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MSM-08 Zogok

Prototype amphibious mobile suit developed by MIP for the Principality of Zeon.
Jenxi Seow Published 21 Jun 2025 Updated 21 Jun 2025
MSM-08 Zogok

The MSM-08 Zogok was a prototype amphibious mobile suit developed by MIP for the Principality of Zeon. It was part of the California Base special operations “Ag series” designed for the planned assault on Jaburo.

The “MS” in the model code referred to it being a mobile suit, while the “M” identified it as an amphibious model. The “08” indicated it was the eighth design in the MSM line, representing a variant of the MSM-07 Z’Gok optimised for close-quarters combat.

History

In preparation for its planned assault on the Earth Federation Forces’ underground South American Jaburo military headquarters during the One Year War, the Zeon military forces stationed at California Base began developing several specialised mobile suits. The MSM-08 Zogok was one of these designs, intended to work alongside other “Ag series” mobile suits such as the MSM-04G Juaggu, with its role being that of the vanguard.

A derivative of the MSM-07 Z’Gok, the Zogok was designed with enhanced melee capabilities and unique weaponry consisting of boomerang cutters and extendable telescopic arms. However, the Zogoks built at California Base were never deployed, as Char Aznable discovered the secret spacedock entrance to Jaburo long before the scheduled assault and launched a hasty attack with limited resources.

Following a map obtained by Zeon infiltrators during the One Year War, a Zeon pilot named Maximilian breached a weakly defended gateway at Jaburo and attempted to self-destruct his Zogok inside the base. This suicide attack would have caused a thermonuclear blast severely damaging the base and the Federation’s docked space fleet. Maximilian was stopped by Sergeant Heinz Highway of Aggressor Squadron, who used an RX-75 Guntank to push the Zogok into a nearby river, where the water dampened the explosion.

By UC 0088, one unit was on display as part of Stampa Halloi’s mobile suit collection in the Side 3 space colony Tigerbaum. During the events at Tigerbaum, the Zogok was deployed alongside Stampa’s MSM-04 Acguy in pursuit of Judau Ashta, but was quickly defeated when kicked in the monoeye by the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam piloted by Beecha Oleg.

Nearly twenty years after the One Year War, Zeon remnants used a Zogok in an attack on Australia’s Torrington Base in UC 0096 during the Laplace Incident. The mobile suit proved devastatingly effective in close combat, using its heat sword to tear through Federation mobile suits including an RMS-179 GM II.

Design

The MSM-08 Zogok was designed as a close-quarters combat specialist, prioritising melee capabilities over the ranged firepower of its Z’Gok predecessor. Unlike the Z’Gok, the Zogok was not equipped with mega particle cannons, instead focusing on unique melee weaponry and stealth capabilities.

The mobile suit utilised titanium ceramic composite armour, which was lighter than the super hard steel alloy used by earlier amphibious mobile suits while maintaining adequate protection. With an empty weight of 77.4 tonnes, it was significantly lighter than many contemporary designs, enhancing its mobility both underwater and on land.

Powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor generating 1,688 kW, the Zogok had sufficient power for its propulsion and weapon systems. Its hydrojet thrusters produced 97,400 kg of total thrust, allowing for a maximum water speed of 47 knots. The mobile suit’s weapons were specifically selected to minimise light and heat emissions, reducing the chances of detection during infiltration missions.

Like many amphibious mobile suits, the Zogok had no independent head unit to reduce underwater resistance. All head functions were integrated into the chest, with a large monoeye camera in the centre having a wide range of motion. The transparent cover protecting the monoeye had considerable durability to withstand combat damage.

Although designed as an amphibious unit, the Zogok’s combat capabilities were primarily meant for ground battles. Its aquatic ability was limited to travelling underwater using propulsion units in the soles of its feet, with the backpack having no underwater function and being designed for maximum ground performance.

Armaments

The Zogok’s armament was entirely focused on close-quarters combat, featuring unique melee weapons that set it apart from other amphibious mobile suits.

Boomerang cutters

Ten boomerang-shaped blades were mounted in the top of the Zogok’s head. These hand-carried weapons could be thrown at enemies, functioning as both projectile weapons and close-combat tools. When thrown, the boomerang cutters could slice through enemy armour and return to the Zogok for reuse, though they required manual retrieval and reloading during extended combat.

The boomerang cutters were particularly effective against lightly armoured targets and could be used to damage sensors, communications equipment, and weapon systems on enemy mobile suits. Their unique design made them difficult to defend against, as their flight paths were unpredictable compared to conventional projectiles.

Arm punch

The Zogok’s most distinctive feature was its extendable telescopic arms with razor-edged fingers. This system allowed the mobile suit to deliver devastating “rocket punch” attacks, extending its reach significantly beyond normal melee range. The extendable arms could stretch to engage enemies at medium range while delivering the full force of the Zogok’s mass behind each blow.

The razor-edged fingers were designed to penetrate enemy armour, allowing the Zogok to literally tear apart opposing mobile suits. This capability made it extremely dangerous in close combat, where few mobile suits could match its reach and striking power.

Heat sword

The Zogok could be equipped with a heat sword for additional close-combat capability. This superheated blade could cut through most mobile suit armour and was particularly effective when combined with the mobile suit’s extendable arms, allowing for unexpected striking angles and extended reach.

Sturm faust

Two sturm faust anti-armour rockets could be stored in a container mounted on the Zogok’s back. These single-use weapons provided the mobile suit with limited ranged capability against heavily armoured targets, though their use would compromise the stealth that was central to the Zogok’s operational doctrine.

Known pilots

  • Maximilian (Operation Stork, UC 0079)
  • Unknown pilot (Stampa Halloi’s collection, UC 0088)
  • Unknown Zeon remnant pilot (Torrington Base, UC 0096)

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for the MSV version. The Zogok was part of the original Mobile Suit Variations (MSV) line that expanded the One Year War mobile suit roster with specialised designs that were never used in the original conflict.

The mobile suit made its animated debut in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ as part of Stampa Halloi’s collection, before appearing more prominently in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, where it demonstrated its devastating close-combat capabilities during the Torrington Base assault.

Appearances

See also