New French Warship —The Richelieu — Is Sailing Into War Thunder

Free-to-play MMOFPS War Thunder revealed a new warship: Richelieu.

She is a new addition to the French bluewater fleet, bringing a powerful mix of firepower, speed, and armor. Based on the earlier Dunkerque design but significantly upgraded, Richelieu features larger 15" guns, improved secondary and anti-aircraft batteries, and thick 330 mm belt armor. Her high speed of over 32 knots allows her to lead aggressive pushes in naval battles.

Richelieu was the lead ship of France’s last class of battleships, constructed in the 1930s to counter Italian and German naval threats. Commissioned in 1940, she featured a unique forward-mounted main battery of eight 380 mm guns, strong armor protection, and high speed — all while adhering to the Washington Naval Treaty’s limitations.

Initially escaping German capture by sailing to Dakar, Richelieu was attacked by the British during Operation Catapult to prevent her use by Vichy France. She later joined the Free French, was refitted in the U.S. with upgraded radar, fire-control, and anti-aircraft systems, and served in the Indian Ocean during World War II. After the war, Richelieu briefly supported colonial missions before being decommissioned and scrapped in 1968.