Weapons of Mass Destruction

Weapons of Mass Destruction is the 12th level of Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.

Plot
Following the grounding of the Garuda Team after their actions in the last mission, they are called in to action once more. Emmerian high command has located a "chemical agent" being transported into the country by the Estovakian military, which has been shipped into the Razuriz Mine, located in the northern outskirts of Gracemeria. As a result, further movement of troops has been halted due to the risk of the enemy carrying the weapon(s) to the city at a faster pace. A particular strategy has been formulated, which has been approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in which Emmerian aircraft infiltrate Fort Norton at low altitude and take out the catalyst convoy.

At 14:30PM, Talisman and Shamrock enter the Alma River area at low altitude. After being given their orders by AWACS Ghost Eye, the latter expresses his disdain on being seen as "aces" by the army, and towards their AWACS. The two fly fly along the river at high speed and reach an Estovakian camp, destroying all major targets therein before they can contact the transport squad, and continue their mission. In their journey to Razuriz, they destroy a large number of observation towers and gunboats.

Garuda 1 and 2 eventually arrive to the mine, their unexpected appearance prompting the convoy to escape towards an underground tunnel. The two intercept and wipe out the entire convoy before they can escape, thus saving Gracemeria from destruction and regaining their respect from the top brass after the Moloch incident in doing so. Their attack on Razuriz has alerted all Estovakian aircraft in the sector, and they make their escape to the south. Weaving through a constant barrge of missiles and gunfire from their pursuers, they make it to the south of the combat airspace, where they are ambushed by a second enemy formation. Much to their relief, their allies Snake Pit, Windhover and Sky Kid come to their aid with their wingmen, and a massive air battle breaks out between the two factions. The Emmerians soon overpower their enemies and emerge victorious, and leave Alma.

Walkthrough
Getting started It is in the user's best interests to choose a fast aircraft with air-to-ground weaponry, though one with maneuverability may be required just in case. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a good choice.

The escape and the furball
After destroying the convoy, your objective changes to escaping the area. The attack on the mine has alerted all aircraft in the region, who will now come knocking into your doorstep. At the beginning, the player will be chased by a small group of fighters, amidst which is an ace F-2A Viper Zero if the mission is played in Hard difficulty. At first, their attacks are easy to avoid, though an increasingly larger number of planes will enter the fray as time passes.

It is imperative to keep calm during the escape. Don't try to engage the enemy by yourself, as there is a very high chance to be overwhelmed and get yourself killed. To ensure survival, constantly move in all directions to throw off the enemy's aim. Several radar stations are located across the river, which can be destroyed to reduce missile accuracy, thus making the task of fleeing slightly easier.

Upon reaching the south of the area, a second enemy formation appears. However, your allies arrive to aid you in the ensuing dogfight. The Allied Support bar will be completely filled by the time the Emmerian reinforcements appear, so feel free to issue orders.

After all targets have been shot down, a victorius conversation occurs between the Emmerian pilots, and the level comes to a close.

Aces

 * F-2A "Flyuger" - Spawns after the destruction of the WMD convoy.

Trivia

 * In Hard difficulty, EA-200 radar aircraft will appear among the Estovakian forces.
 * The resident ace stands out from other enemies in the second half of the mission due to his way of attacking. Instead of using missiles and guns like all other bandits do, he fires barrages of unguided projectiles, like those from a Rocket Launcher.
 * In the northwestern corner of the map, the insignia of Project Aces can be found in the ground.