Athrun Zala is a central character in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny. Born in the PLANTs, he is the son of ZAFT politician Patrick Zala and a close childhood friend of Kira Yamato. Initially a ZAFT soldier piloting the GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam, Athrun grapples with loyalty to his nation and friendships across enemy lines. He defects multiple times, joining both Orb and later rejoining ZAFT as part of the FAITH unit. Athrun pilots advanced mobile suits like the ZGMF-X19A ∞ Justice Gundam and ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam. His arc explores themes of war, friendship, and personal growth, making him one of the series' most complex protagonists.