Like the Sword-class Frigates, the Gladius is armed only with middle-sized weaponry, but its engines are 20% more powerful than those used by the Sword-class. This allows the Gladius-class to be unusually mobile, darting into holes in an enemy starship force's line and using its weapons batteries to unusually potent effect. The Gladius-class has a standard Void Shield array for an Escort vessel, but as a Space Marine starship carries a more potent turret array than is normal for a starship of its size, which is comparable to that found on a standard Imperial Navy Cruiser.