Developed prior to the Battle of Hoth, this starfighter was used extensively in unpublicised campaigns. It was deployed only with elite and ultra-loyal fighter units, due to its enormous expense. For economic reasons, production declined after Palpatine's fall.

The TIE Advanced sports paired SFS P-s5.6 twin ion engines (as compared to the SFS P-s4) for a far more powerful drive system than that of a standard TIE. It has four SFS L-s1 Laser Cannons, and unlike the standard TIE models, the Advanced features both a shield generator and a small hyperdrive. Similarly to other TIE craft, the T/A still lacks internal life-support generators.

The TIE Advanced was initially produced in only very small numbers. Lord Darth Vader received one of the vessels for his personal missions; most of the other ships were deployed to elite Imperial squadrons for field testing. The model never entered large-scale production.

The Empire decided not to order the Advanced in large quantities because of its excessive cost. The Empire instead opted for the TIE Interceptors to begin replacing their standard TIE Fighters. While the Interceptors lacked hyperdrives and shields, they were fast and maneuverable, and significantly cheaper than the T/A. The surplus of officers eliminated the need for more pilot protection. By the Battle of Endor, the large increase in TIE Interceptor production meant the end of production for the TIE Advanced, until the establishment of large scale factions such as the Emperor's Hammer. Now, along with other advanced designs, the T/A is a main staple of the fleet.

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