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The premium planes in War Thunder, just like the premium tanks, have their own unique capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. The primary function of premium vehicles in War Thunder is to make the grind quicker. As a result, you would not be wrong to think that only the top-tier planes are worth buying, as they can efficiently grind a whole tech-tree.
However, just being a top-tier vehicle does not make it the best at countering every enemy it faces. It needs to be good for the meta at its own Battle Rating.
In this article, we will rank the five best premium planes in War Thunder based on how well they fit at their own BR and how efficiently they grind their tech-trees.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer. Also, we are not taking into account premium planes that were event rewards.
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What are the five best premium planes in War Thunder?
5) Yak-3 (France)
The French Yak-3 is a Rank III, BR 4.3 fighter that costs 1600 Golden Eagles. All Yak-3 variants in the game are extremely formidable, and this model is no different. It is identical to the regular Yak-3 in the Russian air tree. Further, the French Yak-3 is equipped with two 12.7 mm machine guns and one 20 mm cannon, both of which are extremely deadly against most other planes.
The excellent maneuverabilty of the aircraft, its powerful armaments, its ability to seemlessly integrate into your lineup, and its ability to grind the French air tree effectively till rank IV make it one of the best premium planes in the game.
Also read: How to get Golden Eagles in War Thunder
4) XP-50
The XP-50 is an American Rank III, BR 4.0 interceptor aircraft that also costs 1600 Golden Eagles. It is equipped with two 12.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm cannons, making it extremely lethal against all the planes it faces.
However, unlike the Yak-3, it is made for high-altitude interceptions and boom-and-zoom attacks. Fortunately, it is excellent at both these roles. It is decent at turnfighting too, but the previous two roles are where it shines.
And just like the Yak-3, the XP-50 can efficiently grind the American air tree till Rank IV.
3) MiG-21 Bison
The MiG-21 Bison is a Rank VIII, BR 12.3 supersonic fighter in the British tech-tree and costs $74.99. Being an upgraded variant of the Russian MiG-21 Bis, it is the most advanced MiG-21 variant in the game. As such, it can carry extremely potent radar and IR-guided air-to-air missiles and a small amount of ground attack ordinances, including two TV-guided bombs.
However, the amount of weapons it can carry is very limited. Still, it is a very effective aircaft at its BR and can efficiently grind the full British air tree in War Thunder.
2) F-4S Phantom II
The F-4S Phantom II is a Rank VII, BR 12.0 supersonic jet fighter in the American air tree and costs $69.99. It is one of the best grinders in the tech-tree as it can efficiently go through the whole American air tree.
The F-4S Phantom II has a huge loadout of weapons, including a 20 mm cannon, radar and IR-guided air-to-air missiles, as well as a large number of unguided ground attack ordinances. It is effective in both air and ground battles and has access to a ballistic computer for guns, bombs, and rockets.
1) MiG-23ML
The MiG-23ML is, in my opinion, the best grinder in the game when it comes to premium planes. It sits at Rank VI, BR 11.0, and costs $69.99. Being a Rank VI aircraft, it has the ability to grind the whole Russian air tree.
It is identical to the MiG-23MLA in War Thunder's German air tree and is one of the best planes at its BR. It is more suited for air combat than ground attack roles, as its long and short-range radar and IR-guided missiles can take care of all targets it faces.
Although it is made for air combat, it is decent at ground attack roles as it can carry a fair amount of guided and unguided ordinances.
Check out more articles on War Thunder:
- Best beginner nation in War Thunder, explored
- War Thunder endgame nations tier list
- War Thunder cross-platform features, explored
