Technology & Combat Characteristics
The Verde Buster Gundam is a modified GAT-X103 Buster Gundam produced as part of the "Actaeon Project", a joint development between several companies led by Actaeon Industries and Phantom Pain. The main aim of this project is to create customized MS for use by Phantom Pain's ace pilots. Like the original Buster Gundam, the Verde Buster is designed mainly as an artillery mobile suit and thus features a set of heavy armament consisting of a beam cannon, a gun launcher, missile pods and two powerful beam rifles, which also mount bayonets for close combat and hence increase the number of combat situations the MS can handle. To complement the additional weapons, the FCS and sensors system have been improved, leading to enhancement in the MS's accuracy. Other modifications include the installation of the power extender, Variable Phase Shift armor, and a new face guard to protect the enhanced main sensor on the forehead during close combat.
History
After the First Alliance-PLANT War, as part of the "Actaeon Project" MS development plan, another Buster was manufactured and assigned to Phantom Pain pilot, Shams Couza. It was subsequently upgraded into the Verde Buster according to Phantom Pain’s instruction. One of the suit's sorties was against a ZAFT unit which attacked the Hannibal-class Bonaparte, carrying the GFAS-X1 Destroy Gundam. While the Verde Buster easily held its own against ZAFT's forces, its companion, the GAT-X1022 Blu Duel Gundam was destroyed by a squad of TMF/A-802W2 Kerberos BuCUE Hounds.
Later, Shams and Verde Buster were assigned to the Girty Lue-class vessel Nana Buluku, which attacked the Deep Space Survey and Development Organization's (DSSD) space station to steal the AI unit of the GSX-401FW Stargazer Gundam. During the battle, Shams destroyed a large number of the DSSD's UT-1D Civilian Astray DSSD Customs, but when ordered to retreat, he was overcome with rage and continued to fire on the station. Even when he was warned that his suit's energy would soon be depleted, he continued firing until there was no energy left. The Verde Buster was then destroyed in a hail of beam fire from the remaining Civilian Astray DSSD Customs. Despite this, Shams died smiling.