Fleet Modernization Program
The Star Fleet Modernization Program was a standardization project by the Federation Star Fleet, initially implemented in the early 2370s. The project was implemented as a result of the increasing number of wars the Federation was fighting and the increasing need for more vessels that could fulfil combat roles in Star Fleet, rather than dedicated explorer designs. The project was criticised by many for its supposed "militarization" of Star Fleet. The name also referred to starships developed as a part of the project. The program was suspended in 2390, when a purpose-built military Star Fleet was deemed to be required in the face of multiple aggressors.
The program was resurrected in 2417 under the guidance of Vice Admiral Braggins as part of Star Fleet's rediscovered scientific and exploration mandate in an era of peace. New classes would still be able to defend themselves, but would be scientific and exploration vessels first and foremost.
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Early History: 2370-2390
Defiant class
The Defiant-class starship, officially an escort, began development around 2367 as a small, highly-powered, heavily-armed warship intended to defend the United Federation of Planets against the Borg.
The Defiant prototype was pulled out of storage in 2371 when the Dominion threat emerged. After several upgrades by Deep Space 9 Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien, the ship was deemed worthy of use and more ships of the class were constructed. This class was the first of three classes in the Star Fleet Modernization Program.
Sovereign class
The Sovereign-class starship was introduced in the late 24th century as a replacement for the Galaxy-class Explorer, showcasing some of Star Fleet's most recent technological advances. By the beginning of the First General War in 2390, there were 87 starships of this class in service.
Prometheus class
The Prometheus class was a Federation starship class in service to Star Fleet designed for deep-space tactical assignments. It was one of the most advanced Star Fleet vessels in operation during the latter half of the 24th century.
New Generation: 2418 -
Beckett class
Following the Krynar War, Star Fleet was determined to return to its roots of exploration and diplomacy. To reaffirm the return to its original mission, Star Fleet set their sights on creating a new generation of starship with long-term, deep space missions in mind. The ship combines the latest in Federation technologies, with sleek 25th century design, and all the comforts to support families on long-term assignments. Utilizing a new design of warp nacelles and a more efficient warp energy system, the Beckett-class is faster and more efficient than previous vessels, allowing for longer missions between resupply. The design allow integrates new technologies developed out of the Krynar War, the Borg Invasion, and other technological innovations.
The first vessel of the class, the USS Beckett, CX-2000 was launched in early 2418.
Vesta class
The Vesta-class was first proposed in 2380, but the project never got off the ground due to budgetary concerns and the increasing militarisation of Star Fleet. The class was designed as a multi-mission explorer and was intended to be a test-bed for a number of experimental technologies, including quantum slipstream drive. The design languished for nearly forty years before being acted upon, with the test vessel launching in September 2418 using technology also incorporated into the Beckett-class while the former was subjected to rigorous testing following her disastrous maiden voyage.
The first production vessel of the class, the , launched in early 2419.
New Auxiliary Craft
To match the new designs entering service, the program developed several new designs of small craft: the Archangel-class was designed to replace the venerable Type-1 Runabout, while the Type 10 and Type 11 were introduced to replace the Type-7 and 9A respectively. These new designs were not ready when the USS Beckett commissioned, but are standard-issue on the Vesta-class Explorers.
