The mainstay destroyer of the CDF since the beginning of the war. It is better-armed than the preceding Galahad though it maintains the same tonnage. Most of the mass savings resulted from the removal of ammunition lockers and a reduced reliance on ammo-based weapons. It also features a smaller and more efficient engine assembly.

The magnetic-cannon armament has been reduced to three dual turrets containing new 200mm automatic-fire models. Particle Cannons are still mounted on the bow and aft, with two additional Neutron Cannons per broadside arc. Point-defense consists of eight point-defense X-Ray Pulse Lasers. Instead of having three Ion Thrust Engines, the designers of the Gladius use two larger and newer Ion Thrust Engines, giving the Gladius the same acceleration ability as the Galahad while saving space.

Notable Gladius Class Ships

CSV Mantinea
A Gladius-class destroyer that Yoseph Cohen and Sheila Thompson served on together in their early careers.

Other Gladius ships still in service include CSV Falchion, CSV Horatio Benson, and CSV Dudley Morton.