Ace Combat 8 Aircraft: Official Roster, Roles, and Tips

What We Know About Ace Combat 8 Aircraft

The confirmed ace combat 8 aircraft roster already points to a broad mix of fighters, attackers, multirole jets, and electronic-warfare aircraft. For players, that matters because the official trailer makes clear that choosing the right aircraft and special weapons for each sortie can affect the outcome.

The official site identifies 23 ace combat 8 aircraft by name as of September 30, 2026. It also says more aircraft are still to be announced, so this is a confirmed roster snapshot rather than a final complete list.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve's official aircraft page groups the revealed planes into four roles:

This role spread is important because the campaign preview includes dogfights, ground support, and air-to-sea operations. A jet that excels against one target class may be less comfortable when the mission shifts to another.

The official overview trailer also confirms that pilots will command a squadron in the campaign. Squad orders can focus the team on a target, split the group, call for cover, or direct squadmates to use special weapons. In practical terms, aircraft selection should be part of a wider plan: choose a plane that handles your own job while your squad covers the gaps.

Confirmed Ace Combat 8 Aircraft Roster

The following table lists every aircraft currently named on the official aircraft page. Names, role classifications, and descriptions are based on official material rather than speculation.

For players comparing ace combat 8 aircraft, the roster contains both familiar series-style favorites and aircraft that fill more specialized niches. Carrier-capable selections are especially visible, including the F/A-18C, F/A-18F, F-14D, Su-33, F-35C, and Rafale M. That fits the trailer's setting aboard the aircraft carrier Endurance, which serves as the squadron's main base of operations.

The F-14A Pre-Order Detail

The F-14A is listed on the official aircraft page, but the site separately identifies it as a playable pre-order bonus. Players who pre-order receive the F-14A along with Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.

Because the official page says more aircraft are coming, players should avoid treating the currently listed planes as a final launch-day inventory. The confirmed list is still useful for planning a preferred role and identifying aircraft worth trying first.

How to Choose the Best Aircraft Role for Each Mission

The trailer's central advice is simple: assess the operation and optimize the aircraft and special weapons accordingly. That does not prove a specific weapon list for every plane, but it does establish that mission preparation is a major part of the game.

For ace combat 8 aircraft, start by matching the official role to the primary threat. A fighter is the clearest fit when enemy aircraft are the priority. An attacker is the more logical starting point when the objective emphasizes ground forces or ships. Multirole aircraft are the safer choice when the briefing suggests varied targets or when a player wants a versatile first attempt.

A Practical Pre-Sortie Checklist

Use the mission briefing before deciding among ace combat 8 aircraft. The trailer specifically emphasizes briefings as the source of intelligence for assessing a path to victory.

For example, the F-2A's official description specifically calls out maritime interdiction, making it a strong aircraft to investigate before an air-to-sea sortie. The F/A-18C Hornet is also worth considering for mixed maritime missions because the official page says it can use air-to-air missiles, anti-ground weapons, and anti-ship weaponry.

Conversely, a MiG-31B Foxhound sounds better suited to missions where speed and long-range interception matter. Its official description highlights high-speed flight, long-range air-to-air missiles, and the ability to intercept cruise missiles. That is a clearer mission fit than assuming every fighter should be used in the same way.

Fighter, Attacker, Multirole, and Electronic Strengths

The confirmed ace combat 8 aircraft roster is not just a collection of recognizable jet names. The official role labels reveal how the game intends players to think about them.

Fighters: Prioritize Air Control

Fighters make up the largest portion of the current roster, with nine confirmed aircraft. The category includes high-end stealth designs such as the F-22A Raptor and Su-57 Felon, fast interceptors such as the MiG-31B, and close-combat options such as the MiG-29A and MiG-21bis.

The official page presents several distinct fighter profiles:

• The F-22A Raptor emphasizes low detectability, internal weapons bays, maneuverability, and integrated information systems.
• The Su-57 Felon emphasizes thrust-vectoring nozzles and advanced control.
• The F-15C Eagle is described as fast, maneuverable, and enduring.
• The MiG-29A Fulcrum is framed as a strong knife fighter because of its turning ability.
• The F-14D Super Tomcat combines carrier operation, long-range anti-air missiles, and variable-sweep wings.

Players who prefer aerial duels should not assume that the newest-looking plane is automatically best for every mission. Player experience in flight-action games often favors a plane whose handling matches the pilot's habits. In Ace Combat 8, exact performance values and complete special-weapon loadouts have not been provided in the supplied official material, so any final ranking would be premature.

Attackers: Focus on the Objective

Attackers currently include the F-2A, A-10C, Su-25SM, Su-34, and Su-25SM. Their presence supports the trailer's promise of ground-support and anti-ship operations.

The Su-34 Fullback stands out in the official descriptions because it combines heavy weapons, armor, high speed, and air-to-air self-defense armament. The F-2A is the most explicitly maritime-oriented attacker, while the A-10C and Su-25SM are confirmed attacker choices without additional official stat detail on the page.

Use attackers when the briefing's success conditions center on surface targets. Do not overlook air defense, however. The trailer warns that enemy forces use sharp tactics and coordinated formations, so an aircraft selected for surface damage may still need help from squadmates against interceptors.

Multirole and Electronic Aircraft: Build Flexibility

Multirole jets offer the strongest initial answer to uncertain mission conditions. The F/A-18C, F/A-18F, F-35C, Rafale M, Mirage 2000-5, Su-33, and F-4E all carry the multirole label.

The F-35C is particularly adaptable on paper because the official page says it can be configured for air-to-air and ground-attack profiles. The Rafale M combines long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions with close-combat maneuverability. The Mirage 2000-5's balanced handling could also appeal to players looking for a stable, general-purpose aircraft.

Electronic options are more specialized. The EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler are both officially classified as electronic aircraft. The Growler's description additionally confirms attack capability and self-defense missiles, but the supplied sources do not specify the exact electronic-warfare mechanics. Community reports should not be treated as confirmation until Bandai Namco details those systems.

Squad Tactics, Online Modes, and What to Watch Next

Choosing among ace combat 8 aircraft will matter in both campaign and online play, though the trailer presents the two modes differently. Campaign missions center on the Federation of Central Usea's conflict with the Republic of Sotoa, with the player leading the Wings of Faith squadron.

The official trailer identifies four campaign squad actions: concentrating on a specific target, dividing forces, covering the player's aircraft, and using special weapons. These commands suggest a useful principle: select a personal aircraft role that supports the tactical order you expect to give.

Online operations are described as separate from the main story. The trailer confirms four formats: Co-op Assault, Co-op Warfare, Scramble, and Emergency Sortie.

Emergency Sortie is the clearest reason to keep several aircraft roles available. The trailer says eight pilots will face superweapon-class threats, and it advises players to arrive heavily armed. That does not confirm ideal team compositions, but a balanced group of air-control, strike, and flexible aircraft is a sensible starting framework.

The game is scheduled to release on October 2, 2026. Until more details arrive, the best approach is to use the official aircraft categories as a planning tool, keep an eye on new reveals, and avoid treating unofficial loadout claims as fact.

FAQ

How many ace combat 8 aircraft are confirmed?

The official aircraft page currently names 23 ace combat 8 aircraft. It also states that more aircraft will be revealed, so the number may increase before or after launch.

Which confirmed aircraft are best for anti-ship missions?

The F-2A is the most directly supported choice because its official description highlights maritime interdiction. The F/A-18C Hornet can also carry anti-ship weaponry, while multirole aircraft such as the Rafale M may suit mixed air-and-surface missions.

Is the F-14A included with every version of the game?

The official site lists the F-14A as a playable pre-order bonus for the Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Joker Flight Pack. It is bundled with Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as part of that pre-order offer.

Are electronic aircraft confirmed in Ace Combat 8?

Yes. The EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler are officially listed under the Electronic role. However, the supplied official sources do not yet explain the precise electronic-warfare gameplay systems available to those aircraft.