A missile, which can also be referred to as an ordnance or a rocket, broadly describes a self-propelled explosive projectile. Various starships, including capital ships and starfighters, were equipped to carry and launch different types of missiles. Ground vehicles also employed missiles. The most prevalent type utilized by ground troops were those launched from shoulder-fired missile launchers. A single soldier, or sometimes a pair of them, could operate a missile launcher. In times of intense conflict and mass destruction, missiles were frequently deployed. Missiles were not limited to unguided fire; they could also lock onto and track enemy targets. Upon launch, these missiles would autonomously navigate towards their target, ultimately impacting and detonating. Missiles could also carry specialized payloads, such as nuclear bombs, capable of obliterating entire cities from orbit.
A typical missile was a long-range weapon that possessed its own internal propellant, allowing it to reach its intended destination without relying on the launch platform's power source. These fundamental missiles evolved from basic rockets, dating back to the earliest periods of warfare. Many missiles incorporated a guidance system, enabling them to lock onto and pursue a specific target. Their sizes varied significantly, from small, man-portable "chip" missiles designed for use against ground vehicles, to massive capital ship-grade warheads capable of devastating enemy warships or planetary surfaces.
Missiles often featured armor plating and, in some instances, energy shields. Their shapes were generally cylindrical, facilitating penetration of capital ship and starfighter shielding.
Carbonite missiles were exceptionally destructive weapons favored by the Zann Consortium during the Galactic Civil War. The warhead contained supercooled carbonite. Upon detonation, this carbonite would damage and slow enemy ground forces, rendering them vulnerable. In some instances, complete destruction was possible. The Missile Attack Launcher, manufactured by Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc., could launch both Carbonite Missiles and conventional explosive missiles, although switching between warhead types required time.
The concussion missile was a common anti-vehicle weapon with a short-to-medium range, manufactured by numerous companies throughout the galaxy, including Dymek. These vehicle-mounted weapons were standard in most military arsenals. The TIE Bomber could carry multiple magazines of concussion missiles for deployment on the battlefield. A larger, more costly version was the assault concussion missile. This capital ship-grade ordnance, frequently used by large warships like the Victory I-class Star Destroyer, was employed for planetary bombardment and engaging enemy capital ships. Some variants also possessed homing capabilities.
A cluster missile was a type of concussion missile with lower power, but capable of being fired rapidly from various attack craft.
Cruise missiles were powerful missiles with the ability to home in on targets. The pirate Nym was known to equip his personal starfighter with them.
Discord missiles were used to deliver Buzz droids to their intended targets during the Clone Wars. They were prominently featured during the Battle of Coruscant.
Hex missiles were weapons of mass destruction that could inflict massive casualties on a planet or city. Their specially designed warhead contained the chemical agent trihexalon. Trihexalon, also known as dragon's breath, was a lethal biological weapon that was fatal to most humanoids. These weapons were first deployed in an attack on the capital city of Maramere, shortly before the Clone Wars began.
Intruder missiles were designed by Slayn & Korpil for the Rebel Alliance. These missiles were intended to overload the shield generators of large ships, causing explosions and damaging the rest of the vessel.
Nano missiles were extremely small missiles that were difficult to distinguish from blaster bolts. They had an integrated navigation system that allowed them to be sensor-guided to their targets. The Guardian Mantis was known to carry these missiles.
Advanced missiles were a type of warhead that was equitable to some X-wings.
The Diamond boron missile was deployed during the Galactic Civil War to eliminate large groups of fighters due to its potent warhead. The Broadside-class cruiser kdb-1 used these missiles, but they were eventually replaced by cheaper Concussion missiles.
The proton torpedo was a type of ordnance utilized throughout the galaxy. It is most famous for its use during the Battle of Yavin, when Luke Skywalker destroyed the first Death Star by firing two proton torpedoes into a thermal exhaust port. Luke was piloting an X-wing starfighter.
A rocket was one type of missile. During Jaden Korr's conflict with the Disciples of Ragnos he often used rocket launchers or a PLX-2M portable missile launcher made by Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc.. Rocket launchers were very similar to missile launchers, being similar in shape and used for the same purpose.
Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc. was one of the top three weapons manufacturers in the galaxy during the era of the New Republic. They produced a wide array of weaponry, including starships, vehicles, and artillery. The company operated across numerous eras, supplying weapons to various factions on potentially opposing sides.
- PLX-1 portable missile launcher [7]
- MiniMag shoulder-launched proton torpedo launcher [7] [8] [9]
- PLX-2M portable missile launcher [10] [11]
- PLX-4 Missile Launcher [12]
- HH-15 projectile launcher [8] [9]
During the Battle of Serroco around 3963 BBY, the Mandalorian fleet launched more than two dozen nuclear missiles at the Republic Navy forces defending the planet Serroco. Instead of hitting the Republic fleet, the missiles bypassed them and struck Serroco's surface directly. The missiles detonated at various locations on the planet's surface, destroying cities and causing heavy casualties among the Republic ground forces stationed there.
During the Great Galactic War, starfighters used missiles to conduct airstrikes against the many factories scattered across the surface of Balmorra. The constant bombings permanently scarred the planet's surface.
In 27 BBY, a terrorist group attempted to assassinate Passel Argente on the planet Bartokk using a homemade missile. However, Jorus C'baoth thwarted their plan by using the Force to stop the missile.
Missiles were used in the Clone Wars, particularly during the Battle of Muunilinst. Anakin Skywalker ordered the Clone trooper pilots under his command to fire missiles into empty space as he lured Separatist ships pursuing him into their path.
During the Battle of Coruscant, Discord missiles were fired at the Jedi starfighters of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Despite their homing systems, Anakin evaded the missiles. Obi-Wan, however, was hit. The missiles exploded in front of his ship, releasing Buzz droids that proceeded to destroy his starfighter.
During the Battle of Hoth, both the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire used man-portable missile tubes. These anti-armor missiles had guidance systems that allowed them to pursue their targets with exceptional accuracy for guided missiles. These advanced guidance systems enabled shock and vanguard troopers to quickly acquire a target, fire the missile, relocate, and reload.
During the battle, the Rebel vanguard division used an HH-15 projectile launcher made by Golan Arms. Imperial forces carried MiniMag shoulder-launched proton torpedo launchers, manufactured by Krupx Munitions.
Missiles were used in 4 ABY during the final battle over the forest moon of Endor, after the planetary shield protecting the second Death Star fell. A group of Rebel snubfighters, along with the Millennium Falcon, entered the massive station's superstructure and approached the main reactor. Wedge Antilles and Lando Calrissian destroyed the main reactor with two well-timed volleys of proton torpedoes and concussion missiles, causing a chain reaction that destroyed the entire station.
An illegal company, Dammant Killers, manufactured missiles in a factory on Adumar. In 40 ABY, Jacen Solo and Ben Skywalker embarked on a mission to discover the factory.