MBF-02 Strike Rouge

The MBF-02 Strike Rouge (ストライクルージュ, Sutoraiku Rūju) was a mobile suit developed by the Orb Union based on the Earth Alliance’s GAT-X105 Strike Gundam. The Strike Rouge was piloted by Cagalli Yula Athha, Orb’s Chief Representative, during the First Alliance-PLANT War. The mobile suit shared the Strike Gundam’s modular Striker Pack system, allowing it to adapt to various combat situations.

Development

The Strike Rouge was developed by Orb Union as part of its mobile suit development programme. The design was based on data and technology from the Strike Gundam, which had been extensively studied by Orb engineers following the Archangel’s arrival in Orb territory.

Orb’s engineers modified the Strike Gundam design to create the Strike Rouge, incorporating Orb’s technological expertise whilst maintaining compatibility with the Striker Pack system. The mobile suit was intended to serve as Orb’s primary defensive mobile suit, capable of operating independently or in support of Orb’s forces.

The Strike Rouge’s development reflected Orb’s advanced technological capabilities and its ability to reverse-engineer and improve upon designs from other factions. The mobile suit’s creation demonstrated Orb’s commitment to maintaining its independence and defensive capabilities.

Design

The Strike Rouge shared many design elements with the Strike Gundam, including its basic frame and the Striker Pack system that allowed for equipment customisation. The mobile suit featured Phase Shift Armor for protection and was equipped with a variety of standard armaments.

The mobile suit’s colouration distinguished it from the Strike Gundam, featuring a red and orange colour scheme that reflected Cagalli’s personal preferences and Orb’s design aesthetics. The Strike Rouge maintained the Strike Gundam’s modular design philosophy, allowing it to utilise various Striker Packs for different combat roles.

The Strike Rouge’s armaments included the standard 75 mm ‘Igelstellung’ multi-barrel CIWS, ‘Armor Schneider’ combat knives, and beam sabers. The mobile suit could also utilise Striker Packs, including the Aile Striker Pack, which provided flight capabilities and enhanced mobility.

Service history

Battle of Orb

The Strike Rouge first saw combat during the Battle of Orb, when Earth Alliance forces invaded Orb Union. Cagalli piloted the Strike Rouge in defence of her homeland, engaging Alliance mobile suits in an attempt to repel the invasion.

The Strike Rouge’s performance during the Battle of Orb demonstrated its effectiveness as a combat mobile suit, though Orb’s forces were ultimately unable to prevent the Alliance invasion. The mobile suit’s capabilities allowed Cagalli to contribute to the battle despite Orb’s eventual defeat.

Three Ships Alliance

Following the Battle of Orb, the Strike Rouge became part of the Three Ships Alliance, a coalition formed by the Archangel, Eternal, and Kusanagi to oppose both the Earth Alliance and ZAFT. Cagalli continued to pilot the Strike Rouge as part of the Alliance’s mobile suit forces.

The Strike Rouge participated in the final battles of the First Alliance-PLANT War, including the Battle of GENESIS, where it fought alongside other Three Ships Alliance mobile suits to prevent the use of the GENESIS superweapon. The mobile suit’s role in these battles contributed to the war’s conclusion and the establishment of peace.

Variants

Strike Rouge + Ootori Pack

A variant of the Strike Rouge equipped with the Ootori Striker Pack, which provided enhanced flight capabilities and additional armaments. This variant appeared in later conflicts and demonstrated the continued evolution of the Strike Rouge design.

Significance

The Strike Rouge represented Orb Union’s technological capabilities and its commitment to independence. The mobile suit’s development and deployment demonstrated Orb’s ability to create advanced mobile suits that could compete with those of major military powers.

The Strike Rouge’s role in the First Alliance-PLANT War, particularly as part of the Three Ships Alliance, highlighted Cagalli’s development as a leader and pilot. The mobile suit became a symbol of Orb’s resistance and determination to maintain its principles of neutrality and peace.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

External links

MBF-02 Strike Rouge on the Gundam Wiki