Defense of Cato Neimoidia
The defense of Cato Neimoidia, alternatively called the invasion of Cato Neimoidia or the Battle of Cato Neimoidia, unfolded during the concluding phases of the Clone Wars. The planet Cato Neimoidia, which served as the headquarters for the Trade Federation, faced an invasion by the forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. In response, the Galactic Republic initiated a defensive operation to protect the world, having previously assumed control. Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano participated in the conflict, but they were summoned back to Coruscant following the bombing of a Jedi Temple hangar.
The battle
In the year 19 BBY, the Confederacy of Independent Systems launched an assault on the planet of Cato Neimoidia, a world they had previously lost to the Galactic Republic. The Republic responded by deploying Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano, along with the distinguished 501st Legion, to mount a defense of the planet. Droid tri-fighters proved to be significant in the battle after a contingent of them was launched from a Providence-class Dreadnought. After breaking through Separatist warships positioned in orbit, Skywalker and Tano spearheaded a squadron of Z-95 Headhunters toward the planet's surface. They were closely followed by another squadron of Republic LAAT/i gunships, transporting Clone Captain CT-7567 and clone jetpack troopers, as smaller Republic cruisers engaged Separatist vessels in the surrounding space. A dogfight ensued in the atmosphere and Skywalker's starfighter was struck by Pistoeka sabotage droids, resulting in his fighter becoming disabled and him losing consciousness.
After Tano was informed of Skywalker's predicament by R2-D2, who was also aboard Skywalker's fighter, she executed a daring rescue. She instructed R2 to crash land in a nearby mountain plain, and then jumped from her starfighter to his. She successfully rescued him just as his [starfighter](/article/starfighter] plummeted over the cliff and was destroyed, but only after R2 also escaped.
As Skywalker regained consciousness and understood the situation, he received a communication from Jedi Master Yoda. Yoda informed Skywalker and Tano about the bombing of the Jedi Temple, and their recall to assist with the investigation. Subsequently, Skywalker contacted Captain Rex to arrange for a pickup, while the battle raged on.
Aftermath
Despite the Republic gaining an advantage before Skywalker and Tano's departure, the Separatists ultimately emerged victorious at Cato Neimoidia, with their tri-fighters reasserting their combat effectiveness. Furthermore, Cato Neimoidia would once again be involved in the conflict, becoming the location of another battle during the Outer Rim Sieges.
Behind the scenes
According to Star Wars: Build Your Own R2-D2 44, the defense of Cato Neimoidia concluded with a Republic victory. However, Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy later clarified that it was a Separatist victory.