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return of the jedi - If the Galactic Empire had over 25,000 Star Destroyers, why were only 27 at the Battle of Endor?


At the height of its power, the Galactic Empire operated over 25,000 Imperial class Star Destroyers. Only 27 of them participated in the Battle of Endor.



Why were so few at the battle?


Scene where rebel fleet pulls back from Death Star 2 to see 27 Imperial Star Destroyers trapping them at Endor. Side note: the link for the Battle of Endor says there were 27 ISD's there, but I count 32 within this image from the movie.


enter image description here


Were the other 24,973 of them deployed around the galaxy? In maintenance shops getting new parts?


Was the Emperor overconfident in his navy? Or overconfident in Death Star 2?





The destroyers were there only to prevent the rebels from escaping, and it might be easier to do that with 50 or a 100 ships instead of a mere 27.


Bottom line: it would be a better trap if the Empire had brought in more firepower.



what-if #13,


I prefer answers from canon sources instead of speculative answers.


Edit to Add: Thanks to Nat for tracking down the source of the number of Imperial Star Destroyers. The number comes from the June 1993 edition of the book, "Star Wars Imperial Sourcebook" by Greg Gorden. The number is also mentioned in the game, Star Wars Uprising.



Answer



From the script (with my emphasis):



MON MOTHMA: The data brought to us by the Bothan spies pinpoints the exact location of the Emperor's new battle station. We also know that the weapon systems of this Death Star are not yet operational. With the Imperial Fleet spread throughout the galaxy in a vain effort to engage us, it is relatively unprotected.



So yes, the rest of the fleet was indeed deployed elsewhere around the galaxy.


However:




LUKE: Your overconfidence is your weakness.



And:



EMPEROR: From here you will witness the final destruction of the Alliance, and the end of your insignificant Rebellion.



And:



VADER: What of the reports of the Rebel fleet massing near Sullust?



EMPEROR: It is of no concern. Soon the Rebellion will be crushed and young Skywalker will be one of us! Your work here is finished, my friend. Go out to the command ship and await my orders.



And:



EMPEROR: It was I who allowed the Alliance to know the location of the shield generator. It is quite safe from your pitiful little band. An entire legion of my best troops awaits them.



So yes, the Emperor was indeed also overconfident.


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