ZAFT

ZAFT (ザフト, Zafuto), formally the Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty, is the military organisation of the PLANTs in the Cosmic Era timeline. Established in Cosmic Era 65, ZAFT serves as the armed forces of the PLANT Supreme Council, defending Coordinator interests against the Earth Alliance during the Bloody Valentine Wars. ZAFT’s superior mobile suit technology and highly skilled Coordinator pilots made it a formidable military force throughout the conflicts.

History

Formation

ZAFT was established in CE 65 as the military arm of the PLANT Supreme Council, formed in response to growing tensions between the PLANTs and the Earth Alliance. The organisation was created to defend Coordinator interests and to provide military protection for the space colonies. ZAFT’s name reflected its mission: the “Zodiac Alliance” referred to the twelve original PLANT colonies, whilst “Freedom Treaty” emphasised the organisation’s commitment to Coordinator independence.

Initially, ZAFT operated as a defensive force, but as tensions escalated, it evolved into a full military organisation capable of offensive operations. The organisation’s early years focused on developing mobile suit technology, which would become its primary advantage over the Earth Alliance’s conventional military forces.

The Bloody Valentine Wars

The outbreak of the First Alliance-PLANT War in CE 70, following the “Bloody Valentine” incident, thrust ZAFT into open conflict with the Earth Alliance. ZAFT’s superior mobile suit technology, including units like the ZGMF-515 CGUE and later the advanced X-Series Gundams, gave it a significant advantage in combat operations.

ZAFT forces engaged in numerous battles throughout the war, including the capture of the Earth Alliance’s G Project mobile suits at Heliopolis and major engagements such as the Battle of Jachin Due. The organisation’s military leadership, particularly under Chairman Patrick Zala, became increasingly aggressive, leading to controversial decisions including the development of superweapons.

Following the end of the First Alliance-PLANT War, ZAFT continued to operate as the PLANTs’ military force. The outbreak of the Second Alliance-PLANT War in CE 73 saw ZAFT under new leadership with Chairman Gilbert Durandal, who pursued a different strategic approach including the implementation of the controversial “Destiny Plan”.

Organisation

ZAFT operates under the command of the PLANT Supreme Council Chairman, who serves as the organisation’s highest-ranking military leader. The organisation maintains a hierarchical command structure with various ranks, from enlisted personnel to high-ranking officers and commanders.

ZAFT’s military units are organised into various divisions, including mobile suit forces, space fleets, and ground forces. The organisation’s headquarters is located at Aprilius One, the capital of the PLANTs.

Mobile Suit Forces

ZAFT’s mobile suit forces are the organisation’s primary combat units, consisting of highly skilled Coordinator pilots operating advanced mobile suits. ZAFT’s early technological advantage in mobile suit development gave it a significant edge in combat, though this advantage diminished as the Earth Alliance developed its own mobile suit capabilities.

ZAFT developed numerous mobile suit types, from mass-production units like the ZGMF-1017 GINN to advanced prototypes including the X-Series Gundams such as the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam.

Elite Forces

ZAFT maintains elite units composed of its most skilled pilots, including characters like Athrun Zala, Yzak Joule, and Dearka Elsman. These elite pilots operate advanced mobile suits and participate in high-priority missions, including the capture of Earth Alliance mobile suits and major combat operations.

Technology

ZAFT’s technological development, driven by Coordinator scientists and engineers, produced numerous innovations in mobile suit design. The organisation’s mobile suits typically featured advanced systems including Phase Shift Armor, beam weaponry, and sophisticated targeting systems.

ZAFT also developed nuclear-powered mobile suits equipped with Neutron Jammer Cancellers, allowing them to operate with virtually unlimited power supplies. This technology was incorporated into the X-Series Gundams, providing them with superior performance compared to battery-powered units.

Society and culture

ZAFT’s military culture reflects Coordinator society’s values, emphasising merit, skill, and technological advancement. The organisation’s members are primarily Coordinators, whose enhanced abilities make them exceptional pilots and soldiers. ZAFT’s military hierarchy is based on ability and achievement rather than birth or connections, reflecting Coordinator society’s emphasis on individual merit.

Despite ZAFT’s military focus, internal divisions existed regarding the organisation’s role and objectives. Some members, like Siegel Clyne, advocated for peace and coexistence with Naturals, whilst others, like Patrick Zala, pursued more aggressive and extremist policies. These divisions would ultimately influence ZAFT’s actions during both wars.

External links

ZAFT on the Gundam Wiki
ZAFT on Wikipedia