The Achilles-class Light Cruiser was designed to fill a versatile role in the MMA Navy. It is fast and nimble enough to deploy as a convoy escort, and powerful enough to serve as a frontline combat vessel in fleet engagements. As with all MMA-produced combat vessels, the ship features the innovative harjel repair system, a set of backup shields rated at one-third the power of the ship's standard shields, and the new PDS in addition to the ship's standard weaponry and defenses.