Bandai Announces Re-Release for Gundam: The 08th MS Team’s Exclusive HG Ground Type Gunpla Kit
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai is bringing back one of Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team’s most memorable High Grade kits, with the parachute-equipped Ground Type Gundam returning as a 1/144 scale Gunpla release.
The “HG 1/144 Ground Type Gundam (Parachute Pack)” recreates the version seen descending from high altitude during the anime’s opening sequence, complete with the large equipment pack mounted across its back.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team takes place during the One Year War and follows Shiro Amada and the Earth Federation’s 08th Mobile Suit Team as they fight across the jungles and cities of Southeast Asia.
Its RX-79[G] Ground Type Gundams were developed specifically for terrestrial combat, helping give the OVA its more grounded military setting while allowing the machines to carry different equipment depending on the mission.
Bandai originally released this version of the HG kit in August 2018, expanding the standard Ground Type Gundam with dedicated parts for its high-altitude parachute equipment.
The large Parachute Pack covers much of the rear of the model, while the upper central block features a separately molded cover that can be opened to more closely recreate the descent shown in The 08th MS Team’s opening.
A newly sculpted Ground Type GM head also allows builders to convert the model into the famous “GM Head” Ground Type Gundam seen later in the series.
That configuration belongs to Karen Joshua’s machine, which receives the replacement head as a field repair after its original Gundam head is destroyed during a battle with an Acguy.
The re-release also comes with a large selection of weapons and equipment, giving builders plenty of options for recreating different combat scenes from the OVA.
Its arsenal includes a 100mm Machine Gun, Beam Sabers, shield, 180mm Cannon, Missile Launcher, Rocket Launcher, and Net Gun, while the Ground Type Gundam’s familiar equipment container is also included.
The model retains the broad articulation of the 2018 HG Ground Type Gundam, supporting kneeling, firing, and other combat poses while using the wide selection of included weapons.
Fans of The 08th MS Team will also have another version of the same Mobile Suit to look forward to next year, as Bandai recently announced the Ground Type Gundam’s first-ever Real Grade model for February 2027.
The completely new “RG 1/144 Ground Type Gundam” places greater emphasis on mechanical detail and articulation, including the ability to recreate the deep kneeling stance used while firing its 180mm Cannon, while retaining familiar equipment such as the rear storage container.
Pre-orders for the returning “HG 1/144 Ground Type Gundam (Parachute Pack)” opened in Japan through Premium Bandai on September 8, 2026.
A US re-release has not yet been confirmed, although Japanese Premium Bandai Gunpla reissues frequently receive corresponding Premium Bandai US listings in the following days or weeks, so a separate announcement may follow shortly.
The Japanese re-release is priced at ¥2,420 (approximately $16 USD / £11 GBP) and is scheduled to ship in February 2027.
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