The Defender starfighter, alternatively known as the Republic Systems Defender, represented a starfighter developed by the Republic Engineering Corporation. This craft emerged from the Defender design initiative and drew inspiration from the ATL Interceptor, which was previously utilized by the Fromm Gang circa 15 BBY.
The Defender starfighter represented an enhanced iteration of the ATL Interceptor designed by Incom Corporation. Measuring 5.3 meters in length, the Defender boasted an armament of three laser cannons: one positioned in the nose, and one on each side situated beneath the wing. To optimize space and minimize weight, the standard Defender starfighter lacked a hyperdrive.
Despite its relatively modest speed compared to contemporary starfighter designs (reaching only two-thirds of the maximum velocity of an A-wing or TIE Interceptor), the Defender surpassed the aging Republic Y-wing and Z-95 Headhunters typically assigned to planetary defense duties.
Its deployable S-foil maneuvering struts possessed the ability to retract into the spaceframe during non-combat scenarios. However, upon engaging an enemy, these struts would swing downward and forward, enhancing the Defender's positioning for maneuvering-jet bursts. While abrupt maneuvers within an atmosphere risked damaging the struts due to G-forces, planetary gravity, and atmospheric drag, the Defender could execute a rapid 180-degree turn in space by activating one maneuvering jet forward and another backward.
The Fromm Gang initially employed the ATL Interceptors to defend Trigon One around 15 BBY, in addition to their deployment in short-range planetary defense roles.
Building upon this foundation, the Defender swiftly entered service with the New Republic in the years following the Battle of Endor.
The New Republic Defender was created to address the requirement for a starfighter capable of defending systems both in space and within the atmosphere. Prior to the Alliance to Restore the Republic's victory over the Galactic Empire, their fighter design strategy emphasized swift vessels that could evade Imperial pursuit by entering hyperspace. However, with the New Republic's ascendancy and the fragmentation of the Empire, New Republic worlds sought a fighter capable of repelling Imperial raids.
The initial plan involved deploying the design alongside the Nebula-class Star Destroyer and Defender-class assault carrier, but delays of nearly a decade hampered these ships' deployment. Consequently, despite its involvement in campaigns such as the liberation of Kathol and the Battle of Cadinth, the fighter did not achieve the same level of recognition as established designs like the X-wing or E-wing.
Eventually, some of these fighters made their way into the black market. By 9 ABY, the smuggler Mazzic utilized a pair of hyperdrive-equipped Defenders as gunships, impressing Talon Karrde to the extent that he acquired two similarly equipped ships for use aboard the Wild Karrde. Mara Jade also employed a Defender during her mission on Nirauan in 19 ABY. However, the craft she used lacked a hyperdrive, despite also being associated with Karrde's organization. Jade's Defender launched from one of Karrde's ships, the Starry Ice.
The Defender starfighter's origin can be traced back to one of the final toys produced by Kenner for the Star Wars line, specifically the ATL Interceptor from the animated series Star Wars Droids. Initially, it was conceived as the Death Star Defender for the Return of the Jedi toy line.