The Lighthouse War

Lore & Background

The Lighthouse War began in 2019 when Erusea, feeling threatened by Osea's growing influence over the International Space Elevator, launched a surprise attack on the Osean mainland and occupied the elevator. The conflict quickly escalated into a full-scale war, with Osea deploying its elite Long Range Strategic Strike Group (LRSSG) to counter the Erusean offensive. The war saw the use of advanced drones, including the deadly Arsenal Birds, which were controlled from the elevator's satellite network, giving Erusea a significant tactical advantage. The conflict also involved the rogue Alicorn submarine, a nuclear-powered vessel that operated independently of either side, adding a chaotic element to the war.

In Their Own Story

The sky above the Lighthouse was a canvas of fire and smoke. Trigger, a pilot of the LRSSG, watched as the Arsenal Bird's massive shadow fell over the elevator, its drone swarm descending like locusts. The radio crackled with orders, but all he could hear was the roar of his engine. He pulled back on the stick, his Su-30SM climbing into the heart of the storm. Below, the elevator's tether shimmered in the sunlight, a fragile thread connecting Earth to the heavens. Trigger knew that to save it, he had to burn it all down.

Reader's Guide

The Lighthouse War is the central conflict of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, set in the fictional world of Strangereal. It began with Erusea's surprise invasion of Osean territory, specifically targeting the International Space Elevator, a massive structure that provided access to space. The war featured a mix of conventional air combat and advanced technology, including the AI-controlled drones known as the MQ-99s and the massive Arsenal Bird aircraft carriers. The Osean Federation's LRSSG, led by pilots like Trigger, played a crucial role in turning the tide, culminating in the destruction of the elevator's satellite control system. The war ended with Erusea's surrender, but not before causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Key battles included the defense of Tyler Island, the assault on the Alicorn, and the final confrontation over the Lighthouse itself. The war highlighted the dangers of over-reliance on AI and the enduring value of human skill and determination in aerial combat.

Did You Know?

• The International Space Elevator was originally a joint project between Osea and Erusea, intended to promote peace and cooperation.
• The Alicorn submarine was a resurrected Scinfaxi-class vessel, originally sunk during the Circum-Pacific War.
• The Arsenal Birds were controlled via a satellite network linked to the Lighthouse, making the elevator a strategic target.
• The war saw the first large-scale deployment of AI-controlled drones in Strangereal's history.