Sea Harrier FA 2

Britain · Rank VIII · Fighter

Acquisition Type: Tech Tree
Air RB battle rating: 13.0Observed October 8, 2026

Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.

War Thunder Wiki · Gaijin

Aircraft overview

Sea Harrier FA 2 can put pressure on the first exchange with AIM-120B AMRAAM. Make the opponent defend, keep a route out, and reassess before closing. Flying straight at the contact to watch the missile is how a useful opening becomes a trade.

How to fly it

Set up the first engagement
Accelerate into a useful position beside teammates. Vertical takeoff or slow flight is not a substitute for arriving with speed.
Make the attack count
Take a short attack and keep checking the way out. Use thrust-vectoring controls only with a clear purpose; staying slow gives another enemy time to aim.
Know when to break off
Leave when more enemies arrive, the target draws you away from support, or another turn costs the speed you need to escape. A teammate nearby is more useful than a duel you cannot finish.

Common mistakes

Forcing the original plan. Slowing down for a trick in the middle of a fight that several enemies can reach.
Ignoring the next attacker. Look outside the target chase between attacks. The enemy arriving from behind is often the one who decides whether you get home.

Strengths & limitations

Strengths

Make them defend before closing

AIM-120B AMRAAM gives you an active-radar option. Use the launch to disrupt an opponent’s approach rather than treating the missile’s maximum reach as a promise of a hit.

Choose the engagement

An enemy already committed to a teammate gives you time to set up. Enter from a crossing angle and avoid announcing the attack with a long straight chase.

Limitations

A missed shot can cost the next fight

If the first attack becomes a slow chase, another enemy gets time to line up. Check above and behind before spending more speed on the original target.

A launch does not remove the shooter

A pressured opponent may still have a missile coming toward you. Keep checking the RWR and the sky after firing rather than assuming the exchange is finished.

Recommended Air RB loadouts

AIM-120B AMRAAM

Use this active-radar option for the opening exchange when fitted. Support the shot while it is safe to do so, and make room to defend rather than continuing straight toward the enemy.

AIM-9M Sidewinder

Take the AIM-9M once it is unlocked. Its flare rejection and low-smoke motor make it a better choice than the AIM-9L on an aircraft offering both. Still choose a useful angle; a target already defending can defeat the shot.

Radar & defenses

Look outside the radar display

Find and track contacts with the radar modes this aircraft provides. Keep the selected weapon in mind when choosing the mode. Once you close, check the sky between looks at the display; the next attacker may not be the contact you are tracking.

React to warnings in time

A radar warning matters even when you nearly have your own shot. Make room to defend, and keep looking for infrared launches that the RWR cannot announce.

Check the countermeasure fit

Fit the available countermeasures for the threats you expect. For an infrared attack, cut afterburner if in use, flare and change the missile’s view of the aircraft. For radar threats, combine the appropriate defensive turn with chaff where fitted.

Ground attack & CAS

Choose the target before diving

For 1000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bomb, choose the target before the run and allow room to pull out clear of the blast. Turn away after release; watching the hit leaves you flying a predictable line over the target.

Set the sight before the run

Select the fitted weapon and its supported impact or release cue before entering the target area. Make the correction on the approach; do not circle over the target trying to work out the controls.

Handling & fuel

Keep speed for the next decision

Ease off the pull when the shot is gone. Recover speed and separation before deciding to turn back; holding maximum input through every reversal leaves fewer options.

Plan the return

Check fuel after the opening fight, especially if you have spent the approach on high power. Allow for the flight back and landing rather than using the hangar endurance as an afterburner timer.

Battle Rating History

Observed Air RB ratings
Observation	Battle rating
October 8, 2026 · Archive	13.0

Unchanged on October 14, 2026. Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 13.0.