The Arquitens-class light cruiser, alternatively referred to as the Jedi light cruiser or Republic light cruiser, and subsequently the Imperial light cruiser, represented a series of light cruisers crafted by Kuat Drive Yards. These cruisers played a significant role within the Republic Navy throughout the Clone Wars. While their service under the Galactic Empire was more limited, Kuat Drive Yards later modernized them into an enhanced model for the Imperial Navy, known as the Arquitens-class command cruiser.
Arquitens-class vessels were constructed upon a wide, kite-shaped hull, consistent with the triangular design principle of Kuat Drive Yards, also noticeable in contemporary designs like the Venator and Acclamator-classes. Distinctive features included its trio of potent engines (resembling those of the smaller Consular-class space cruiser) and the two forward spars that divided the ship's triangular front.
The bridge was a compact, T-shaped command structure situated on the hull's top, accompanied by two turreted quad light turbolasers; identical placements were also found on the ventral side. Quad laser batteries on the port and starboard sides enhanced the cruiser's anti-fighter and anti-ship capabilities. These batteries could be drawn into the hull for atmospheric operations. The ship also featured two pairs of forward ordinance launchers. These launchers typically deployed concussion missiles, though any standard Republic Navy ordinance was compatible.
Arquitens-class light cruisers were relatively small ships; similar to the modernized Consular-class, the Confederacy navy considered them "escort-class" vessels, contrasting with the "cruiser-class" Venators. Nonetheless, their adaptability allowed them to fulfill various roles, including convoy escort, reconnaissance, and support for larger capital ships. They gained the respect of both their crews and opposing forces.
Upon the Clone Wars commencing in 22 BBY, Arquitens-class light cruisers were quickly integrated into the Republic Navy. One such vessel, the Surrogator, served in Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi's fleet during the Battle of Saleucami. It acted as a diversion for General Grievous, drawing his attention away from the Jedi boarding party attempting to rescue the captured Eeth Koth on Grievous's own flagship. During the battle, Grievous's flagship targeted and destroyed the Surrogator at close range.
Several Arquitens-class light cruisers were part of the fleet defending Kamino during the attack by Grievous and Asajj Ventress. These ships also participated in the later engagement against Ventress's fleet in the Sullust system.
After receiving a distress signal from the Togruta colonists of Kiros, Jedi Master Yoda dispatched a group including Arquitens-class light cruisers and a Venator-class Star Destroyer to investigate. Following the transfer of the slaves to a slave processing facility on Kadavo, the Hand of Justice, an Arquitens-class cruiser commanded by Admiral Barton Coburn, positioned itself beneath the facility to deploy the Wolfpack for the rescue operation. After the troops brought the freed slaves onboard, Coburn's ship departed as Plo Koon and his squadron destroyed the facility.
An Arquitens-class vessel participated in the Battle of Ringo Vinda near the war's end.
Following the Republic's transition into the Galactic Empire, Republic light cruisers remained in service within the Imperial Navy. The Thunder Wasp, an Imperial light cruiser under Commander Alfren Cheno's command, was part of Admiral Carlou Gendling's task force during the pacification of Umbara. Chiss Captain Thrawn and Ensign Eli Vanto served on the Thunder Wasp, aiding in the destruction of a vulture droid transmission station, which effectively secured the Empire's victory.
During the Batonn sector insurgency, Admiral Thrawn led three Imperial light cruisers—Shyrack, Flensor, and Tumnor—in the assault against Nightswan's forces on Scrim Island. Although a concealed ion cannon emplacement disabled these cruisers, Thrawn ordered his fleet to bombard the surrounding waters, triggering a tsunami that overwhelmed the base and neutralized its defenses. Later, Thrawn used the cruisers as bait to lure Nightswan's ships into attacking his command ship Chimaera. Nightswan's ships bypassed the cruisers, which then deployed repair barges containing TIE fighters to neutralize Nightswan's fleet.
Some years before 4 BBY, the Imperial Navy recalled the remaining former Republic light cruisers for a comprehensive modernization at Kuat Drive Yards, as part of a service life extension program. The interior was essentially emptied and replaced with significantly improved systems to maximize speed, agility, combat effectiveness, and power output. This refit generation became the first of the Arquitens-class command cruisers. These command cruisers could undergo further modifications under the Class 546 program, transforming them into Class 546 Cruisers.
Nevertheless, some unmodified light cruisers remained in Imperial service throughout the Galactic Civil War. One Arquitens-class, serving as a transport carrying credits seized from the Son-tuul Pride crime syndicate, was hijacked in the Anthan system in 0 ABY. Darth Vader and Inspector Thanoth also utilized a light cruiser during their investigation of the heist. Three of these ships also intercepted Princess Leia Organa's convoy following the Battle of Hoth.
The Arquitens-class light cruiser made its debut in "Grievous Intrigue," an episode of The Clone Wars.
Darth Vader (2015) 12 incorrectly depicts the Arquitens-class light cruisers with bridges resembling those of Imperial-class Star Destroyers. Star Wars Insider 217 erroneously refers to Gideon's light cruiser in "The Anti-Hero's Journey" as an Arquitens-class light cruiser, when it is actually a Class 546-modified Arquitens-class command cruiser.