Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve official X account has confirmed that the F/A-18E Super Hornet will be the protagonist’s primary aircraft.
The announcement from Project Aces highlights the E-model’s superior maneuverability at medium speeds. This makes the carrier-based fighter a powerful choice for both naval defense and anti-surface missions.
While the “Super Hornet” is the face of the new game, it might not be where players begin their journey. Brand Director Kazutoki Kono noted on social media that the team plans to start with the F/A-18C first. This suggests a progression system where pilots earn their way into the more advanced Super Hornet as the campaign moves forward.
Editor’s Take
Choosing the Hornet as the lead aircraft for Ace Combat 8 is a smart move that leans into the recent cultural resurgence of naval aviation. For years, the F-22 was the undisputed king of the franchise. Shifting the focus to a “jack-of-all-trades” like the Super Hornet allows for more mission variety, especially with the rumored emphasis on carrier-deck launches and landings.
Kono’s comment about starting with the F/A-18C legacy model is particularly interesting. It gives the game a grounded feel by forcing players to master a classic airframe before upgrading to the modern Block III capabilities of the E-model. This structure provides a natural sense of progression that fits what we know of the “Wings of Theve” storyline perfectly.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve arrives on Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam in 2026.
