When Operation Barbarossa began in July 1941, the freshly produced Ilyushin IL-2 entered battle against the Axis war machine, with large numbers lost to the Luftwaffe. As the placeholder 20 mm ShVAK autocannons were deemed unsatisfactory for both anti-air and anti-ground purposes, as well as the urgent need for fighters, priority was given to the development of the 23 mm Volkov-Yartsev VYa-23 autocannon, the original intended armament of the IL-2.

After the cannon was ready, a single early IL-2 was reequipped with a pair of the VYa-23 and known as the IL-2I (Istrebitel; "fighter"). This version of the Sturmovik was intended to be used as a "heavy interceptor" against German bombers. However, due to the IL-2’s poor speed, it was deemed infeasible. Therefore, the VYa-23-armed IL-2s were repurposed back into the ground attack role instead.

The IL-2I, known in-game as the "IL-2 (1942)", has been in the game since the Aircraft CBT. Compared to the early IL-2, the IL-2I is now armed with the signature pair of 23 mm VYa-23 autocannons, giving it devastating firepower against air and ground targets alike. Just like other “Sturmoviks”, the IL-2I is characterised by its high survivability, slow speed, yet surprisingly good initial turn rate that allows it to catch enemies off guard.