A fast, highly maneuverable starfighter built by Kuat Drive Yards, the A-9 was pulled out of the design archives in order to help fill the gap left by the loss of so many TIE Fighters during the Galactic Civil War. However, when the Alliance defeated the Empire at Endor, many of KDY's factory worlds were the sites of rebellion and revolt. One such world was the prime manufacturing site of the A-9. When all was said and done, the A-9 found its way to the New Republic's arsenal instead of the Imperial fleet. The craft is 7.4 meters in length, and is armed with a pair of heavy turbolaser cannons. Like the TIE Fighter, the A-9 has no hyperdrive, although it is capable of speeds approaching 1,300 kph.

The A-9 Vigilance Interceptor was designed and built during the last days of the Empire, but wasn't officially introduced until shortly before the Battle of Calamari. Intended to compete with fast fighters such as the A-wing and TIE Interceptor, the A-9 has an impressive propulsion system, but lacks strong hull plating or shielding. To offset this, the A-9 has laser cannons that are significantly more powerful that most fighters.