The division’s limited HELO slots will be very expensive, however.
AIR
As already teased in the Bundeswehr’s 2. Panzergrenadier division, the Belgian Air Force will be a mix of MIRAGE 5BA in various close air support-loadouts (HE, napalm, rockets, cluster) and the F-16A in air superiority or bomb truck variant.
One extra addition is the MIRAGE 5BA MIRSIP fighter upgrade (originally initiated in 1988 and delivered during the early 1990s).
The Luxembourg contignent
We saved the best for last. Much like the Korean War in the 1950s, Belgium wouldn’t go to war without its military powerhouse cousin Luxembourg! As a NATO founding member, despite being very petite, the small country always maintained troops ready for service. In 1989, it could muster a light infantry battalion, very recently and entirely (and lavishly) equipped with American materiel. This formation was very light as it was intended to be airmobile (even partially airdroppable). At least one company was permanently attached to NATO’s Ace Mobile Force for airborne deployment in Norway (that’s not for now, though). The rest of the battalion was to be subordinated to the I (BE) Corps.
This means that as part of the 16e Pantserdivisie, on top of the units previously described, you’ll get to play with:
Luxembourg infantry will be dressed as the archetypal American soldier (save for shoulder patches and the occasional beret). Following the Belgian example, they will field FN FAL and MAG small arms and a few Carl Gustav recoilless rifles.
What makes the Luxembourg units extra special is that they receive the Airborne trait (but no Shock or extra veterancy) with the Forward Deployment ability. This represents their very light footprint. The only exception is the artillery (which will be airliftable if you can source a helicopter heavy enough).
The following units will be provided, none coming in more than one card each. These include: M1025 HUMVEE CP, ECLAIREURS with M1025 HUMVEE or recon M1025 HUMVEE M2HB, as well as M1025 HUMVEE TOW-2, M252 81mm mortar, M118 105mm howitzer, M2HB weapon teams, and FUSILIER squads in both command and regular variants.
The 16e Pantserdivisie will play as a strong mechanized infantry battlegroup, with powerful APC and IFV support, “glass cannon” tanks, mediocre supporting arms, and a sprinkling of helicopters. However, air will be potent and further backed by good recon, Luxembourg’s “fightin’ finest,” and Forward Deploy recon units.
NORTHAG Expansion In Short
In case you missed the news: WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO, and takes World War III to the North German Plains, where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The release is planned for later in 2024.
WARNO - NORTHAG will feature:
2 new Army General campaigns.
4 new Operations.
4 new Maps.
10 new Divisions.
3 new fully playable Nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
Until Next Time
That’s all for this DevBlog. As mentioned earlier, we’ll be back later this week with a first look at the NORTHAG’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division.
It’s good to be back. In today’s DevBlog, we’ll highlight a major new update for WARNO’s Map Editor that has been recently rolled out, plus a preview of a handful of new Traits coming your way.
Let’s go!
Map Editor Update
When we first released the map editor earlier this year, we also announced the milestones you could expect from this handy and deep but relatively early version of our battlefield-making tool. One of the first updates is out in the wild: you can now create a tactical scenario (Conquest or Destruction) playable in Skirmish and online from any existing maps - and integrate them into a mod.
For a Skirmish scenario to be considered valid, you have to design it with:
A playable zone that delimits the battlefield.
A least two deployment zones (and matching reinforcement arrows).
At least one command zone.
Optional: starting points to establish the camera position on each side.
More details and instructions on how to export all the required files and incorporate them in a mod are included in the readme file how_to_make_a_scenario.txt, available in the Tools folder of the game. Be sure to check out this video made by our valued community member and beta tester Awoodenbox as well.
What’s next for the map editor? We are already working on the next updates:
Allow the export of battleground scenarios (which are tactical scenarios launched when you play an Army General’s battle without auto-resolving).
Full map export will allow you to create brand-new battlefields.
New Traits
Next up: new Traits! Hot on the heels of the two new traits recently added (AIRLIFT and ELECTRO-OPTICAL DAZZLER), more are coming your way. Some of the following text and titles are still work-in-progress. The new traits will be delivered as soon as they are ready (which - hopefully - shouldn’t take too long).
SMOKE LAUNCHER This one trait doesn’t cover a new mechanic but rather a visual and text indicator to identify those vehicles fitted with smoke launchers (a community-requested addition). All units equipped with such a smoke device will automatically feature the trait, and subsequently, the useful icon will be displayed on the unit card.
FIRE DIRECTION This particular trait will be found in a new type of command squad to be featured in the ART tab. These are units that, on top of the usual LEADER trait ability, will affect indirect fire units within their area of effect by greatly reducing their aim time. In exchange for using up one ART slot, you get a nifty bonus-providing unit featuring the FIRE DIRECTION trait. For the Steel Division 2 veterans out there, this particular trait will be akin to the Artillery Leader trait.
SIGINT This trait means that the unit is equipped with radio direction-finding systems. It can detect and pinpoint enemy radio transmissions, even without seeing an enemy unit in-game. This means that the unit gains the ability to detect the presence of enemy units within its areas of effect (that’s right, there will be multiple areas of effect). Key to note that the enemy unit will not be spotted. A SIGINT unit will feature two ranges. A different label will be displayed depending on which of the two ranges a unit is detected. You will know instantly how close a unit is without needing a line of sight, but you will not know exactly where, type, or how many units, for instance.
Credit for this trait goes to Strike Team member int, who devised, modded, and tested it before presenting us with the gameplay specs. It had such a cool Aliens motion tracker vibe we just had to integrate it!
UAV You might remember this one as being on the list thanks to the recent Nemesis #2: Plateau D'Albion vote winner. A unit with the UAV trait (being remotely piloted) will be impervious to Suppression and autoevac. Like the recently added recon plane, the OA-37 Dragonfly, the UAV will be featured in the REC tab, not AIR. UAVs in WARNO, being small and stealthy, are naturally hard to spot, including by radar. Likewise, they will be a challenge to actually target despite not featuring any ECM.
EA Pack Plus Out Now
Did you have a chance to check out the beefed-up EA Pack available now? Not long ago, we added two brand-new divisions as a mea culpa and token of gratitude to all Early Access owners of WARNO. NATO’s US 35th Infantry Division and Warsaw Pact’s Rügener Gruppierung have been added to the original five divisions, bringing with them a host of new toys and a brand-new nation: the Polish Armed Forces.
That’s that. Let us know what you think! Note that we have some exciting new stuff to share with you regarding our upcoming major NORTHAG expansion. This means that from the next DevBlog onwards, we’ll up the tempo and release a DevBlog twice a week!
Smoke launcher trait added to all concerned vehicles.
Code fixes
Fixed an infinite loading issue in Army General mode that occurred under certain conditions.
Resolved a graphical issue that led to the appearance of black squares
Resolved an issue with experience gains from tactical battles in Army General mode.
Fixed the behavior of units that are loaded into a transport and for which shifted orders are also given
Added a pop up when trying to launch a save that is present in the Steam Cloud while it is disabled
Data fixes
M150 (both)'s number of smoke salvos reduced from 15 to 1
AG
Belgian MECH. FUSILIER's new M72A1 (4th weapon) ... now has ammos for it to go along
Nato forces
USA
AH-6F LITTLE BIRD : Stabilizer increased 2% to 35%
AH-6G LITTLE BIRD : Stabilizer increased 2% to 35%
MH-47D CHINOOK : Stabilizer increased 2% to 35%
OH-58C Scout : Stabilizer increased 2% to 35%
F-111E [NPLM] : Base Availability increased 2 to 3
F-111E [HE] : Base Availability increased 2 to 3
F-111F [NPLM] : Base Availability increased 2 to 3
F-111F [HE] : Base Availability increased 2 to 3
AERO-FIRE TEAM (DRAGON) : Price increased 40 to 45
AIRBORNE (DRAGON) : Price increased 75 to 80
AB MP PATROL : Base Availability decreased 9 to 6
ENGINEERS (FLASH) : Price decreased 40 to 35
AERO-STINGER : Price increased 45 to 50
AB STINGER : Price increased 50 to 55
STINGER : Price increased 45 to 50
N.G. SCOUTS : Price increased 15 to 20
N.G. M150A2 TOW-2 : Optics decreased Good to Normal
3RD ARMORED DIVISION
F-111E [NPLM] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
F-111E [HE] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
MP PATROL : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
8TH INFANTRY DIVISION (MECH.)
F-111F [HE] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
MP PATROL : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
24TH INFANTRY DIVISION (MECH.)
MP PATROL : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
35TH INFANTRY DIVISION (MECH.)
F-111F [NPLM] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
F-111F [HE] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
MP PATROL : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION
AB MP PATROL : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
F-111F [NPLM] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT)
F-111F [HE] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
MP PATROL : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
United Kingdom
HARRIER GR.3 [CLU] : Base Availability decreased 3 to 2
HARRIER GR.3 [HE1] : Base Availability decreased 3 to 2
HARRIER GR.3 [RKT1] : Base Availability decreased 3 to 2
R.A.F. RIFLES renamed R.A.F. BERLIN
R.A.F. BERLIN : Price increased 30 to 35
RMP : trait Security added
HSF : Price increased 25 to 30
M110A2 : Price decreased 280 to 260
2ND INFANTRY DIVISION
HARRIER GR.3 [HE1] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
HARRIER GR.3 [RKT1] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
BERLIN COMMAND
HARRIER GR.3 [CLU] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
HARRIER GR.3 [HE1] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland)
PZ.BEF. LEOPARD 2A3 : Price increased 275 to 280
LEOPARD 2A3 : Price increased 235 to 240
LEOPARD 2A4 : Price increased 265 to 270
F-4F [AA] : Base Availability decreased 3 to 2
FELDJÄGER : Base Availability decreased 12 to 9
FR. POLIZEI-RESERVE : Price increased 25 to 30
BOFORS renamed BOFORS L70
2. PZ.GRENADIER-DIVISION
F-16A [AA] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
5. PANZERDIVISION
F-4F [AA] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
France
PRÉVÔTÉ : Base Availability decreased 12 to 9
Belgium
F-16A [AA] : Base Availability decreased 3 to 2
Pact forces
USSR (СССР)
MOTOSTRELKI (Metis) : Price decreased 55 to 50
KOMENDATURA : Base Availability decreased 12 to 9
DESANTNIKI (METIS) : Price decreased 60 to 55
M-240 240 mm : Price decreased 230 to 155
BTR-70 KOMENDATURA : Price increased 35 to 45
27-YA GV. MOTOSTRELK. DIV.
MOTOSTRELKI (Metis) : Base Availability increased 7 to 8
39-YA GV. MOTOSTRELK. DIV.
MiG-23MF [HE] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
56-YA OG DESANTNO-SHTURMOVAYA BRIG.
DSh. (Metis) : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
German Democratic Republic (Deutsche Demokratische Republik)
MiG-23BN [NPLM] : Base Availability increased 2 to 3
MiG-23MF [AA] : Base Availability decreased 3 to 2
MiG-23MF [HE] : Base Availability increased 2 to 3
MILITÄRSTREIFEN : trait Security added
MFRW BM-24M : Suppress damage increased 306 to 324
2K11M3 KRUG-M3 : Price increased 155 to 190
FLAK KS-19M2 100mm : Price increased 60 to 80
4. MOT.-SCHÜTZEN-DIVISION
MiG-23BN [NPLM] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
MiG-23MF [AA] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
MiG-23MF [HE] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
7. PANZERDIVISION
MiG-23MF [HE] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
K.d.A. BEZIRK ERFURT
MiG-23MF [AA] : Veterancy ratio fixed according to base availability
RÜGENER GRUPPIERUNG
Mi-14PL : cards increased 1 to 2
Poland
PIECHOTA ZMECH. : Price decreased 40 to 35
v.130507: Hot fix
Code fixes
Fixed a bug that occurred when updating mods Fix script bug for mods having a '.' in their names or in their subrepositories.
EA Pack Plus Available Now!
Hello commanders,
Hot on the heels of the Nemesis #2 vote (in which Nemesis #2.2 - Plateau d'Albion won the epic struggle for your vote), we are back with even more exciting stuff!
That’s right, the beefed-up EA Pack (so-called EA Pack “Plus”) has seen the light today. The news comes together with a major balance patch, including two new Traits.
Let’s go!
EA Pack “Plus”
To refresh your memory: during WARNO’s official launch out of Early Access, we encountered some technical hiccups and other snafus, especially affecting the WARNO’s Early Access owners.
To make amends, we promised to add two new divisions for free to the EA Pack. The EA Pack, featuring five divisions, was made available for free to all EA owners of WARNO.
The EA Pack “Plus” doesn’t change anything to the price or even the name; it is our project name for the two extra divisions that are added - free of charge to all owners - to the EA Pack.
They will bring a host of new toys and units to play with, and even a brand-new nation: the communist Polish Armed Forces!
NATO’s US 35th Infantry Division:
The US 35th Infantry Division is a true National Guard formation and, thanks to its plentiful armored battalions, acts as a missing link between a US Army’s mechanized and tank divisions. Many of its units feature the Reservist trait.
New units include the heavy M813A1 supply truck, multitude of new N.G. RIFLES and N.G. ENGINEERS squads, M40A1 RCL jeep, military police M1025 HUMVEE MP, M29 81mm mortar, N.G. M60A1 RISE and N.G. M60A3 (TTS) ERA main battle tank plus variants.
The list continues with N.G. M60A1 ACAV recon tanks, N.G. M150A2 TOW-2, the new slow-moving but useful OA-37B DRAGONFLY recon plane with rocket payload, the special N.G. XM1058 US-ROLAND SAM system, older N.G. M42A1 DUSTER SPAAG, N.G. REDEYE MANPAD teams, N.G. AH-1S (ECAS) and UH-1M GUNSHIP helicopters, and the close air support variant of the AB-37B in both HE and NPLM loadouts.
Warsaw Pact’s Rügener Gruppierung:
The mixed East German and Polish Rügener Gruppierung contains various detachments and formations under a single, unified command. And, of course, the new Polish Armed Forces!
New units featured are East German MARINEPIONIER in plentiful variants, plus new Polish mechanized infantry as PIECHOTA ZMECH. in various flavors, being brought to the battlefield in STAR-266 transports or TOPAS-2A APCs.
Other new units include SPW-50PK(MRF) short-range but powerful “mine-clearing” MLRS, towed PAK K-52 85mm, Polish T-55AM MERIDA, RES.-AUFKLÄRER scouts, BRDM-1 scout car, East German PIO.AUFK.-TAUCHER scout-engineer diver squads and elite KSK special forces.
The list continues with AUKL.Mi-14PL radar recon and AUFKL. Mi-8TB regular recon helicopters plus Mi-14PL anti-ship variant, the FLAK S-60 57mm and FLAK KS-19M2 100mm towed AA, FASTA-4 SAM, including self-propelled LO-1800 FASTA-4 variant, W50 LA/A 25mm gun truck, and the massive brutish 2K11M3 KRUG-M3 SAM system. The ancient Polish Lim-6M forms part of the air force, plus new anti-tank and HE cluster variants of the Su-22M4K [AT2] and MiG-23BN [KMGU] respectively.
Update and New Traits
As mentioned at the beginning, the release of the EA Pack “Plus” also heralds the arrival of a major balance patch (see the link for the change log), bringing two new Traits.
The two new traits are Airlift and Electro-Optical Dazzler:
The Airlift trait applies to both light equipment transportable by airborne units and the big helicopters that do the heavy lifting. A vehicle with the AIRLIFT trait will be transportable inside an AIRLIFTER, as is currently the case with infantry squads. Light equipment and vehicles with the AIRLIFT trait include KRAKA, LuAZ, M274 MULE vehicles, as well as D30, L118, M102 and NONA-K artillery or fire support guns. AIRLIFTER helicopters apply to American CHINOOK, CH-53G and the Soviet Mi-8. More of each will be added in the future.
ELECTRO-OPTICAL DAZZLER trait refers to active protection systems disrupting the guidance systems of ATGMs. This prevents the anti-tank guided missiles from getting a good lock on their target or breaking this lock if already established. As a relatively modern system, in-game, it means that ground vehicles with the ELECTRO-OPTICAL DAZZLER trait will receive an ECM rating, like airplanes. This will disrupt ATGM accuracy. In real life, EOD systems were very effective against older missiles but nearly useless against more advanced ones; however, we don’t have the option to make this difference in-game. As such, we opted for the generic 10% “ECM” against all ATGMs of any kind. Only two vehicles have an EOD feature (and are actually modeled): the French AMX-30B2 BRENUS and AMX-10RC SURBLINDE. While rare in our time frame, a few more vehicles featuring EOD and its linked trait will be added in the future.
Until Next Time
That’s all for this DevBlog. Let us know what you think!
