A type 4 stealth assault was a military tactic employed by The Hierarchy of the Delta Quadrant. This tactic was a more direct approach than a type 3 stealth assault, and involved immediate direct weapons fire upon the target vessel before any demands were issued. Additionally, phaser frequencies were rotated continuously. Due to its large cost in power and resources, The Hierarchy normally did not employ it unless it felt that the reward from the target was worth more than the risk.