Andrew Waltfeld

Andrew Waltfeld (アンドリュー・バルトフェルド, Andoryū Barutoferudo) was a ZAFT commander in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED known as the “Desert Tiger” (砂漠の虎, Sabaku no Tora) for his exceptional ground combat tactics. He commanded ZAFT forces in North Africa during the First Alliance-PLANT War, where he engaged the Archangel and its crew in a series of desert battles. Despite being an enemy commander, Waltfeld developed mutual respect with the Archangel’s crew, particularly Kira Yamato, before eventually joining forces with them.

Biography

Early military career

Andrew Waltfeld was born in Cosmic Era 45 as a Coordinator in the PLANTs. He joined ZAFT and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as one of the organisation’s most skilled ground combat commanders. His expertise in desert warfare tactics earned him the nickname “Desert Tiger”, a moniker that reflected both his ferocity in battle and his mastery of terrain-specific combat.

Waltfeld’s command style was characterised by his tactical acumen and his ability to adapt to challenging combat environments. His leadership of ZAFT forces in North Africa demonstrated his skills in coordinating mobile suit operations across vast desert territories.

The Desert Tiger

During the First Alliance-PLANT War, Waltfeld was assigned to command ZAFT operations in North Africa, where he led forces against Earth Alliance positions. His command included various ZAFT mobile suits, including the TMF/A-802 BuCUE and his personal unit, the TMF/A-803 LaGOWE.

Waltfeld’s tactical approach emphasised mobility and terrain utilisation, making effective use of the desert environment to outmanoeuvre his opponents. His reputation as the Desert Tiger made him a formidable opponent, and his forces posed a significant threat to Alliance operations in the region.

Battle with the Archangel

When the Archangel entered North Africa, Waltfeld engaged the vessel and its mobile suits in a series of intense desert battles. His encounters with Kira Yamato and the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam demonstrated both his tactical skill and his respect for worthy opponents.

During these battles, Waltfeld developed a growing respect for Kira’s piloting abilities and the Archangel crew’s determination. Despite being on opposing sides, he recognised their skill and commitment, which would later influence his decision to join forces with them.

Defection and alliance

After being defeated by Kira and the Strike Gundam, Waltfeld lost an eye and an arm but survived the encounter. Following his recovery, he chose to defect from ZAFT and join the Three Ships Alliance, allying himself with the Archangel and its crew.

Waltfeld’s decision to change sides was motivated by his growing disillusionment with ZAFT’s extremist policies and his respect for the Archangel crew’s ideals. His expertise in ground combat and tactical leadership made him a valuable addition to the Three Ships Alliance’s forces.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny

In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Waltfeld continued to serve with the Three Ships Alliance and supported the Lacus Clyne faction. His experience and tactical knowledge remained valuable assets throughout the Second Alliance-PLANT War.

Personality & traits

Andrew Waltfeld was characterised by his tactical brilliance, confidence, and sense of honour. He possessed a charismatic personality that commanded respect from both his subordinates and his opponents. His reputation as the Desert Tiger reflected his combat prowess, but he also demonstrated a capacity for growth and understanding.

Waltfeld’s personality included a pragmatic approach to warfare, recognising the realities of combat whilst maintaining his principles. His ability to respect worthy opponents, even when on opposing sides, demonstrated his character and his capacity for recognising shared values.

Skills & abilities

As the Desert Tiger, Waltfeld possessed exceptional tactical and strategic abilities, particularly in ground combat and desert warfare. His command skills made him one of ZAFT’s most effective field commanders, and his ability to coordinate mobile suit operations across challenging terrain demonstrated his expertise.

Waltfeld’s piloting skills were also notable, allowing him to effectively utilise ground combat mobile suits like the LaGOWE. His combat experience and tactical knowledge made him a formidable opponent and a valuable ally.

Relationships

Kira Yamato

Waltfeld’s relationship with Kira evolved from that of enemies to mutual respect and eventual alliance. Their battles in the desert served as a catalyst for this relationship, as Waltfeld recognised Kira’s abilities and ideals, leading to his decision to join the Three Ships Alliance.

Aisha

Waltfeld had a close relationship with Aisha, a local woman who supported him during his time in North Africa. Their relationship provided emotional depth to his character and demonstrated his connection to the local population.

Mecha

TMF/A-802 BuCUE

Waltfeld commanded ZAFT forces equipped with the BuCUE, a quadrupedal ground combat mobile suit designed for desert operations. The mobile suit’s design reflected Waltfeld’s tactical approach to desert warfare.

TMF/A-803 LaGOWE

Waltfeld’s personal mobile suit was the LaGOWE (Land Gundam Of Waltfeld Engineering), a custom ground combat unit designed specifically for his use. The mobile suit’s enhanced capabilities reflected his status as a commander and his expertise in ground combat.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny

External links

• Andrew Waltfeld on the Gundam Wiki
• Andrew Waltfeld on Wikipedia