Does Ace Combat 8 have paid loot boxes?
No. Bandai Namco says there are no paid loot boxes or other randomized paid rewards.
Confirmed explanation
The publisher also says paid content can be viewed before purchase. Seasonal progression and disclosed premium rewards are monetization, but they are not paid random-chance boxes under that policy.
What is not confirmed yet
Future direct-sale prices and every post-launch cosmetic have not been announced.