The Arquitens-class light cruiser, also known as the Jedi light cruiser or Republic light cruiser and later the Imperial light cruiser, was a line of light cruisers designed by Kuat Drive Yards that saw extensive service with the Republic Navy during the Clone Wars. They would go on to see limited service under the Galactic Empire, though Kuat Drive Yards would later refit them into an updated variant for the Imperial Navy, the Arquitens-class command cruiser.
The Arquitens-class were built on a broad, kite-shaped hull, in line with the Kuat Drive Yards triangular design motif that was also reflected in its contemporaries, the Venator and Acclamator-classes. It was set apart, however, by its three powerful engines (reminiscent of the smaller Consular-class space cruiser), as well as its two forward spars cleaved into the ship’s triangular bow.
The bridge was a small T-shaped command tower positioned atop the hull, flanked by two turret-mounted quad light turbolasers; these were matched by identical emplacements, located on the ventral side. The cruiser’s anti-fighter and anti-ship capabilities were bolstered by the quad laser batteries mounted port and starboard. All of the batteries could be retracted into the hull in the case of atmospheric operations. Additionally, the ship also had two pairs of forward ordinance launchers. Its ordinance launchers were typically equipped with concussion missiles, but any standard Republic Navy ordinance could be used.
Arquitens-class light cruisers were relatively small vessels; like the retrofitted Consular-class, they were regarded as «escort-class» vessels by the Confederacy navy in contrast with the Venators, identified as «cruiser-class.» However, their versatility allowed them to serve in various roles, such as escorting convoys, performing reconnaissance pickets, and supporting larger capital ships. They earned the respect of both their crews and their enemy counterparts.