The Third Battle of Coruscant was the final step in Emperor Bacharan Valak's offensive of 9 ABY. The battle was fought over the period of over one month, and began with the arrival of the Imperial Navy, spearheaded by the HIMS Palpatine and Vice Admiral Airion Cimber. The New Republic defense fleet engaged Imperial forces in one of the more intense conflicts of the Galactic Civil War, taking thousands of lives and hundreds of capital ships. The Imperial fleet, however, proved too overpowering for the Republic defense fleet, and the Republic Navy was routed.