Bantra class

History
The Bantra class was the first warp capable combat vessel designed by the Bajorans after the end of the Cardassian Occupation. Work on the project began less then a year after the occupation ended when plans to establish a new Bajoran Colony in the Gamma Quadrant were proposed and the Bajoran government wished for the militia to be responsible for its defense and escorting vessels traveling between any new Bajoran colonies and Bajor. However the need to rebuild the Bajorn industrial base delayed the project by several years as did a freeze on construction during the Dominion's occupation of the Bajoran system and the first vessel wasn't launched until 2376.

Only a dozen Bantra class vessels were completed before Bajor joined the Federation and the gradual reduction of Bajoran militia space operations that ensued. Being assigned to one of thse ships was considered to be among the most prestigious posts in the milita.

Features
The vessel uses Bajoran designed systems exclusively including the weapons array. While Bajor could have obtained Type IX Phasers as well as more effective sensors from its Federation allies the urge to build the vessel with no outside help led to the vessel being equipped with locally produced Type J Phasers which traded energy efficiency, a a little range for a slight boost in damage output.