The Bayonet-class Light Cruiser is an old, nearly obsolete light cruiser introduced by Republic Sienar Systems as an escort for Rendili StarDrive's Dreadnaught-class Heavy Cruiser at least a century before Palpatine became Supreme Chancellor. Sienar Fleet Systems continued producing the Bayonet-class (with an improved x1 hyperdrive) during the early years of the Empire, but it now fills a much less glamorous role: interdiction, patrol, and anti-piracy operations.