Gundam Archives

The Birth of a Revolution: Operation V and the Dawn of Mobile Suit Warfare

In the midst of the One Year War, the Earth Federation Forces embarked on a top-secret mission to develop a new generation of mobile suits. Codenamed “Operation V” (short for “Operation Victory”), this ambitious project aimed to create the first series of mobile suits capable of countering the Principality of Zeon’s formidable mobile weapons.

A Response to Zeon’s Mobile Suit Threat

Initially, the Earth Federation government underestimated the significance of mobile suits, believing that conventional warfare would prevail. However, after suffering devastating losses at the hands of Zeon’s Zakus, the Federation realized the urgent need to develop its own mobile suit technology. Operation V was launched in secret, with chief engineer Tem Ray at the helm.

Breakthroughs and Innovations

Using captured Zeon technology and the Federation’s own manufacturing prowess, Operation V produced three groundbreaking prototype mobile suits: the RX-78 Gundam, RX-77 Guncannon, and RX-75 Guntank. These innovative machines were designed to outperform their Zeon counterparts, featuring advanced beam rifles, learning computer systems, and Core Block Systems.

The First Mobile Suit Battle

On September 18, U.C. 0079, the Musai-class cruiser, commanded by Char Aznable, discovered Operation V while investigating rumors of a secret Federation project. In the ensuing chaos, Amuro Ray, Tem’s son, piloted the RX-78-2 Gundam and engaged two Zakus in the first recorded mobile suit battle.

Mass Production and Legacy

Although Operation V’s research data was partially lost, the success of the prototype mobile suits led to the development of mass-produced versions. The RX-78-2 Gundam’s design influenced the RGM-79 GM, while the RX-77-2 Guncannon and RX-75-4 Guntank inspired their respective mass-produced counterparts. Operation V’s innovations paved the way for the Federation’s mobile suit forces, shaping the course of the One Year War and beyond.

Trivia and Appearances

• Operation V was first introduced in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam.
• The project’s existence was initially unknown to the public, with only a few high-ranking officials aware of its existence.
• The Federation’s mobile suit development was heavily influenced by captured Zeon technology, including the AMBAC system.

References

• Master Archive Mobile Suit, EARTH FEDERATION FORCE RGM-79 GM VOLUME ONE (in Japanese), GA Graphic. ISBN 9784797359046.