Development on the Akira-class starship project began in the mid 2360's at Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards orbiting Mars. With the Borg and Dominion threats becoming more serious, production was stepped up and began in the early 2370's. The ship was designed and launched simultaneously with several new starship classes, including the Sovereign, Norway, Sabre and Steamrunner classes. They share similar design specifications, intending to defend the Federation from a Borg or Dominion invasion. In 2372, the U.S.S. Akira NCC-63646 shakedown cruise was a success and production began on several starships, which have become a major part of Starfleet's defenses.

The Akira-class starship is classified as an Light Cruiser starship. It is designed for deep-space exploration and defensive missions. Its advanced armament also make it a formidable combat-oriented warship. It includes the new Type-XII phasers and Mark-X quantum torpedoes in addition to photon torpedoes and Tricobalt explosives.

The Akira utilizes a new, more efficient warp design that allows it to safely travel at warp speeds without damaging subspace. It also features the bio-circuitry and gel packs developed and refined in the Intrepid-class starships.

In 2373, the Borg began an invasion of the Federation and a Borg cube set a direct course for Sector 001, Earth. Four Akira-class starships, including the U.S.S. Akira and the U.S.S. Thunderchild NCC-63549, were part of Admiral Hayes' fleet. Along with the new Sovereign-class U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E, they were instrumental in stopping the Borg vessel from assimilating Earth. They also played a major part in the Dominion war in 2374.