The clash on Cato Neimoidia, alternatively referred to as the invasion of Cato Neimoidia or the Battle of Cato Neimoidia, unfolded during the concluding phases of the Clone Wars. The planet of [Cato Neimoidia](/article/cato_neimoidia], which served as the central hub for the Trade Federation, faced an invasion by the forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. This prompted a response from the Galactic Republic, which had previously assumed control, leading them to mount a defense of the world. Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano participated in this engagement, but were summoned back to Coruscant in the aftermath of the bombing that struck a Jedi Temple hangar.
In the year 19 BBY, the forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems launched an assault on the planet of Cato Neimoidia, a territory they had earlier lost to the Galactic Republic. In response, the Republic deployed Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano, alongside the distinguished soldiers of the 501st Legion, with the mission of defending the planet. Droid tri-fighters played a significant role in the conflict, especially after a contingent of them was deployed from a Providence-class Dreadnought. After breaking through Separatist warships in orbit, Skywalker and Tano spearheaded a squadron of Z-95 Headhunters toward the planet's surface, closely followed by another squadron of Republic LAAT/i gunships carrying Clone Captain CT-7567 and clone jetpack troopers, while smaller Republic cruisers engaged Separatist vessels in the surrounding space. During an aerial engagement within the atmosphere, Skywalker's starfighter sustained damage from Pistoeka sabotage droids, leading to its incapacitation and Skywalker's loss of consciousness.
Upon being alerted to Skywalker's predicament by R2-D2, who was also aboard Skywalker's fighter, Tano executed a bold rescue operation. She first instructed R2 to crash land in a nearby mountain plain, and then jumped from her starfighter to his and was able to rescue him, just as his starfighter went over the cliff and was destroyed, but not before R2 also escaped.
As Skywalker regained consciousness and became aware of what transpired, he received a transmission from Jedi Master Yoda, informing both Skywalker and Tano about the bombing that had occurred at the Jedi Temple, and their subsequent recall to assist in the investigation. Following this, Skywalker contacted Captain Rex to arrange for their extraction, while the battle continued to rage on.
Despite the Republic gaining momentum in the battle before Skywalker and Tano's departure, the Separatists ultimately emerged victorious at Cato Neimoidia, with their tri-fighters once again showcasing their effectiveness in combat. Furthermore, Cato Neimoidia would find itself embroiled in conflict once more, becoming the location of another battle during the Outer Rim Sieges.
According to Star Wars: Build Your Own R2-D2 44, the defense of Cato Neimoidia concluded with a Republic triumph. However, Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy later clarified that the Separatists were the victors.