Technology & Combat Characteristics
Like its base unit, the RGM-89 Jegan, the RGM-96X Jesta can adapt to different needs through the use of dedicated option parts, resulting in multiple variants. An example of this is the Jesta Cannon, a heavy armed variant with enhanced firepower via the addition of a beam cannon, a quadruple multi-launcher, more hand grenades and an enhanced beam rifle. It also has added body armor, including an arm-mounted shield, but their placement is kept to a minimum after considering weight balance. When needed, the added armor can be purged instantly using explosive bolts. To handle the added weapons, the Jesta Cannon's fire control systems has been improved. Not only can the Jesta Cannon serve as a mid-range fire support unit, which is a function synonymous with mobile suits that have the word "Cannon" in their name, it can also fight at the frontlines without any issues due to its enhanced offensive capabilities.
History
There is one confirmed Jesta Cannon in the Ra Cailums MS teams, and it is piloted by the Tri-Stars Team's Watts Stepney. The Ra Cailum also carried parts for converting 4 more Jestas into the Jesta Cannon.
The Tri-Stars Team encountered the Garencieres in space and ordered it to stop, but when they received no response, Watts moved his Jesta Cannon closer and angrily demanded the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam to come out of the ship, still feeling sore that the Unicorn Gundam knocked his mobile suit into the ocean during a previous battle. Watts's Jesta Cannon then launched several attacks at the Garencieres to force it to stop, unaware that the ship was on auto pilot. As the ship came to a stop, the Tri-Stars Team leader Nigel Garrett sensed something was off and ordered Watts to retreat. Watts complied and the Garencieres self-destructed soon after. Watts' Jesta Cannon was then caught in the edge of the explosion, but fortunately, the mobile suit only received minor damage.
Later, the Ra Cailum entered the Earth and traveled to the Cheyenne Base to stop the firing of the Gryps 2 Colony Laser. As the ship entered the base's airspace, it launched its MS teams, including the Tri-Stars Team, to force the MS units guarding the base to stand down. Watt's Jesta Cannon landed on a MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus A1 as the latter tried to take off in its Waverider mode, causing it to crash back onto the ground.
Events were depicted differently in the novel, with the Jesta Cannon being transferred from the Ra Cailum to the Dogosse Giar-class General Revil battleship. It was then destroyed in the battle with MSN-06S Sinanju when approaching Industrial 7.