Hey guys! Picking the right premium fighter in War Thunder can seriously boost your progress and crank up the fun. Let's dive into some of the absolute best premium fighters the game has to offer, helping you dominate the skies and rake in those sweet, sweet rewards. We're talking about planes that not only perform well but also offer a unique and enjoyable flying experience. Think of this guide as your personal wingman, giving you the intel you need to make the smartest choice for your playstyle and goals.

Why Go Premium?

Before we jump into specific aircraft, let's quickly cover why grabbing a premium fighter is a great idea in the first place. The most obvious reason is increased research point (RP) and Silver Lion (SL) gains. Premium vehicles typically offer a significant bonus to both, meaning you'll unlock new planes and upgrades much faster and you'll be swimming in in-game currency before you know it. This is especially helpful if you're trying to grind through a particular tech tree or just want to avoid the economic struggles that can sometimes plague free-to-play games. Trust me, this advantage makes a HUGE difference.

Another key benefit is the ability to train crew skills more rapidly. A well-trained crew can drastically improve your aircraft's performance, affecting everything from reload speeds to g-tolerance. Premium aircraft often come with a pre-trained crew, or at least offer a substantial bonus to crew training, getting you that edge in combat sooner. Plus, premium planes are just plain fun! Many of them are unique or rare variants of existing aircraft, offering different playstyles and capabilities. They can breathe fresh life into the game and keep things interesting, especially if you're feeling burned out on your regular lineup. Ultimately, investing in a good premium fighter can be a game-changer, accelerating your progress, enhancing your enjoyment, and giving you a competitive advantage in War Thunder's fast-paced aerial battles.

Top Contenders: The Best Premium Fighters

Alright, let's get to the meat of the matter: which premium fighters are truly worth your hard-earned cash? I've hand-picked a few of the best, considering their performance, versatility, and overall fun factor. Keep in mind that the "best" plane is subjective and depends on your preferred playstyle, but these are all solid choices that will serve you well. When picking your premium plane consider what nation you wish to grind, or which plane will compliment your playstyle.

1. American P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt

The American P-47M-1-RE Thunderbolt, nicknamed the "Jug," is a high-altitude powerhouse with exceptional speed and devastating firepower. Guys, this plane is a beast, especially if you love boom-and-zoom tactics. It excels at climbing to a high altitude, building up speed, and then diving down on unsuspecting enemies. Its eight .50 caliber machine guns pack a serious punch, tearing apart enemy aircraft in short bursts. The P-47M is also surprisingly durable, able to withstand a good amount of punishment, so it allows new players a small margin for error.

What makes the P-47M stand out is its incredible high-speed performance. It retains its energy remarkably well, allowing you to dictate the pace of the battle and disengage when necessary. This makes it difficult for slower, more maneuverable aircraft to catch you, giving you a significant advantage in most engagements. The P-47M's climb rate is respectable, though not exceptional, so you'll want to start climbing early in the match to get the altitude advantage. Once you're up high, you can use your superior speed and firepower to pick off enemies one by one. This aircraft is a great way to grind the American tech tree, and develop good energy fighting habits.

2. German Bf 109 G-2

The German Bf 109 G-2 is a classic fighter known for its excellent all-around performance and adaptability. This plane is a fantastic choice for pilots who prefer a more balanced playstyle. It boasts a good climb rate, decent maneuverability, and a powerful 20mm cannon that can quickly dispatch enemy aircraft. The Bf 109 G-2 is effective in a variety of combat situations, from dogfights to ground attack missions. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset to any team.

One of the Bf 109 G-2's greatest strengths is its climb rate. It can quickly gain altitude, allowing you to intercept enemy bombers or engage fighters on your own terms. The 20mm cannon is also highly effective, capable of inflicting significant damage with well-aimed shots. However, the Bf 109 G-2 is not as durable as some other fighters, so you'll need to be careful to avoid taking unnecessary damage. Proper energy management is essential to maximizing the Bf 109 G-2's effectiveness. You'll want to maintain your speed and altitude, using your superior climb rate and firepower to outmaneuver and defeat your opponents. This is also a great aircraft for grinding the German tech tree.

3. Soviet P-47D

Yes, another P-47! The Soviet P-47D is a Lend-Lease version of the American Thunderbolt, offering similar performance characteristics but with a Soviet twist. This plane is a great option for pilots who enjoy the P-47's boom-and-zoom playstyle but want to grind the Soviet tech tree. It shares the same excellent high-speed performance and devastating firepower as its American counterpart, making it a formidable opponent in the skies.

The Soviet P-47D is particularly effective at high altitudes, where it can use its superior speed and firepower to pick off enemy aircraft. Its eight .50 caliber machine guns are capable of tearing apart enemy fighters and bombers in short order. The Soviet P-47D is also surprisingly durable, able to withstand a good amount of punishment. However, it's important to note that the Soviet P-47D's climb rate is not as good as some other fighters, so you'll need to start climbing early in the match to gain an altitude advantage. Once you're up high, you can use your superior speed and firepower to dominate the battlefield. This is a perfect grinder for the Soviet tech tree.

4. British Spitfire F Mk XIVc

The British Spitfire F Mk XIVc is a high-performance fighter known for its exceptional maneuverability and powerful armament. This plane is a fantastic choice for pilots who enjoy dogfighting and turning engagements. It's incredibly agile, able to outturn most opponents, and its four 20mm cannons pack a serious punch. The Spitfire F Mk XIVc excels at close-quarters combat, where it can use its superior maneuverability to get on an enemy's tail and deliver a decisive blow.

One of the Spitfire F Mk XIVc's greatest strengths is its turning ability. It can turn inside of most other fighters, allowing you to quickly gain the advantage in a dogfight. The four 20mm cannons are also highly effective, capable of inflicting significant damage with well-aimed shots. However, the Spitfire F Mk XIVc is not as fast as some other fighters, so you'll need to be careful to avoid getting caught in a high-speed chase. Proper energy management is essential to maximizing the Spitfire F Mk XIVc's effectiveness. You'll want to maintain your speed and altitude, using your superior maneuverability to outturn and defeat your opponents. I mean, who does not love a good spitfire?

5. Japanese A7M1 (NK9H) Reppu

The Japanese A7M1 (NK9H) Reppu is a powerful fighter known for its combination of speed, maneuverability, and firepower. This plane is a great choice for pilots who want a well-rounded fighter that can excel in a variety of combat situations. It boasts a good climb rate, decent turning ability, and two 20mm cannons that can quickly dispatch enemy aircraft. The A7M1 Reppu is effective in both dogfights and boom-and-zoom engagements.

One of the A7M1 Reppu's greatest strengths is its versatility. It can adapt to a variety of combat situations, making it a valuable asset to any team. The two 20mm cannons are also highly effective, capable of inflicting significant damage with well-aimed shots. However, the A7M1 Reppu is not as durable as some other fighters, so you'll need to be careful to avoid taking unnecessary damage. Proper energy management is essential to maximizing the A7M1 Reppu's effectiveness. You'll want to maintain your speed and altitude, using your superior climb rate and firepower to outmaneuver and defeat your opponents. This fighter is one of the most over looked in the premium market.

Making Your Choice

So, how do you choose the best premium fighter for you? Consider your preferred playstyle, the tech tree you want to grind, and your budget. All of the planes listed above are excellent choices, but they cater to different strengths and preferences. If you love boom-and-zoom tactics, the P-47M or Soviet P-47D are fantastic options. If you prefer dogfighting, the Spitfire F Mk XIVc is a natural fit. If you want a versatile fighter that can do it all, the Bf 109 G-2 or A7M1 Reppu are great choices.

Ultimately, the best way to find the right premium fighter for you is to try them out. Take advantage of any free trials or test flights that War Thunder offers. Watch videos of other players flying the planes you're interested in. And most importantly, have fun! Experiment with different tactics and strategies, and find the plane that fits your playstyle and brings you the most enjoyment. Good luck, pilots, and happy hunting!