Heavy Defender
During the early years of the Galactic Empire, the Heavy Defenders functioned as a military arm within the Rodian Salvager's Cartel. Drexl Roosh established this unit before 3 BBY, and they were based on Raxus Prime. Primarily composed of large, fierce Rodians equipped with rotary cannons, the Heavy Defenders served as enforcers, safeguarding Roosh's scavenging operations. Their existence, along with the entire cartel, came to an end in 2 BBY at the hands of Galen Marek.
History
Before the events of 2 BBY, Drexl Roosh created the Heavy Defenders as an integral part of the Rodian Junk Cartel. Their main purpose was to protect the Rodian Rippers and Jawas that performed the majority of the cartel's scavenging work. The Heavy Defenders frequently engaged in conflicts with the droid forces of Jedi Master Kazdan Paratus, as they were tasked with preventing any interference with Roosh's activities.
Mission to Raxus Prime
Upon Galen Marek's arrival on the planet, Heavy Defenders were deployed aboard skiffs with the objective of stopping him. Marek eliminated them, along with the scavengers, inside the wreckage of a hyperdrive. The Defenders were also engaged in skirmishes with Paratus' droid army near a downed Blockade runner, until Marek intervened, defeating both factions. Subsequently, Marek advanced to the scavengers' camp, where he destroyed the shield generator and fought his way through the defenders into the junk chasm, entering the domain of his target, Kazdan Paratus, whom he ultimately killed. The destruction of the scavengers' camp, coupled with the subsequent invasion by the Galactic Empire and Drexl Roosh's apparent demise at Marek's hands, severely weakened and fragmented the cartel.
Second mission to Raxus Prime
By the time 2 BBY arrived, Roosh had reorganized the cartel after surviving being crushed by a LAAT gunship. They were in conflict with the Imperials, who had taken control of the planet, when Marek reappeared and permanently eliminated Roosh, leading to the cartel's final dissolution.
Weapons and Equipment
The Heavy Defenders utilized Z0-16 rotary cannons, which fired blaster bolts over a wide area but lacked precision and required a warm-up period before they could begin firing. When forced into close-quarters combat, the Defenders would resort to using their cannon as a melee weapon, attempting to strike their opponents.
In addition, the Heavy Defenders wore durable, heavy armor that offered them considerable protection against melee attacks.
Their large size and significant endurance enabled them to comfortably carry the weight of both their armor and cannon.