The Tonga-class was a 24th century Cardassian starship design. The Tonga-class was originally deployed to the Cardassian fleet in the first quarter of the 24th century. The vessel was eventually replaced by other Cardassian vessels and retired from service. Cardassians revisited the design in 2372, due to the Klingon invasion of the Cardassian Union that year. The invasion had taxed the Cardassian military and in an effort to bolster their forces the Tonga got its second life.