Fact Check: War Thunder users leaked classified military manuals at least nine times.

Fact Check: "War Thunder users leaked classified military manuals at least nine times."

What We Know

The claim that "War Thunder users leaked classified military manuals at least nine times" is supported by reports indicating that users of the online military simulation game, War Thunder, have indeed shared sensitive military documents on the game's forums. A notable incident involved a player who was banned for posting a page from a restricted AV-8B Harrier flight manual. This event is cited as part of a pattern of similar occurrences, with reports confirming that this is at least the ninth known instance of such leaks (UK Defence Journal).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from a report by the UK Defence Journal, which details various incidents where players have leaked classified materials in an effort to enhance the realism of the game (UK Defence Journal). The reliability of this source is relatively high, as it specializes in defense-related news and analysis, although it should be noted that the journal may have a specific focus that could influence its reporting.

However, the broader context of these leaks raises questions about the implications of sharing classified information in gaming communities. While the incidents are factual, the motivations behind the leaks—primarily to improve game accuracy—may not justify the actions, and they highlight potential security risks associated with online platforms where sensitive information can be easily disseminated.

The claim's validity is further reinforced by the consistent reporting of similar incidents over time, indicating a trend rather than isolated events. Nonetheless, the exact number of leaks and their classification status can vary, and additional verification from multiple sources would be necessary to confirm the precise count and nature of each leak.

Conclusion

Needs Research: While there is credible evidence supporting the claim that War Thunder users have leaked classified military manuals multiple times, the exact number of incidents and their implications warrant further investigation. The reliance on a single source for the claim raises concerns about the completeness of the information. Additional data from other reputable sources would help clarify the extent and impact of these leaks.

Sources

1. What Is War? Defining War, Conflict and Competition
2. Drones in Modern Warfare: Lessons Learnt from the War in Ukraine
3. Politics, Strategy and Tactics: Rethinking the Levels of War
4. How are Drones Changing Modern Warfare? - Australian Army
5. Moulding War’s Thinking: Using Wargaming to Broaden Military …
6. LWD 1, The Fundamentals of Land Power, 2017 - Australian Army
7. A Case Study of Indigenous Brothers in Arms during the First …
8. Classified data once again leaked on War Thunder forums