The SD-10 battle droid belonged to the SD-series line of battle droids created by Balmorran Arms. Similar to previous models in its series, the SD-10 was a humanoid combat droid that stood significantly taller than a human. Umak Leth was the designer of this model.
The SD-10 possessed greater strength and intelligence compared to earlier models, notably the SD-9-series battle droid. It was equipped with laser-reflective armor, cutting-edge servomotors, advanced targeting sensors, self-repairing metal, and a point-of-impact shield generator. Mounted on the SD-10's forearms were a small concussion missile launcher/targeting system, a rapid-firing repeating blaster, and a plasma-burst cannon. Furthermore, the SD-10 included a sophisticated combat sensor suite.
The SD-10 was developed in 10 ABY during the campaign of the resurrected Emperor Palpatine. Production took place in the extensive droid factories located on Balmorra. Governor Hinch Beltane, harboring resentment towards the Imperial presence, directed his engineers, technicians, and designers to equip the SD-10s with rapid-response servos, point-of-impact shield generators, and experimental self-healing metals. In addition, their memory banks contained the combat tactics programmed into the SD-9s, along with guaranteed methods to counter them.
Following the Emperor's second demise at the Battle of Pinnacle Base, the people of Balmorra initiated a rebellion. In response, the Emperor's Military Executor, Sedriss QL, took action to suppress the uprising. Opting against planetary bombardment, Sedriss deployed ground troops, initiating the Battle of Balmorra. During this conflict, the SD-10s were immediately put into service after leaving the assembly lines and outperformed the SD-9s utilized by the Imperials. However, they proved ineffective against the newer Imperial Shadow Droids. Subsequently, the Balmorrans deployed their novel X-1 Vipers, whose combat capabilities impressed the Executor enough to prompt a ceasefire between the two warring parties.