Murk Astro Defender (3654)

Murk Astro Defender (3654-5, 3657-63)

As a purpose-built Interceptor the Defender trumped the modified SideWinders, frightening colonies further out who had to rely on the StarVan purchases. The Defender was made on Quind, and Murk Astro was uneasy about selling to Wodan, which had amassed a steady stream of WoanWard warships since 3640. Between Quind and Opisika, a percieved 'Zone of Exclusion' seemed to form a band mid-system the outer systems couldn't ignore.

In response, Wodan colony Iwodani made its own fighter platform by the end of the year, culminating in an arms race between inner and outer settlements.

The Defender drew on manufacturing innovation from racing to produce a durable long-range interceptor that could patrol for up to two weeks.