Technology & Combat Characteristics
Like the GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam, equipping the MBF-02 Strike Rouge with the AQM/E-X01 Aile Striker pack improves the MS' speed and maneuverability. Aile Strike Rouge is the most commonly seen form of Strike Rouge, and is armed with two head-mounted CIWS guns, two combat knives, a beam rifle, a shield and a pair of beam sabers stored on the Aile Striker.
Though never stated, it seems the Aile Striker pack for the Strike Rouge was upgraded by the Orb Union between the end of the first war and the second war. The original Aile Striker pack did not have full flight capability in the atmosphere, but during the second war, the Aile Strike Rouge was able to fly in Earth's atmosphere alongside the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam on several occasions.
History
While rebuilding the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam that was badly damaged outside the territory of the Orb Union, substantial spare parts enough to build another Strike were produced. These parts were later loaded onto the Kusanagi and assembled into a Strike variant, called the Strike Rouge, during the last days of the First Alliance-PLANT War. Piloted by Cagalli Yula Athha, the Strike Rouge was equipped with the Aile Striker and launched as the Aile Strike Rouge during the Second Battle of Jachin Due on 26 September, CE 71. Among her actions was the rescue of Athrun Zala, who detonated his ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam inside ZAFT's superweapon GENESIS to prevent it from firing on Earth.
The Aile Strike Rouge remained as Cagalli's personal mobile during the Second Alliance-PLANT War. She launched in the Aile Strike Rouge at both Dardanelles and Crete to convince the Orb forces not to fight against the ZAFT ship Minerva with little success. Later, the Aile Strike Rouge's specifications were modified by Kira for his own use and launched into space using a booster unit so as to protect the Eternal. Unfortunately, the Aile Strike Rouge was no match against ZAFT's newer mobile suits and was heavily damaged. The wrecked Aile Strike Rouge was then recovered by the Eternal.