Bandai Confirms US Release for Gundam’s Official Amuro and Char Flight Jackets
Image by James RichardsonAfter a first reveal in Japan back in August, Bandai has finally confirmed a US release for a popular pair of Gundam flight jackets inspired by Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, created in collaboration by STRICT-G and ALPHA INDUSTRIES.
The new LIGHT MA-1 jackets revisit models originally released as part of STRICT-G’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, which Bandai says proved highly popular with fans, leading to their return this year with redesigned detailing.
Both are based on Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, the 1988 movie that brings the long-running rivalry between Amuro and Char to its decisive confrontation as the forces of Londo Bell and Neo Zeon clash over the future of humanity.
The film also gave the two characters some of their most recognizable later designs, with Amuro piloting the RX-93 Nu Gundam against Char’s MSN-04 Sazabi during the battle surrounding Axis.
STRICT-G has worked with American military clothing brand ALPHA INDUSTRIES on Gundam apparel for years, combining the franchise’s military imagery with flight jackets produced by a company founded in 1959 that became an official supplier to the US military.
Their recent collaborations have included jackets inspired by Gundam Wing’s Heero Yuy, Gundam SEED FREEDOM’s Athrun Zala and Cagalli Yula Athha, Iron-Blooded Orphans protagonist Mikazuki Augus, and Hathaway Noa from Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway.
The new Char’s Counterattack releases use ALPHA’s LIGHT MA-1 format, a lighter interpretation of the classic flight jacket that removes the heavy insulation and takes inspiration from the L-2B for a cleaner shape that can be worn across a wider range of seasons.
A slightly subdued finish across the nylon exterior also keeps the jackets closer to everyday military-inspired clothing, while the Gundam references are concentrated into patches, embroidery, lining details and flight tags.
The “STRICT-G ALPHA Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack LIGHT MA-1 Amuro Ray Model” uses a deep navy exterior with blue and white military-style patches spread across the chest and sleeve.
Gold hardware provides a small contrast against the darker body, while the removable sleeve tag combines ALPHA INDUSTRIES branding with additional Earth Federation-inspired detailing.
Opening the jacket reveals a black lining carrying further graphics connected to Amuro and the Earth Federation, keeping some of its most direct references hidden until the jacket is worn open.
Smaller embroidered markings appear around the sleeves and upper back, giving the design enough Gundam identity to be recognizable without covering the entire jacket in character artwork.
The “STRICT-G ALPHA Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack LIGHT MA-1 Char Aznable Model” switches to a black exterior contrasted against a much more striking red lining.
Dark Neo Zeon-inspired patches cover the chest and sleeve, while the familiar red ALPHA flight tag is joined by a second tag carrying Neo Zeon branding.
The interior makes the Char connection considerably more obvious, with the bright red lining printed with his initials and wording identifying him as the leader of the Neo Zeon forces.
A small Neo Zeon emblem on the upper back and additional embroidered details around the sleeves complete a design that keeps most of its references relatively understated when the jacket is zipped closed.
Both jackets use nylon outer shells with polyester linings, ribbed cuffs, collars and hems, while genuine cowhide is also used for selected details.
Pre-orders for both redesigned LIGHT MA-1 jackets are available now through Premium Bandai US, where they are priced at $388 each with shipping expected in December 2026.
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