1C Game Studios has presented its plans for the next two years for the IL-2 series. In 2026, as well as in the beginning of 2027, new modes and major expansions will be introduced to players.
By the end of 2026, the Korea combat flight simulator will receive a training mode and multiplayer leaderboards. Development of the Odessa and Leningrad: Siege and Liberation expansion will also conclude by the end of 2026.
In Q1 2027, the Deck Ops expansion will be released for Korea. It will feature five new carrier-based aircraft and an Essex-class aircraft carrier.
In the Great Battles series, three expansions will be released in 2027. The first expansion — Bombers — will mark the series debut of player-controlled multi-crew bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. In the first half of 2027, the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-39Q Airacobra collector planes will be added.
All expansions will be available on Steam and on the official IL-2 website . Exact Early Access and full release dates will be announced later.
Korea: Deck Ops
Korea: Deck Ops is a major expansion for Korea, dedicated to carrier-based aviation of the Korean War.
Players will be able to take to the skies in five new carrier-based aircraft, meticulously recreated based on historical documents, photographs, and technical materials:
- F9F-2 Panther
- F2H-2 Banshee
- AD-4 Skyraider
- F4U-4 Corsair
- FB MK.11 Sea Fury
The expansion will include both jet and piston aircraft used by the United States and Great Britain. Every aircraft will feature historically accurate armament, equipment, and carrier operation systems, including folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and an arresting hook.
In addition to player-controlled aircraft, the expansion will introduce an AI-controlled HO3S-1 helicopter — a naval rescue variant from the Sikorsky S-51/H-5 family.
Korea: Deck Ops will also add an Essex-class aircraft carrier in its post-war SCB-27A modernization configuration. Measuring 274 meters in length, this ship had a displacement of 40,000 tons and could carry up to 80 aircraft.
Other features of the aircraft carrier:
- Three aircraft elevators connecting the hangar with the flight deck.
- Two bow hydraulic catapults.
- A detailed hangar extending from bow to stern.
- Historically accurate radar systems and anti-aircraft armament.
- A maximum speed of 32 knots, which improved conditions for aircraft takeoffs and landings.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Bombers
IL-2 Sturmovik: Bombers is a new expansion for Great Battles, dedicated to multi-crew bombers and reconnaissance aircraft used on the Eastern and Western Fronts.
Players will be able to take to the skies in four new aircraft:
- Fw-189A-2 Uhu
- A-20G-25 Havoc
- B-25C/D Mitchell
- B-26B Marauder
Every aircraft will feature detailed interiors for all crew positions, historically accurate defensive armament, bombsights, bomb load options, and equipment.
Several aircraft will also be presented in various configurations. The A-20 will include the base A-20G-25, the A-20J with a glass nose and the Norden bombsight, and a Soviet torpedo-bomber modification. The B-25C/D will receive American, British, and Soviet configurations with corresponding bombs and sighting equipment.
All four aircraft will be integrated into the Pilot Career mode. Historically accurate squadrons will be added for the respective nations, allowing players to use the new aircraft on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.
