The Nova-class Frigate is part of a class of Space Marine vessels collectively known as Rapid Strike Vessels. Of all the vessels used by the fleets of the Adeptus Astartes, it is the Nova-class Frigate that the Imperial Navy, always a rival of the Astartes' fleet arms, most takes exception to. It lacks sufficient size to truly fulfil the deployment and planetary assault roles for which Space Marine warships are primarily intended and its Lance armament and speed make it a menacing gunboat in its own right. As such, the Nova remains rare in most Space Marine fleets, a trend the Imperial Navy, the Inquisition and other Imperial institutions perpetually concerned with maintaining the balance of power within the Imperium would dearly love to see continue.