From recloaking with an Advanced Cloaking Device to shedding the ill effects of a Blinded Pilot critical, several abilities trigger or are influenced by 'performing an attack'. Does a ship have to have a target to 'perform an attack'?

As we all know from R2-D2 & Threepio's narrow escape from the Tantive IV in Episode IV, we do indeed have to pay by the laser now.

Yes, you have to have a valid target. You can't fire at nothing, or a friendly ship.

Yea. If you can dodge a phantom arc it is hosed.

I attack the darkness!

I attack the darkness!

And then, having failed to hit the endless blackness of space, you know the true meaning of embarrassment.

*laughter*

Okay, Okay, You attack the darkness. You see an elf!

Whoah, is that me?

Yes, he has blonde hair and blue eyes

No I have grey eyes!

Let me see that... it says here you have blue eyes

No I want to change it! I have grey eyes

CAN I HAVE A MOUNTAIN DEW??!!

You need a valid target.

Rulebook page 10:

1. Declare Target
During this step, the attacker (the active ship) must
declare its target (the ship he wishes to attack). The
target ship must be inside the attacker’s firing arc
and within range.

I attack the darkness!

And then, having failed to hit the endless blackness of space, you know the true meaning of embarrassment.

Should have used something other than magic missile.

I don't know what an Implosion Waistcoat is but I want one

You want to wear a coat around your waist (think a few inches farther down!!) that then IMPLODES?

Rather tough on any future children, na?