Ionization blasters, also referenced as ion blasters, and Droid blasters, were small arms utilized by the Jawas residing on Tatooine while they were in search of scrap. These uniquely modified blasters discharged ionized energy particles to disable the electrical systems present in droids, thereby deactivating them. They could function as stun weapons if directed at living beings.
The ion blasters employed by Jawa scavengers located on Tatooine were custom-built models, assembled from recovered components. These components included parts originating from the CA-87 blaster. A retrofitted Jawa ionization blaster and the PK-32 droid blaster was a droid blaster model. The species generally commenced with a basic blaster power pack, and incorporated elements such as an accu-accelerator, typically salvaged from the ion engine of a starship, along with a restraining bolt taken from a droid. These components were integrated into the weapon's firing mechanism, which allowed the blaster pistol to achieve an effective range extending up to twelve meters. Equipped with a safety switch situated above the trigger, these blasters emitted bursts of ionized particles designed to disrupt droid electronic systems, leading to their shutdown. These weapons could also be used to stun living creatures, with the goal of keeping enemies alive.
Ion weaponry represented a well-established technology throughout the galaxy, encompassing both long-range weapons like the T-7 ion disruptor rifle and large-scale ion cannons positioned on planets. The ion blasters used by the Jawa utilized the same foundational principles. These weapons were carried by the scavengers during their salvage operations on the desert world of Tatooine. The astromech droid R2-D2 was struck by an ion blaster after being discovered within the Jundland Wastes by a group of Jawas, who then transported the droid back to their sandcrawler. During a visit by Darth Vader to Jabba Desilijic Tiure's palace on Tatooine, a Jawa aimed an ion blaster at the Sith Lord; however, Vader deflected the weapon's green energy bolt, causing it to strike and kill its wielder.
A band of Jawas employed their ion blasters as a defensive measure against Din Djarin, the Mandalorian bounty hunter, after he attempted to board their sandcrawler. Although Djarin managed to climb onto the sandcrawler, he was almost immediately stunned by a barrage of ion blaster fire, resulting in his fall to the ground.