Ilya Pasternak

Lore & Background

Ilya Pasternak clawed his way up the ranks of the Estovakian military during the country's brutal post-civil war reconstruction, earning command of the prestigious Strigon Team—an elite fighter squadron infamous for its predatory tactics and ironclad discipline. He was a devout patriot, dreaming of restoring Estovakia's former glory, but his faith curdled as the war ground on and the leadership turned to desperate measures, like unleashing the Chandelier superweapon. Despite his growing disillusionment, Pasternak remained a formidable adversary, respected even by his enemies for his lethal skill and unbroken sense of honor in the cockpit.

In Their Own Story

The sky over Gracemeria bled orange with the light of explosions. Ilya Pasternak's Su-33 slashed through the chaos, his wingmen falling one by one to the Emmerian ace known as Talisman. Each loss was a fresh scar, each order a betrayal of the nation he loved. As his radar locked onto the enemy, he whispered a prayer for Estovakia—then slammed his throttle to the afterburner, knowing this would be his last flight. The missiles streaked toward him, and in that moment, he was at peace: a soldier doing his duty until the end, even as his country burned around him.

Reader's Guide

Ilya Pasternak commands Strigon Team, an elite Estovakian fighter squadron, and serves as a key antagonist in Ace Combat 6. He is a master pilot, renowned for aggressive dogfighting tactics and orchestrating complex aerial assaults that test even the most seasoned players. His role is to defend Estovakia's interests and lead his team against the Emmerian invasion, but his arc reveals a man torn between duty and disillusionment as he witnesses his nation's reliance on the Chandelier superweapon. His defining moments include a climactic duel over Gracemeria, where he engages the protagonist in a desperate final stand, and earlier battles that showcase his tactical brilliance and the gradual erosion of his faith. His death marks the end of Strigon Team's legacy and symbolizes the futility of war. Fans remember him as a tragic figure—a loyal soldier fighting for a flawed cause, his skill matched only by his sorrow.

Did You Know?

• Ilya Pasternak's callsign is 'Strigon Leader', reflecting his command of the elite Strigon Team.
• He pilots a Su-33 Flanker-D, a naval fighter jet, in the game's final missions.
• His character is voiced by a Japanese actor in the original release, with English dubbing in international versions.
• Pasternak's final battle takes place over Gracemeria, the capital city of Emmeria, during the game's climax.