RG 1/144 Gundam Ground Type Deploys for 08th MS Team’s 30th Anniversary

Thirty years after Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team first arrived, the Gundam Ground Type is finally joining the Real Grade lineup.

But this announcement has been a long time coming. The RG Gundam Ground Type was first teased back in 2012 during GunPla Expo World Tour 2012 Japan, where it appeared in a concept image alongside other potential additions to the Real Grade series. For years, the idea remained just that. Now, 14 years later, the Ground Type has finally received its proper RG announcement.

The timing could not be better, with 2026 marking the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.

The RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type was one of the Earth Federation's early mobile suits developed as part of its mass-production plans. Built using surplus parts from the RX-78 program, it was designed specifically for combat under Earth's gravity. Space-use equipment and the Core Block System were removed, resulting in a lighter mobile suit capable of rivaling the RX-78's performance in ground combat.

Now, the Ground Type is getting the full Real Grade treatment, with the main body and its extensive arsenal completely newly molded with the level of mechanical detail we have come to expect from the series.

Its articulation has also been designed around some of the Ground Type's most recognizable poses. The frame structure in the waist and legs allows the kit to recreate crouching positions and shooting stances straight from the anime.

The chest also features opening and closing mechanisms that reveal the Vulcan cannons, while the cockpit hatch can be opened as well.

The leg-mounted saber racks are fully functional too, allowing them to open and close while the beam sabers can be attached and removed.

One of the kit's more interesting gimmicks is its weapon container. The container can be suspended from the backpack and posed in its raised or lowered position. It also features a locking mechanism for opening and closing, while the internal seat moves in conjunction with the container.

Bandai is also including interchangeable head antenna parts, allowing builders to choose between the Ground Type's white or yellow antenna.

As for its equipment, the RG Gundam Ground Type comes loaded with a 100mm machine gun, 180mm cannon, rocket launcher, beam rifle, two beam sabers, shield, and weapon container. The shield can also be displayed using dedicated ground effect parts, allowing the kit to recreate another familiar ground combat setup.

The release also includes interchangeable hand parts, foil stickers, and Realistic Decals for adding extra detail to the finished mobile suit.

After spending 14 years as a forgotten concept, the Gundam Ground Type is finally getting its proper place in the Real Grade lineup. And with The 08th MS Team celebrating its 30th anniversary, it feels like the perfect time for one of the series' most iconic mobile suits to finally deploy in 1/144 scale.