The Dresden-class refers to a group of light cruisers built for the Imperial German Navy during the early 20th century. These ships were designed for reconnaissance and escort duties, featuring a combination of speed and firepower. The class included several notable vessels, such as the SMS Dresden, which served in World War I. The Dresden-class cruisers were characterized by their relatively small size and advanced engineering for the time. They typically displaced around 5,000 tons and were armed with a mix of naval guns and torpedoes. Their design reflected the naval strategies of the era, emphasizing mobility and versatility in various maritime operations.