"Zazasti", Popolra-class Supply Escort

"No wonder the Empire wiped out the Geonosians—couldn't have a bunch of bugs out-designing the best minds on Blybos and Kaut."

— Sgt. Fenri Kel

Originally built 200 years before the Clone Wars, the Geonosian-manufactured Popolra-class escort frigate was designed to offer support to installations and larger cruisers by defending against starfighter attacks.

The length of its 350-meter long hull was pockmarked with laser cannons, making it a fearsome threat against freighters, troop carriers, and starfighter squadrons. It had two missile launchers for deterring other light capital ships, and was equipped with several ventral sonic cannons, intended for use against entrenched ground forces.

Much of the frigate's interior was dedicated hangar space. The Popolra was able to deploy 3-4 starfighters, depending on size. Staffed largely by droids, the Popolra only required a crew of 15 organics to operate at peak capabilities, and only a few needed to be naval officers. The rest were engineers and droid mechanics.

Zazasti, a refurbished Popolra frigate, was owned by Countess Helona, a wealthy patron in the Outer Rim treasure worlds who gifted the vessel to the Federation of Free Systems volunteer navy in 5 ABY. Given the Federation's limited personnel, the ship's automated and droid-operated systems proved handy. Admiral Yima first assigned the Zazasti to patrol Federation supply lines between Batuu and Pam'ba, where its primary purpose was deterring and fending off Ghora Gang raiders.