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War ThunderNewsGet the F-16XL in the Space Program Event!
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Get the F-16XL in the Space Program Event!

War Thunder · published 31 Aug 2026, 10:54 UTC

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The F-16XL is a variant of the F-16 featuring a delta wing, increased fuel capacity, and an expanded number of hardpoints. In 1981, the F-16XL lost the competition to the F-15E Strike Eagle; in 1988, the two prototypes that had been built were transferred to NASA, where they were used during the 1990s for supersonic laminar flow research. Get this unique aircraft, complete with a special camouflage, a loading screen, and themed decals in the Space Program aircraft event!

From September 3rd (11:00 GMT) until September 21st (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Air Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards!

F-16XL — An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for the USA at Rank VIII

In the game, the F-16XL stands out as one of the most unusual variants of the Fighting Falcon family. The aircraft features increased weight compared to production models, a lengthened fuselage, and a unique wing design. While its acceleration is less dynamic, its performance in tight turns has improved. Its armament options include two AIM-9L and four AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, as well as up to six AGM-65B Maverick air-to-surface missiles and bombs for ground strikes.“F-16XL” decal “Space” decal

F-16XL loading screen

“Ship No. 1” camouflage for the F-16XL

Among the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:

  • 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  • Silver Lion and Research Point boosters
  • Random Wagers and Orders
  • Universal Backups (1 - 3)
  • A random camouflage for a vehicle you own
  • 1 day of Premium Account

How to get all rewards

Each stage can be achieved for 45,000 mission points, every new stage achieved will give you a new reward.

Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Space Program” and click the “Get Reward” button.

You’re able to earn mission points in Air Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game. Points are only awarded at the end of the battle.You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles of Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on September 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th.

Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages

  • For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
  • For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  • For 3 Stages: “Military Survival Kit” silver chest
  • For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  • For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  • For 6 Stages: F-16XL loading screen
  • For 7 Stages: “Military Survival Kit” silver chest
  • For 8 Stages: non-tradable coupon for the F-16XL
  • For 9 Stages: unique camouflage and four random modifications for the F-16XL

Discounts for purchasing stages using Golden Eagles

Unfinished stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re very close to completing a stage, its price will be significantly reduced.Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price to unlock this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time!

The Coupon Upgrade

When you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for the F-16XL, using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from September 3rd (11:00 GMT) until September 21st (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon F-16XL (USA)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is usable until 11:00 GMT on September 25th. Until then, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.You can track the progress of completing stages and the “Upgrade for coupon” item by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Space Program. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, you can do so with Golden Eagles until September 25th from the Achievements window, which will give you the corresponding rewards.

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