Developed by the Heinlein Design Bureau, which had earlier created the ZGMF-1017 GINN, the ZGMF-515 CGUE was intended to be a successor to the GINN that specialized in space combat while retaining the ability to function on Earth. As such, while much of its structure was similar to the GINN, its thrusters and weapons all received a major overhaul. The CGUE not only featured more thrusters than its predecessor, but also had its thruster nozzles and heat vents enlarged, resulting in improved mobility and maneuverability. Its weapons consisted of improved models of the assault machine gun and heavy blade used by the GINN, as well as a new shield with a built-in Vulcan cannon, which was mounted on the left arm hardpoint.

Despite having performance that surpassed the GINN's, the CGUE never reached the mass production stage. This was because the CGUE was deemed insufficient to be ZAFT's new mainstay mobile suit following the capture of the Earth Alliance's G Weapons, prototype mobile suits equipped with Phase Shift armor and beam weaponry. This led to ZAFT's decision to prioritize the development and mass production of the newer, beam weaponry equipped ZGMF-600 GuAIZ over the CGUE.