The Destroyer was a compact repulsorcraft of an aquatic nature, utilized by the Galactic Empire. Its primary function was to get close to and obliterate enemy ships and coastal fortifications.
The destroyer possessed a distinctive clamshell-like structure, which provided a platform for potent, short-range pummels.
To facilitate close-quarters combat, this craft was equipped with heavier armor compared to ships of other classifications. Their most frequent application involved engaging enemy vessels, as they were capable of swiftly penetrating the protective shells of even the biggest cruisers. Enhancements could be made to bolster their weaponry and defensive plating.
During the Reytha campaign in 0 ABY, Darth Vader commanded destroyers in combat.
The 2001 video game Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds and its 2002 add-on, Clone Campaigns, feature the Destroyer. Players can construct them during the Galactic Empire storyline or in multiplayer scenarios. A notable detail is that early conceptual artwork of the Imperial Destroyer within the game's database showcases a cannon rather than the in-game pummel, potentially suggesting that these destroyer-type vehicles were originally conceived as ranged combatants during the development process.