Dark, heavily armed and built for close-quarters combat – the Strike Noir remains one of the coolest Strike variants ever produced.

The HG 1/144 Strike Noir Gundam recreates the GAT-X105E Strike Noir from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER, piloted by Sven Cal Bayang of the Earth Alliance’s Phantom Pain unit.

Released by Bandai in June 2006, this classic HG kit combines the upgraded Strike E with the distinctive Noir Striker, giving the finished Mobile Suit its unmistakable black colour scheme, enormous wing-mounted weapons and a surprisingly varied arsenal.

GAT-X105E Strike Noir Gundam

The Strike Noir is based on the GAT-X105E Strike E, itself an extensively upgraded development of the original Strike Gundam.

Rather than the bright red, blue and white associated with Kira Yamato’s original machine, the Noir goes in a completely different direction.

Black.

Dark grey.

Red highlights.

And plenty of weapons.

The result is one of the most aggressive-looking machines in the entire SEED universe.

From Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER

Strike Noir appears in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER, a side story set during the events surrounding Gundam SEED Destiny.

The series presents a darker perspective on the Cosmic Era conflict, with Strike Noir operating as part of the Phantom Pain special forces unit.

That darker atmosphere suits the machine perfectly.

Strike Noir doesn’t look heroic.

It looks like something you really don’t want appearing on your radar.

Piloted by Sven Cal Bayang

Strike Noir is piloted by Sven Cal Bayang, one of Phantom Pain’s highly trained combat pilots.

Sven’s fighting style and the Strike Noir’s extensive weapon selection make the machine extremely effective across different combat ranges.

Unlike many Gundams built around one enormous signature weapon, Strike Noir carries several different systems and can quickly switch between ranged and close combat.

Noir Striker

The defining feature is the enormous Noir Striker mounted to the back.

This specialised Striker Pack provides additional mobility while carrying two large Fragarach 3 Beam Blades.

The Noir Striker dramatically changes the silhouette of the original Strike.

With the wings spread outward, Strike Noir becomes considerably broader and more intimidating.

Fold them back and the machine takes on a much tighter profile.

Fragarach 3 Beam Blades

Mounted within the Noir Striker are the distinctive Fragarach 3 Beam Blades.

These large weapons can be brought forward for close combat, giving Strike Noir considerably more reach than a conventional Beam Saber.

They’re also one of the most visually distinctive elements of the entire design.

Deploy both weapons and suddenly Strike Noir looks less like an upgraded Strike Gundam and more like something specifically designed to ruin another Mobile Suit’s afternoon.

Beam Rifle Shorty

Strike Noir carries a pair of compact Beam Rifle Shortys.

These smaller firearms are designed for rapid close-range combat and can be wielded simultaneously.

Dual-wield them for the classic Strike Noir look.

It’s a fantastic contrast against the enormous Fragarach blades.

Small guns for close-range shooting.

Huge blades when shooting isn’t personal enough.

High-Energy Beam Rifle

For more conventional ranged combat, Strike Noir can also use a High-Energy Beam Rifle.

This gives the machine a more traditional Gundam-style ranged option and helps broaden the possible display configurations.

The varied arsenal is one of the strongest aspects of the Strike Noir design.

Anchor Launchers

Strike Noir’s hands and feet incorporate Anchor Launchers, giving the Mobile Suit additional tactical options during combat.

These systems can be used for movement, restraint and unconventional attacks.

It’s another example of how Strike Noir was designed around versatility rather than relying on a single oversized superweapon.

Fantastic Black Colour Scheme

Let’s be realistic.

A huge part of Strike Noir’s popularity comes down to one thing:

It looks fantastic in black.

The predominantly dark armour is broken up with red, white and lighter grey sections, creating a completely different personality from the standard Strike Gundam.

The Noir Striker makes the silhouette even more distinctive.

If your collection already contains several versions of the Strike, the Noir won’t disappear into the crowd.

Dynamic Wing Display

The Noir Striker’s large wings give builders plenty of control over the finished silhouette.

Spread them wide for a dramatic aerial combat pose.

Angle them backwards for a faster-looking flight configuration.

Or bring the Fragarach weapons forward for close combat.

Even relatively small changes to the backpack can make the completed model look significantly different.

Classic Mid-2000s High Grade

This is worth remembering.

The HG Strike Noir originally arrived in 2006, so its construction reflects Bandai’s High Grade engineering from that period rather than a modern HG or Entry Grade.

That means simpler joints and colour separation than you’d expect from the newest releases.

But it also makes the Strike Noir an enjoyable old-school build.

Straightforward construction.

Good selection of weapons.

Strong silhouette.

And no enormous internal frame turning an evening build into a weekend project.

Great Painting & Detailing Project

Strike Noir’s dark colour scheme makes it particularly rewarding for additional detailing.

A straightforward panel line can easily disappear against black armour, so builders can experiment with lighter grey or subtle metallic tones.

Try adding:

Grey panel lining
Metallic weapon details
Gunmetal joints
Subtle armour highlighting
Red sensor detailing
Thruster heat staining
Weapon wear
Small armour scratches
Matte top coat

You can keep the machine relatively clean or push it toward a much more battle-worn Phantom Pain appearance.

Perfect Alongside Stargazer Gundam

Naturally, Strike Noir looks particularly good displayed opposite the GSX-401FW Stargazer Gundam.

The contrast between them is fantastic.

Stargazer is bright, elegant and experimental.

Strike Noir is dark, angular and heavily armed.

Put the two together and you’ve got an instantly recognisable STARGAZER display.

Strike Gundam Collectors Need This One

The Strike platform has produced an enormous family of Mobile Suits and equipment configurations.

Aile Strike.

Sword Strike.

Launcher Strike.

Strike Rouge.

Perfect Strike.

Strike E.

And then there’s Strike Noir.

The Noir is different enough that it doesn’t simply feel like another backpack swap.

Its darker armour, revised Strike E body and completely different Noir Striker give it its own identity.

Product Features

Manufacturer: Bandai
Grade: High Grade (HG)
Scale: 1/144
Mobile Suit: GAT-X105E Strike Noir Gundam
Pilot: Sven Cal Bayang
Unit: Phantom Pain
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER
Original release: June 2006
Strike E-based Mobile Suit
Noir Striker included
Movable Noir Striker wings
Dark Strike Noir colour scheme
Multiple ranged and melee weapons
Dual-wielding weapon options
Snap-fit plastic model kit
Painting optional
Sticker detailing
Excellent potential for additional painting and weathering

Weapons & Equipment

Noir Striker
Fragarach 3 Beam Blades ×2
Beam Rifle Shorty ×2
High-Energy Beam Rifle
Anchor Launcher equipment
Hand parts
Foil sticker sheet

Why Add Strike Noir Gundam HG 1/144 to Your Collection?

Because sometimes putting a Gundam in black really does make everything better.

The Strike Noir takes the familiar Strike concept and gives it a completely different personality. The dark Strike E body, enormous Noir Striker and mixture of Beam Rifle Shortys and Fragarach blades make it look far more aggressive than the original GAT-X105.

It also represents a very different period of Gunpla engineering. This isn’t a modern HG packed with microscopic components and complicated gimmicks. It’s a straightforward 2006 High Grade with a great design and plenty of weapons, making it an enjoyable build for newcomers while offering experienced builders loads of potential for detailing and custom work.

For Gundam SEED fans, STARGAZER collectors or anyone building a collection of Strike Gundam variants, the HG Strike Noir remains one of the most distinctive versions of the design.

Noir Striker deployed. Beam Rifle Shortys drawn. Fragarach blades ready. The HG Strike Noir proves that the Strike Gundam didn’t need another colour — but black certainly didn’t hurt.