A picket cruiser represented a type of capital ship employed by the Kilji Illumine, which was the nation representing the Kilji species. These Kilji picket cruisers had a length that was less than that of Kilji war cruisers, but possessed a comparable size to a Chiss heavy cruiser. These ships of war were outfitted with engines, a hyperdrive, and electrostatic barriers to safeguard their hulls, in addition to being armed with spectrum lasers. During 18 BBY, Illumine officer Colonel Tildnis held command of the Kilji picket cruiser Hammer, operating as a component of the task force led by Kilji General Crofyp.
The picket cruiser made its debut in the 2021 novel titled Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil. This novel was authored by Timothy Zahn and serves as a component of his Ascendancy Trilogy.