Fighters are small 1 man craft which can be built (given available cash & minerals etc.). They are launched during battles from planets (free dependent on no. of defense posts), StarBases or ships. Some races build these for nothing (although minerals and supplies may be required).

A fighter is a small interceptor based around a small warp engine. Fighters are small and inexpensive, but possess only light firepower and no armor. Fighters are the weakest kind of ship and are particularly vulnerable to GDMs and starships. Only capitals, base planets and transport bases build these ships.

a bit of a stretch