One of ZAFT's ZGMFX series of Gundam units built in C.E. 71 using technology derived from the four captured Earth Alliance's Gundams, the Freedom Gundam has Phase Shift Armor and its armaments include CIWS guns, beam sabers, shield, plasma beam cannons, railguns, and a beam rifle. When the latter three weapons are used simultaneously, the Freedom is said to be in 'Full Burst Mode'. The suit has full flight capabilities in the atmosphere and the rearmounted wings can be deployed in "High Mobility Aerial Tactics (HiMAT) Mode" to enhance its mobility in the atmosphere or in space. It also has an advanced targeting system, the Multi LockOn System, that allows it to target and fire at multiple enemy units simultaneously. Due to its capabilities and loadout, the suit has a reputation as a specialized 'Mobile Suit Killer', but its high performance resulted in a complicated control system that demands extremely fast reaction speed and spatial awareness from its pilot.

When needed, the Freedom can dock with a support unit, the METEOR unit, for heavier firepower and greater speed. The Freedom has virtually unlimited combat endurance as it is equipped with a Neutron Jammer Canceller and powered by a nuclear reactor. Kira describes the suit as having over four times the power of the GATX105 Strike Gundam. However, what this exactly means is unclear. The Freedom Gundam is meant to operate alongside the ZGMFX09A Justice Gundam, and they are often based on the warship FFMHY101 Eternal, which is designed specifically to maintain and support them.