So now that tractor beams make having a nav token really important, will ion cannons perhaps have a role in a fleet that specializes in making the enemy hang around?

Very interesting point !

They should be better at dropping shields and putting weapons and control systems out of action

Yep. Was thinking of this combo myself.

This also prevents Wulff from getting the Nav Token back as it is discarded and not spent.

And note that the X-wing Raider introduced the ion cannons upgrade. so we may get them in the armada expansion too.

And note that the X-wing Raider introduced the ion cannons upgrade. so we may get them in the armada expansion too.

Given that the picture for Ion Cannons in both Armada and X-Wing is specifically a picture of the guns on a Raider, I'd say it's pretty well guaranteed.

With that in mind, Raider + Overload Pulse + Screed flanking an Avenger ISD is going to be a popular combo.

You mean Ion Cannon Batteries or ion cannons in general?

You mean Ion Cannon Batteries or ion cannons in general?

I took it to mean the Ion Cannon upgrade slot and the associated upgrade cards in general.

Well the raider description in "here they come" specifically talks about Ion cannons too.

Assuming the Raider can in fact equip ion cannon upgrades I think they will be a great platform - overload pulse and ion cannon batteries with Screed will be a great support option. And that's before the Wave 2 Ion cards....