The A-wing Slash tactic, employed during starfighter engagements, leveraged the enhanced velocity of A-wing starfighters, notably the RZ-2 A-wing interceptor, to outmaneuver and defeat opposing squadrons. This strategy involved slower starfighters, for instance X-wings, initiating combat with the enemy to create a diversion and sow confusion. After the enemy's focus was drawn to this initial wave, a squadron of faster A-wings would swoop into the fray, executing a swift and decisive surprise assault.
The initial mention of the A-wing Slash within Star Wars canon occurred in the 2017 reference publication Star Wars: A-wing Deluxe Book and 3D Wood Model, authored by Michael Kogge. Its genesis, however, lies within the Star Wars Legends continuity, specifically in the 1993 novel The Last Command penned by Timothy Zahn.