Shockwave

"All right. For the record, we're governed by UN Resolution 2156. Anyone in the free-fire zone is fair game. Make NATO proud."

- Doug Robinson

Shockwave is the prologue of Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. The player controls the gunner of Nomad 61, and is introduced to Door Gunner mechanics, Shooter Squadron and the conflict in East Africa. The game's opening credits are also displayed during this mission. It cannot be selected in Free Mission mode.

Plot
The mission opens with Nomad Squadron and Shooter Squadron approaching a town controlled by SRN with the intention of destroying every hostile target they can find. The town is filled with enemy vehicles and RPG-wielding troops. The helicopter unit receives assistance at a few points from an A-10A Thunderbolt II known as Dagger 3. During the mission, Nomad 62 is hit by an RPG and makes an emergency landing, requiring Nomad 61 to neutralize enemy soldiers moving towards the Blackhawk and eliminating a rebel Hind before it can take off. After all SRN forces are killed, a massive explosion occurs, causing Nomad 61 to crash, abruptly ending the mission.