CLASS: FIGHTER

Initial skirmishes against these ships were heavily tilted in the enemies favour by the inability of Starfleets shielding systems to repel fire from the Phased Polaron weapons; in terms of actual firepower, shield strength and manoeuvrability the Jem'Hadar fighter is not dissimilar to a Klingon Bird of Prey. It is used in a similar role, i.e. as a general purpose scout and light attack craft, capable of landing on planetary surfaces and operating small numbers of ground troops.   Neutralizing the Jem'Hadars ability to fire through Starfleet shields therefore became a priority. This effort was initially unsuccessful, but in 2373 the Defiant recovered a crashed fighter craft from a planet in the gamma quadrant. Although somewhat damaged, the ship provided a wealth of technical information to Starfleet, most especially in the capabilities of Dominion weaponry. With a fully functional polaron beam weapon recovered, Starfleet R&D was able to formulate a series of measures that dramatically increased the ability of a standard shield system to withstand these weapons. A great deal was also learned about the power systems and general capabilities of the craft; indeed, the ship was eventually repaired and utilized by Starfleet on a covert mission which resulted in the destruction of a Dominion facility.   The fighter craft remains a significant threat, now because of its sheer numbers rather than its technological edge. The ships, like their Jem'Hadar crews, are designed for ease of manufacture and several shipyards are thought to be in operation in the alpha quadrant. Despite combat losses, these ships are appearing in ever greater numbers.