The Al'kesh is a powerful Goa'uld medium-range bomber and troop carrier used to attack fortified positions on planetary surfaces, serving a support role during invasions by System Lords. It is larger than the Tel'tak scout ship and Death Glider, yet much smaller than the Ha'tak mothership. Following the defeat of the Goa'uld, the Al'kesh has also been used by cultures that were formerly under Goa'uld domination, such as the Free Jaffa and the Lucian Alliance.