During the Galactic Civil War, specifically within the Battle on the Frontier campaign, the Galactic Empire engaged in a conflict known as the Destruction of the Pakuuni Pirates, targeting the Pakuuni Pirates organization.
The Pakuuni system had become a hotbed for Pirates and Smugglers around the time of the Battle of Hoth, making interstellar trade perilous. Vice Admiral Thrawn, after acquiring station components from the abandoned depot on the planet Argoon, tasked Commander Buckeye and the Nebulon-B2 frigate Ludwick with eliminating a local pirate stronghold. The Pakuuni Pirates had amassed a significant collection of resources, Corvettes, BTL Y-wing starfighters, and Z-95 Headhunters. Imperial Intelligence suspected the pirates were receiving assistance from Rebel starships, while the Secret Order of the Emperor suggested that searching the containers might uncover illegal goods, necessitating their capture.
The Ludwick initiated the attack by deploying three squadrons of TIE Bombers. These Bombers commenced strikes on Corvettes Leach, Clavier, and Grapler, prompting pirate Z-95s and Y-wings to scramble for interception. In response to the losses of TIE bomber, Theta Squadron of TIE/LN starfighter was launched, better suited for engaging the enemy's shielded fighters. Maarek Stele, leading Alpha Squadron of TIE bombers, diverted to the pirate containers during the engagement. Stele discovered Rebels concealed within one of the containers; the Assault Transport Tiger was dispatched from the Ludwick to apprehend the Rebel fugitives. As anticipated, Rebel starfighters arrived just as the final container holding the Rebel Advisors was boarded and the Rebels taken into custody, after which the container was destroyed. Having achieved their primary objective, the Imperial Bombers returned to the hangar, leaving the Rebel fighters to contend with the interceptors and the Ludwick's turbolaser batteries.
With the Pirate base eliminated, the path was cleared for the establishment of a new space station, promoting trade. The Ludwick was then ordered to maintain its position and await the arrival of Thrawn with construction materials.
The Secret Order, recognizing the Rebel Alliance's significant presence in the area, began interrogating the captured prisoners to gain more information about their influence within the Pakuuni System.
This battle is featured in the PC game Star Wars: TIE Fighter. It is the second mission within the third battle. This article's information is based on the "Medium" difficulty setting. On "Hard" difficulty, the player must deal with X-wings that will launch Heavy rockets at the Ludwick, which can quickly deplete the ship's shields and hull.