During the First Earth/ZAFT War, the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam proves its versatility thanks to the use of its interchangeable Striker packs. After the war, Actaeon Industries upgrades a Strike Gundam to the GAT-X105E Strike E (E meaning enhanced). The new Strike E features several changes from the original design. Unlike the original, the Strike E is equipped with color changing Variable Phase Shift (VPS) armor, as well as an enhanced power unit. The original's armaments have also been replaced, as the Strike E features new CIWS guns, as well as four rocket anchors mounted in the hands and feet. The hip-mounted Armor Schneider combat knives have been replaced with a pair of "Shorty" beam rifles. Like the original Strike Gundam, the Strike E is capable of using Striker packs, although it is usually equipped as the GAT-X105E+AQM/E-X09S Strike Noir in combat.