Make up your own planetary defence force

[LeftWingExtremist]

This was sort of inspired by the "bulk cruiser" thread. So basically you are the leader of a small militia force and you are required to make up your new militia to defend a system.

You have to provide all kinds of defences inluding fighters, warships, patrol ships and ground based defences and you have to try your best to defend against most types existing threats (or at least long enough for the empire/republic to save your arse). You can pick from nearly any ship that is commercially allowed (and not banned by the republic/empire) in the star wars universe (inlcuding EU). However you have a limited budget to what a medium sized Mid rim planet could afford.

I may edit this or change it around later. Go.

Edit: Possible threats range from smuggling, to pirate raids, to planetary invasions by sector/galactic spanning organisations.

[phongn]

What is the threat? What needs must be covered? How important is this world and how likely is it to be smacked around?

[AidanMcfay]

Planetary based Ion Cannons, a Planetary sheild system. Rest of the funds goto Frigates, carriers, gunships and corvettes. Other then that I can't really say since I cannot fathom the price of such ships and planetary defenses.

[LeftWingExtremist]

What is the threat? What needs must be covered? How important is this world and how likely is it to be smacked around?

Well basically there can be a whole host of threats from anything between pirates and planetary invasion by greedy corporations.

[Chris OFarrell]

What is the threat? What needs must be covered? How important is this world and how likely is it to be smacked around?

I agree. If its a major core world, one that might come under attack sometime,...

Then you have a full scale planetary shield system, a ring of Golan Battle stations, probably II's and III's, with some I's deep in the system as Custom posts, with a couple of REAL heavy Battle stations, probably at the Equator on opposing sides of the planet. A good supply of surface to space Turbolasers and Ion Cannons for support and lots of light anti fighter sats in orbits to support them. All of these stations tied into an effective command and control network which works the entire defensive grid together.

Fighter and Bomber wings stationed on the ground. Key installations in the system in space may also have some defensive systems, off limits stuff perhaps even minefields that mean no-one can charge them from any direction in a terrorist attack.

The army on the ground of course will have all the best equipment and be of moderate size, equiped with mobile theater shields in case the planet wide network fails, anti aircraft weapons, mobile turbolasers, surface to space missile and torpedo batteries e.t.c.

If this is a major Core world then its probably a sector capital, so it'll be the home port for most of the Sector fleet, of whatever Government is operating. So assuming this system has a configuration similar to Sol, put the Navy Yard at "Mars" with a good defense of battle stations (less then a tenth of what the main planet has of course, the ships can defend themselves) and all the major custom stations and so on there. Ships coming into the system head to THAT planet first for customs work. The shipping lanes into and out of the system are patrolled by SPV's with fighters and transports on standby to intercept anyone as needed and a good squadron of Capital ships always on patrol.


On the other extreme, a small planet, but sector Capital like say Naboo.

Theater shields over the major population centers with surface to space weapons systems. A few wings of fighters and bombers, a handful of corvettes for system patrol and perhaps a dozen Capital ships, the flagship no bigger then an ISD II, with a handful of older ships like Acclamators customized for Space Combat, some Neb B frigates and if possible, perhaps a Golan II or Golan III guarding the major orbital facilities.

[Vehrec]

Assume Earth like planet: Population, land mass, ect.
Item the first: Planetery Shields. Get a nice set of these babies, good enough to hold off several star destroyers. That should eliminate the ability of warlords and pirates to buzz in and demand whatever they want.
Item the second: Some system defence craft. See if I can pick up a few Lancers for starts, and then add a few more frigates with heavier weapons. I won't try for anything larger than a Nebulon. Fighters, I'll see if I can't pick up any Clone Wars surplus, those ARC-170s and the Nimbus or Torrent in particular. Avoid the Z-95 or cloakshape and Y-wing at all costs. Hire some ex-navy pilots as officers to train the new pilot corps. If the era allows, some elite units may be equipped with the TIE Inteceptor, possibly with light combat shields.
Ground combatants will be limited, possibly no more than 10,000,000 total profesionals in the armed forces. Some of these men may be detailed to various areas as law enforcement, but for the most part they are an upstanding force ready to beat off anyone with clones or droids who has plans for my planet. Concentraiting on the space forces earlier may hurt my budget for tanks and walkers, but I can live with that.

[phongn]

What is the threat? What needs must be covered? How important is this world and how likely is it to be smacked around?

Well basically there can be a whole host of threats from anything between pirates and planetary invasion by greedy corporations.

There can be, yes, but you'd need to be more specific. Designing a military force is not just grabbing a handful of things that look neat or work well. If there is a significant amount of trade, does the militia need to take on traditional "Coast Guard" and customs duties? Are pirates a major threat in the area? And soforth.

And as this doesn't appear to be a Core World, could it even afford a comprehensive planetary shield or heavy surface-to-space weapons? One might have to do with smaller orbital stations, maybe some frigates and a few cutters along with second-line fighters.

[Crossroads Inc.]

I am not very good about thinking of defance planet side... But in terms of a system defence, I've always thought that a very balanced and realistic System Defence would consist of:

1 Victory StarDestroyer
2 Republic Dreadnaughts
6 Carrack Cruisers
14 Maruder Corvettes

A force like that should be good enough to defend against most small threats as well as Priates.

[FTeik]

I'll leave out the core-world, since such a world should be able to afford, what it wants.

For the defense of your small planet of medium importance get two Golan-IIIs and position them above the poles. Put theatre-shields above all major population-centres. If you can't afford Golans, switch to planetary TL-cannons. Aside from ground-based fighter- and bomber-wings you should try to get one or two Venators. If you have those you can leave the rest of your system-defense to a number of Carracks. They are fast, durable and well-armed.

[Lord Pounder]

What kind of budget are we talking here? The OP isn't very specific about limits and what is and isn't available. Also what kind of world is it? Does it even have anything worth protecting like industrys or raw materials?

[The Original Nex]

I agree, it is entirely dependant on the region the world in question is in, its economic status, importance on the Galactic scene, the philosophy of its people, population centers, industry, and a number of other factors.

For example, a Core Worlds and Sector Capitals such as Anaxes, Kuat and others would be heavily militarized, with large fleets of true warships (Kuat produced Mandator Star Dreadnoughts for its own local defense), as well as planetary shields, innumerable wings any of a number of types of fighters and bombers, and orbital/planetary defense platforms.

A smaller world of less importance and prominance, would likely make do with a few Star Destroyer grade vessels, as well as forces of smaller ships, like the aforementioned Carrack, Lancer Nebulon and Marauder class vessels, or a local analogue. Perhaps a couple Golan platforms, or at least planetary defense emplacements in the population centers. Theater shields would also be employed over said population centers. Fighter wings, either locally built or purchased from surplus Clone Wars or Imperial supplies, would be ideally have a squadron to cover all major population centers.

As you move further out to the Rim, and come to worlds of little consequence (like, for example, Utapau), you'll see them making due with only a spare few smaller grade warships (like Dreadnaught or Carrack class ships purchased surplus from old stocks. A few squadrons of locally built or cheaply purchased starfighters for major population centers, and distressingly little in the way of passive and aggressive planetary defense emplacements.

Of course, none of this would be set in stone by region, but would be a general trend as one moves across the galaxy.

[phongn]

I am not very good about thinking of defance planet side... But in terms of a system defence, I've always thought that a very balanced and realistic System Defence would consist of:

1 Victory StarDestroyer
2 Republic Dreadnaughts
6 Carrack Cruisers
14 Maruder Corvettes

How is that balanced, though? That's more like a small naval squadron rather than a system defense force. Sure, you can beat up quite nicely on any large pirate formations that appear, but what of other requirements?

[Enforcer Talen]

On planet:

Planetary shield, Golan iii at each pole

On moon:

Batteries of HTL and ion cannons with theatre shields

In solar system:

Several hundred sensor sattelites, roving patrol of Correllion Corvettes and fighters.

[Solauren]

In addition to standard planetary defenses for a fortified world ---

Death Star superlaser satelite weapon. Approximately same power generation, 1/10th firepower so it can fire every few seconds. It itself gets shield generation comparable to an Executor Class ship (or more).

That should hold off any invasion fleets.

Man, that would have made the VOng invasion fun.

[Noble Ire]

In addition to standard planetary defenses for a fortified world ---

Death Star superlaser satelite weapon. Approximately same power generation, 1/10th firepower so it can fire every few seconds. It itself gets shield generation comparable to an Executor Class ship (or more).

That should hold off any invasion fleets.

Man, that would have made the VOng invasion fun.

Although quite a formidable defense, such a device would hardly be unbeatable. Unless adequetely reinforced by a garrison fleet or lighter stationary weaponry, the station would be fodder for suicide drone ships, or, in the Vong's case, captured civilian freighters packed with baradium and doomed sacrifices.

And then, of course, there's the simple matter of cost. I doubt that they sell superlaser-equipped space stations down at Watto's Used and Refurbished.

[Lord Relvenous]

My defense plan will be aimed at a system with moderate resources, but not the kind to buy current models.
When thinking of system defense I've always thought of fighters being a viable resource for defense.
My plan:
A small fleet of medium-sized surplus ships refitted for carrier duty. Stationed on these carriers would be largish, durable Uglies, custom designed from surplus parts. My basic concept would be a heavily shielded, maybe less manouverable fighter equipped with four laser cannons and proton torpedo launchers. Minus the hyperspace drive because they are defensive and platform based, which cuts down on cost, and I believe you have a pretty strong defensive force. The ability of the fighters to operate as torpedo platforms allows them to engage large capital ships and overload their shields, allowing for successive waves of torpedoes or the carriers to down the capital ships. Also, the Uglies would be able to provide a patrol capability and engage pirates.
Supplementing the carrier force would be a few lancer class ships, or maybe refitted frieghters to become fighter killers. Tie fighter lasers are relatively cheap, after all. This fleet would engage any fighter contacts in lieu of the Uglies when the Uglies are launching proton torpedoes. Add to this theatre shields and orbital mine deployers and I believe the system would not appear on any pirates map as a choice target.

[darthbob88]

Assuming this is a backwater, without significant threat from anything above pirates or significant industry; I procure mass quantities of obsolete and military surplus weapons and shields, plus a few hypercomm systems and slave circuits. I find anybody who's willing to submit to my authority and follow the orders of an experienced commander, and mount the weapons on their ships to form a local militia. The comms will allow them to spread out farther and make some cargo runs themselves, while the slave circuits will both make sure they can get back quickly and prevent them from taking advantage of the offer.

Just as a backup, I also make sure I can contact the local sector fleet in case of emergency; such as the militia rebelling against me, or a large fleet of pirates.

[Knife]

The planet itself would be defened by a series of defense platforms (golans?) complete with their own fighter wings as the first line of defense. The fighter corps. would be responsible for both anti fighter/bomber duties and fighter screening durring major combat. But also, they'd serve as local patrol and support for customs control.

If I could afford it, full planatary shields, if not theater sheilds over my major population centers with some heavy TL and Ion Cannons for support against heavy ships/landing ships around said population centers.

Depending on the system, I'd have various sensor nets and even some outposts through out the system, detering pirates and the such, with a dedicated small force of system patrol craft of some sort, perhaps a couple Corellian Corvettes and a coupld Corellian Gunships to serve this function. They'd take shifts of system patrol to planatary defense and double as customs ships.

If money allowed, I'd toss in a couple of heavy ships, noting fancy, more battle wagons than a real cruiser or something of the like. Perhaps akin to an old Dreadnaught or something but maybe upgunned a bit, or an old Acclamator Frigate for the same purpose.

Ground Forces would be deployed either as naval troopers in the ships and stations themselves, or as regular army units, proabably in either mechinized units or perhaps a calvary like unit utilizing large speeders of some sort. Bases would also be around the major population centers.

This is assuming a run of the mill planet and not something larger, a hand full of ships and insystem assets like the sensor nets and orbital platforms.

[Lazarus]

Is it just me, or are theater shields a bit useless against a lot of opponents, given the power of turbolasers etc? Not as in they collapse easily, but as in a marauding fleet (say an Imp warlord like Trigit with an ISD, a frigate and 2 corvettes) could just blow the shit out of the unshielded parts of your planet and fuck up the biosphere completely? Or threaten to do so? Imagine the Amazon rainforest and the ice caps slagged in a few hours.

Also, other than the use at Hoth making them archetypal planetary defense weapons, aren't ion cannons a bit of a poor choice for the job? I mean, they'll disable a ship, and then what happens? It's orbit decays and it impacts the planet, presuming of course it's in orbit already. On the other hand though I'm no physicist so I have little idea how long it would take a capital ship in orbit to hit the planet, so does anyone else know? Either way, I'd go with super heavy turbolasers.

[Noble Ire]

Is it just me, or are theater shields a bit useless against a lot of opponents, given the power of turbolasers etc? Not as in they collapse easily, but as in a marauding fleet (say an Imp warlord like Trigit with an ISD, a frigate and 2 corvettes) could just blow the shit out of the unshielded parts of your planet and fuck up the biosphere completely? Or threaten to do so? Imagine the Amazon rainforest and the ice caps slagged in a few hours.

Typically, if an invading force is attempting to conquer a planet rather than simply destroy an opposing presence there, they tend to avoid undue damage to its ecosystem and infastructure if at all possible. Of course, in the rare cases where a BDZ would be an option, you are correct, theater shields are little more than a delaying tactic.

Also, other than the use at Hoth making them archetypal planetary defense weapons, aren't ion cannons a bit of a poor choice for the job? I mean, they'll disable a ship, and then what happens? It's orbit decays and it impacts the planet, presuming of course it's in orbit already. On the other hand though I'm no physicist so I have little idea how long it would take a capital ship in orbit to hit the planet, so does anyone else know? Either way, I'd go with super heavy turbolasers.

I would imagine planet-based ion cannons are typically used in tandem with other, more damaging defenses, or a garrison fleet. The weapon may well have a lower-energy and size requirement than a turbolaser emplacement, but if used wisely, it could have equal effect; if one manages to disable enough attacking vessels, the remaining members of attack force will either have to leave their comrades to fend for themselves, or fall back to guard the disabled ships while they are being repaired. Either way, the target vessels are effectively out of the fight, at least temporarily.

As for the worry about the ships falling from orbit, I would imagine that an able crew could probably get a damaged vessel's drives working again before it was too late, unless their ship was extremely close to the atmosphere. And if the cannon is used as a combined fire weapon, there should be a "mop up" fleet nearby to take care of any fried warships before they crash intact.

[Solauren]

In addition to standard planetary defenses for a fortified world ---

Death Star superlaser satelite weapon. Approximately same power generation, 1/10th firepower so it can fire every few seconds. It itself gets shield generation comparable to an Executor Class ship (or more).

That should hold off any invasion fleets.

Man, that would have made the VOng invasion fun.

Although quite a formidable defense, such a device would hardly be unbeatable. Unless adequetely reinforced by a garrison fleet or lighter stationary weaponry, the station would be fodder for suicide drone ships, or, in the Vong's case, captured civilian freighters packed with baradium and doomed sacrifices.

And then, of course, there's the simple matter of cost. I doubt that they sell superlaser-equipped space stations down at Watto's Used and Refurbished.

Note that was in addition to STANDARD FOR A HEAVILY FORTIFIED WORLD.

I.e Kuat Drive yards, the major imperial sector commands, etc.

[Noble Ire]

Note that was in addition to STANDARD FOR A HEAVILY FORTIFIED WORLD.

I.e Kuat Drive yards, the major imperial sector commands, etc.

I realize that; I wasn't being critical of your concept. My point was that having a superlaser doesn't make one unbeatable in any case. Indeed, my countertactic might work even against an otherwise well-defended world; the Yuuzhan Vong conquest used a large fleet of suicide ships to overwhelm the planetary defensive grid, even with the presence of a thousands-strong garrison fleet.

[ray245]

How do you make a world as defended as terra in WH40K in star wars universe, that being near the world will be a mistake?

[LeftWingExtremist]

How do you make a world as defended as terra in WH40K in star wars universe, that being near the world will be a mistake?

Well this is only a normal world, not something as important as Terra. You would need a few sector fleets in order to match that of Terra's at least.

[Shroom Man 777]

If mine's a Naboo-ish world, minus the whole being a capital planet and such, I'd just have half a dozen warships (Victories, Venators or something), with a sizable quantity of fighters, support vessels and the like. Modify civilian craft for anti-piracy duty. Our own indigenous design for a defense station, or a modified Trade Fed donut ship. Theater shields over the main cities. Underground bunkers for other cities. Lots of food stores.

I'd get a lot of surplus refurbished Clone Wars era vehicles for the army, and have a volunteer military. Train them well, since we don't need too many soldiers, and equip them well. Think of New Zealand or Australia. Make our special forces truly something grand.

After this, I'd start buying crappy Clone Wars era battledroids, not too many, but I'd buy an amount every year until, eventually, I'd have a metric shitload of them. Keep them in hidden underground bases.

I'd train the citizens in weapons and stuff, so if we do get subjugated, they will have at least some training in case they choose to resist.

Mercenaries might be an option if shit hits the fan.

If we have a small moon, I'd weaponize it. A slow project to build turbolaser battery after turbolaser battery on its surface until, after a few years, we end up with a Death Star jr. Turn it to a forward base also.

Only half of these things I've mentioned will be fully implemented, I'm afraid.