The Arethusa class refers to a group of light cruisers built for the Royal Navy during the early 1940s. These ships were designed for various roles, including anti-aircraft defense and fleet support. The class was named after the lead ship, HMS Arethusa, and featured advanced radar and weaponry for their time. The Arethusa class consisted of six ships, which were notable for their speed and agility. They played significant roles in World War II, participating in various naval operations. Their design influenced later classes of cruisers, contributing to the evolution of naval warfare technology.