A T-47 airspeeder conducts a strafing run against All Terrain Scout Transports
- "Our bombers will attack at high speed to evade the enemy's ion weapon. We'll concentrate our firepower of the bridge superstructure, here."
- ―Anakin Skywalker explains the plan
Strafing, also called a strafing run, was a military tactic where an attacking craft flew at a close proximity and angle to deliver a barrage of weapons fire or payload of explosives onto a target. The tactic could be used in both atmospheric ground combat as well as space warfare.
History
A holographic display of the planned strafing run against the Malevolence.
In 22 BBY, during the Battle of the Kaliida Nebula, the BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bombers of Shadow Squadron led by Anakin Skywalker performed strafing runs against the bridge of the Subjugator-class heavy cruiser Malevolence with little effect and leading to heavy losses to the squadron. They adjusted their strategy from attacking the bridge, to strafing the cruiser's ion cannon, which resulted in the destruction of the vessel's primary weapon.[1]
At the Battle of Hoth in 3 ABY, the T-47 snowspeeders of Rogue Group performed strafing runs against the All Terrain Armored Transports of the Thundering Herd squadron of the Galactic Empire's Blizzard Force, but quickly learned that their laser cannons were insufficient to pierce the walkers' heavy armor.[2]
The Fulminatrix succumbed to explosions from proton bombs strafing its surface.
Decades later, following the destruction of Starkiller Base by the Resistance in 34 ABY, the First Order sent three Resurgent-class Star Destroyers and the Mandator IV-class Siege Dreadnought Fulminatrix to destroy their base on D'Qar. To buy time for the Resistance transports to escape, Poe Dameron attacked the dreadnought in his X-wing Black One. Dameron succeeded in eliminating its surface cannons in a strafing run which cleared the way for a squadron of Resistance bombers to attack. All of the bombers were ultimately destroyed in the attack, but not before the Cobalt Hammer was able to drop its payload of proton bombs which strafed the surface of the Fulminatrix resulting in its destruction.[3]
Appearances
Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Shadow of Malevolence"- Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back (First appearance)
- Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi
Sources
- Star Wars: Imperial Assault — Tyrants of Lothal Card: Strafing Run
- Star Wars: Legion 2025 Battle Card Updates on Asmodee's official website (backup link)
- Star Wars: Legion (New Edition) — Battle Deck Card Pack Card: Strafing Run
