During the late 2660s, the Terran Confederation was in a dire need for heavy carriers that could match the prowess of the Kilrathi Snakeir and Bhantkara classes. During this period of time, the Kilrathi were in possession of over 20 fleet carriers, compared to a mere 10 for the Confederation. In response to this strategic disadvantage, the Terran Confederation commissioned the construction of a new class of fleet carriers that were designed to be both self-sufficient and comparable to the strength of the superior carriers fielded by the Kilrathi Empire.