Pirates are non-player ships or entities that can be destroyed for gain. They are displayed as orange targets in the system map. They will appear in solar systems and will linger around for a while.

Select a pirate fleet in the system map and send out a fleet if you want to attack it. You'll see the strength of their fleet and might get rewards from destroying it! You can view the results of a fight in the battle report you'll receive to your inbox shortly after the fight.