The Detroit Class was produced as the light Cruiser counterpart to the Asia class, although it did not enter service until some 20 years after the Asia class. They were intended to supplement the earlier Eclipse class cruiser, but they were found to be not as versatile.

The class had some notable firsts, including the first shuttlebays on the aft edge of the primary hull, either side of the impulse drive.

The roles intended for the class were mainly exploration and transport, and although relatively lightly armed the class could hold its own in combat.

The class was relegated to second line roles in the late 2240s when the Anton and Tyrannus class commissioned, and the surviving ships were finally withdrawn in the 2260s as they were judged to be unsuitable for upgrading