Fans of classic mecha anime have reason to celebrate. Armored Trooper VOTOMS: Die Graue Hexe is officially set to release in 2026. The announcement came as part of SUNRISE’s 50th anniversary celebrations, reaffirming the studio’s commitment to its most iconic franchises.

The new anime will be directed by legendary filmmaker Mamoru Oshii, best known for Ghost in the Shell. Sunrise will handle animation production, with support from Production I.G. An official website and teaser video are already live, though story details remain limited for now.

A Long-Awaited Return for VOTOMS

The original Armored Trooper VOTOMS series debuted in 1983 and ran for 52 episodes until 1984. Created by Ryosuke Takahashi, the franchise defined the “real robot” genre with grounded warfare, political tension, and morally complex characters.

The story followed Chirico Cuvie, a soldier betrayed by his own comrades. After uncovering a secret weapon during an unauthorized mission, he became a fugitive in the midst of intergalactic war. The series later expanded through multiple OVAs, films, and side stories.

Die Graue Hexe marks the first completely new VOTOMS project in 15 years. That alone makes this announcement significant for longtime fans. The teaser prominently features the ATM-09-ST Scopedog, the franchise’s signature mass-produced combat mech. Its appearance signals that the series will stay true to its military aesthetic.

What We Know About the New Anime

Details remain scarce, but early visuals suggest a darker, battle-scarred setting. The animation style leans modern while preserving the franchise’s gritty tone. With Oshii at the helm, audiences can likely expect deeper philosophical themes alongside hard-hitting mech combat.

Sunrise’s involvement also hints at high-quality mechanical design and detailed action sequences. Production I.G.’s cooperation may strengthen character animation and cinematic direction.

Why This Matters for Mecha Fans

VOTOMS helped shape realistic mecha storytelling in anime. Many later series drew inspiration from its grounded approach to war and technology. A new entry in 2026 could introduce the franchise to a new generation while satisfying veteran viewers.

For now, fans can revisit the original series and follow updates through the official website. As more information emerges, anticipation for Armored Trooper VOTOMS: Die Graue Hexe will only grow.