Pipeline

Pipeline is the mission in Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. It is the first mission set in the Russian Federation and is the first mission to feature Air Strike Mode.

Plot
Though the attack on the city of Dubai was stopped, no Trinity weapons were discovered. In truth, the battle there were a distraction for several Trinity attacks on several military bases in Russia by the newly formed New Russian Federation, funded by Blatnoi. They have swiftly taken control of Moscow and maintain a strong grip on the Black Sea and Caucasus Regions. The coup is led by General Ivan Stagleishov and a former Russian ace turned mercenary named Andrei Markov, who was the liaison between Blatnoi and the SRN. He flies a Su-35 with a shark's mouth on the nose, leading to his nickname, Akula. Task Force 108 is to preform joint operations with loyal Russian forces in order to liberate the areas held by the NRF.

The mission begins in the city of Derbent, which is under NRF control. Loyalist units Tyuleni and Molot Squadron are about to initiate a landing operation, but will need the help of Warwolf Squadron. Threats to the landing units, such as tank columns and Hinds, must be dealt with quickly in order to ensure the operation's success. After a few air strikes, Guts goes on a solo attack run filled with enemy Gun Towers. Bishop must pursue and assist Guts before he can be shot down. The run is successful, though Guts takes damage in the attack. He is still capable of continuing the mission, however. After landing, Tyuleni's priority is the Caspian Gates, which is being used as an NRF stronghold. The Gates are filled with AA guns, and several air strikes will need to be preformed in order to fully destroy the fortress.

After liberating the city, appears in the distance and fires a large missile at Tyuleni. Bishop moves in and damages the missile, causing it to detonate in the air above the Russian allies. The explosion is massive, and Bishop realizes that the missile carried a [[Trinity warhead. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Ace Combat: Assault Horizon missions