By the Cold War, the Republic became aware of the Gauntlet's existence and the Empire's intent to mass-produce it. Thus, they prepared a joint strike force to take it down. While a Republic fleet engaged the Gauntlet, Havoc Squad and the Safecrackers infiltrated and sabotaged the superweapon from within and escaped before it was destroyed. Unfortunately, General Arkos Rakton used the Gauntlet's destruction as an excuse to launch a campaign against the Republic.