Master the Hunt: Soviet SPAA as Tank Destroyers in War Thunder

In the high-stakes world of War Thunder, players often view Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft (SPAA) vehicles as purely defensive tools meant to clear the skies. However, as this gameplay footage demonstrates, in the hands of a daring commander, Soviet light AA vehicles like the GAZ-MM (72-K) and the BTR-152A can become the ultimate predators on the ground.

This video explores the "glass cannon" playstyle, where mobility and high rates of fire are used to dismantle much heavier armored opponents. From the narrow corridors of urban centers to the wide-open vistas of snowy plains, we break down how to turn these lightly armored trucks into match-winning assets.

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Key Gameplay Moments

• [0:00:00] - Urban Guerrilla Warfare: Watch the GAZ-MM (72-K) navigate tight city streets. In these environments, the vehicle’s lack of armor is offset by its small profile and the ability to deliver a devastating first strike before the enemy can even rotate their turret.
• [0:01:28] - Industrial Ambush Tactics: Positioning is everything. See how using industrial cover allows for tactical flanking, catching heavy tanks in their vulnerable side and rear armor plates.
• [0:03:10] - Precision from a Distance: While typically meant for close-range defense, the 72-K cannon shows surprising utility in rural long-range engagements, proving that volume of fire can often overcome traditional sniping disadvantages.
• [0:04:23] - The BTR-152A Village Skirmish: Witness the transition to the BTR-152A. Its high-speed chassis and twin machine guns make it an ideal choice for aggressive close-quarters combat where speed is your only protection.
• [0:05:27] - Multi-Target Mountain Defense: Engaging multiple targets in a mountain pass requires rapid target acquisition. This segment highlights the importance of trigger discipline and prioritizing targets that pose the most immediate threat.
• [0:07:15] - High-Speed Capture and Chase: The finale showcases the BTR’s true strength: its mobility. Watch a frantic chase across a snowy landscape to secure an objective, proving that SPAAs can play the "objective game" just as well as light tanks.

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What You’ll Learn

Operating unarmored vehicles on the front lines is a masterclass in risk vs. reward. By watching these matches, viewers can pick up several advanced tactics:

• Trigger Discipline: Learn when to hold your fire to avoid giving away your position, especially when a heavy tank hasn't spotted you yet.
• Module Sniping: SPAA cannons may not have the penetration to go through a Tiger’s front plate, but they can quickly disable barrels, tracks, and external fuel tanks.
• The Power of Mobility: These vehicles rely on "not being there" when the enemy shoots. You'll see how to use the GAZ-MM’s agility to reposition after every kill.
• Environmental Awareness: Using the terrain—whether it's the dip in a snowy hill or a pile of rubble—to hide the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle.

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Featured Vehicles

GAZ-MM (72-K)

A 25mm autocannon mounted on a light truck. It is the definition of a "glass cannon." While it can be destroyed by a single machine gun burst, its 25mm rounds can shred the side armor of almost any contemporary tank it faces.

BTR-152A

Equipped with twin 14.5mm KPVT machine guns, this vehicle trades the 25mm's raw penetration for a blistering fire rate and superior mobility. It excels at hunting light tanks, open-top vehicles, and, of course, its primary target: aircraft.

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Interactive Resource

For a detailed, written walkthrough of the strategies used in this video, including specific map positioning guides, visit the official page: 📖 Interactive Written Walkthrough