The T-65XJ3 X-wing starfighter was a type of starfighter utilized by both the New Republic and the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.
This iteration of the well-regarded starfighter maintained the original XJ X-wing's third proton torpedo launcher, while simultaneously increasing the total number of carried torpedoes to a total of twelve. The design also featured supplementary shield generators that proved highly effective when facing the Yuuzhan Vong's specialized "shield grab" attack. Furthermore, it showcased enhanced targeting systems, improved handling, upgraded avionics, and more powerful laser cannons that emitted blue-colored laser fire, instead of the typical red. The XJ model represented a significant advancement when directly compared to earlier generations of X-wing starfighters.
The New Republic began deploying the initial XJ-series X-wings shortly before the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. These advanced starfighters were initially distributed to elite squadrons stationed on board Star Destroyers and to members of the New Jedi Order, making them among the first craft to encounter the dangerous coralskippers.
The XJ3 X-wing was formally introduced in 27 ABY. Its improvements included a system for temporarily deactivating and reactivating shields to prevent overload from dovin basals, a specialized launcher (on Jedi-piloted craft) for shadow bombs, and Stutter-fire lasers designed to penetrate the Yuuzhan Vong ships' dovin basal shields.