Gundam Officially Returns to Its PS3 Era for New HG G-Line Assault Armor Gunpla Kit
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai has officially revealed the first High Grade Gunpla based on the G-Line Assault Armor, which finally gives the heavily armored Battlefield Record U.C. 0081 Mobile Suit its own 1/144-scale kit.
The “HG 1/144 G-Line Assault Armor” was displayed at the 64th All Japan Model & Hobby Show, which is being held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 2 through October 4.
The RX-81AS G-Line Assault Armor originates from the 2009 PlayStation 3 game Mobile Suit Gundam: Battlefield Record U.C. 0081, an original Universal Century story set two years after the end of the One Year War.
Its story follows the Earth Federation’s Phantom Sweep unit as it hunts surviving Zeon forces, placing the group in direct conflict with the Invisible Knights led by Erik Blanke.
The wider RX-81 G-Line project was conceived around the idea of creating a next-generation mass-production Mobile Suit capable of retaining performance closer to the RX-78-2 Gundam than the cheaper GM series.
Rather than developing separate machines for every battlefield role, the G-Line uses a common basic frame that can accept different armor, weapons, and equipment packages depending on its intended mission.
That approach produced configurations including the G-Line Standard Armor, Light Armor, and Assault Armor, each substantially changing how the same underlying machine operates.
The Assault Armor was developed specifically for close-quarters combat and equips the RX-81 with additional heavy plating derived from concepts used by the RGM-79FP GM Striker.
Its thicker armor covers much of the basic G-Line frame without turning the machine into a purely defensive unit, retaining enough mobility for aggressive short-range engagements.
Additional thrust can be provided by a drum-shaped backpack containing seven thrusters, which helps compensate for the extra weight introduced by the heavier armor and equipment.
The Assault Armor also abandons the Standard Armor’s more conventional weapon setup in favor of equipment suited to fighting at close range, including a pump-action shotgun and a large Heat Lance.
An Assault Shield adds another close-combat option through a large claw fitted to its tip, allowing the shield to function as both defensive equipment and a physical weapon.
The machine can also use heavier optional equipment mounted around its backpack, including Gatling Smashers, missile launchers, and an Assault Cannon for configurations that require significantly greater ranged firepower.
Within Battlefield Record U.C. 0081, the G-Line Assault Armor is piloted by Robert Hartley of the Earth Federation’s Phantom Sweep unit as the conflict with the Invisible Knights escalates.
The Mobile Suit has subsequently appeared in other Gundam games, including Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2, but until now collectors wanting a physical 1/144 representation have had to rely on custom builds rather than an official Gunpla release.
Bandai previously released the “HG 1/144 G-Line Standard Armor” in February 2024, using extensive new parts to recreate the RX-81ST while also allowing builders to reproduce the underlying G-Line by changing its exterior armor, with a short beam rifle and twin Gatling Smasher units included among its weapons.
Bandai has not yet published the complete accessory list for the new Assault Armor kit, so further details about which of its optional weapon configurations will be included are expected closer to its release.
The G-Line Assault Armor was one of several new Gunpla displayed at the 64th All Japan Model & Hobby Show alongside releases including the new MG Gundam X Divider and the Space Wolf Team specification Reben-Wolf from A.O.Z RE-BOOT.
The “HG 1/144 G-Line Assault Armor” will be released exclusively through Premium Bandai Japan in February 2027 for ¥3,850 (approximately $24 / £18), with its pre-order opening date still to be announced.
For builders in the US, the new G-Line Assault Armor should appear through Premium Bandai US sometime after its Japanese pre-order period opens, as the earlier G-Line Standard Armor also received an official US release, and corresponding listings can take several days or weeks to follow Japan.
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