Berlin-class light frigate

"It can almost catch a Berlin!"

- UNSC sailor's slang, referring to the frigate's slow speed.

The Berlin-class light frigate (: FFE) is a light warship utilised by the  before the. Introduced during a period of military rearming in the wake of increased colonial unrest, the Berlin is considered the grand-father of modern frigates, introducing many new concepts that were considered unusual at the time but later became standard. The most obvious is its inclusion of a modular cargo-bay. This novel feature allowed it to carry a sizable ground element without the vulnerability exhibited by transports at the time, while enabling it to carry either more fuel or weapons depending on mission requirements. In addition, the Berlin was designed with atmospheric operations in mind, with downward-facing engines which could easily handle its weight. These two innovations made the frigate an incredibly versatile craft, despite being hampered by slow speeds and questionable design considerations, which contributed to it being fielded in large numbers.

Unfortunately, the Berlin was never considered a state-of-the-art vessel, which ensured it could be built quickly and cheaply. As a result, these frigates were quickly made obsolete upon the unveiling of the, which outclassed all prior designs thanks solely to its miniaturised. With their once-impressive armament made laughable overnight, the UNSC would slowly phase the Berlin out with a new line of warships armed with MACs. Given less positions to fulfil over its lifespan, these frigates would still find use until development concluded on the, which could perform every role a Berlin could better on its larger frame. Since its introduction, fewer and fewer remained in service, with most being scrapped or hijacked by opportunistic.

However, enough were still in use by both the UNSC and CMA that they would be called to defend the against the unexpected. Fully knowing that it would be a waste of resources and manpower to throw them against the Covenant, the Berlin would be reassigned to evacuate civilian population centres. They would also be used to coordinate the defence of such worlds, however, all this would still ensure that the frigates took heavy casualties. The last UNSC-controlled Berlin would be destroyed during the Siege of Chi Rho in. However, enough were hijacked by Insurrectionists that it remains impossible to discern whenever the class is truly extinct.