Close Air is a campaign story mission in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MW2). Read on for a complete walkthrough of Close Air including tips for beating the mission on Realism Difficulty, a list of achievements, as well as a list of weapons you can find & use.

Close Air Overview

Mission Information

Close Air
Description	Ghost, Soap and Alejandro search a cartel controlled compound for Hassan, supported by Graves and his Shadow Co from an AC130 overhead.
Place	Las Almas, Mexico
Date & Time	30 October 2022, 1300
Character	Shadow-1
Completion Reward	Double XP Token

Starting Weapon Loadout

Close Air Walkthrough

Close Air Realism Difficulty Playthrough

Complete Mission Walkthrough

1	Zoom in at the Task Force 141 operatives marked with strobes.
2	Track the Truck coming out of the Farm House to confirm for Hassan's identity.
3	Eliminate the group of armed hostiles right beside the Greenhouse. Do not fire on the buildings or farmers.
4	Eliminate hostiles coming out of the Stables and destroy the building afterwards.
5	Scan the Greenhouse using Thermal Mode then destroy the building.
6	Eliminate the RPG armed hostile on top of the Water Tower.
7	Destroy the Main Gate of the compound using a LTM missile.
8	Provide cover by eliminating hostiles within the area as Task Force 141 infiltrates the compound.
9	Eliminate all hostile convoy approaching the compound.
10	Task Force 141 has successfully captured Hassan. Mission Complete

▶ Next Mission: Hardpoint

How to Beat Close Air in Realism Difficulty

Realism Difficulty Tips
Blinking Markers are Friendlies Avoid Hitting Civilians Use Laser Tracking Missiles on Enemy Vehicles Friendlies Will Mark Enemies so Use Thermal Mode

Blinking Markers Are Friendlies

In the Close Air mission, the player will be providing air support for the squad from an AC130. At the beginning of the mission, the player will be instructed to use thermal mode to pinpoint blinking markers.

The blinking markers will help Shadow-1 keep track of the squad's whereabouts, allowing the AC130 to provide better cover fire within their area. This tracking device will also act as a precaution on where to land armaments as hitting friendlies will result in a failed mission.

Avoid Hitting Civilians

When engaging enemies, it is important to avoid hitting civilians as it will compromise the mission. It can be difficult to avoid hitting civilians even on thermal mode as they will be close to enemies during the start of the mission.

During the first engagement in the stable, avoid hitting the truck as civilians are offloading items from the cargo bed. Instead, focus fire on secluded hostiles as the first armament that lands will make the civilians flee, making it easier to track enemies.

Use Laser Tracking Missiles on Enemy Vehicles

In the latter stages of Close Air, enemy reinforcements will start arriving. To progress faster in the mission, it is recommended to destroy enemy vehicles before they come to a stop in order to eliminate enemies on board.

Given that these targets will be moving, the Laser Tracking Missile would be the best option out of the three armaments. Take into consideration that the AC130 can only launch one missile at a time so make them count!

Friendlies Will Mark Enemies So Use Thermal Mode

Squadmates on the front line will mark enemies within their sight to make it easier to track enemy activity. To make the most out of this function, make sure to have thermal mode activated.

Weapons Found in Close Air

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) Related Guides

Campaign Story Walkthrough

All Campaign Missions