The Nebulon-C assault frigate is Kuat Drive Yard's successor to the highly successful EF-76 Nebulon-B. Designed along similar lines as its predecessor, the Nebulon-C features a similar axe shaped design, with a deep forward section connected to the main engine section aft by a thin connecting superstructure. The frigate features two horizontal, wing-like hull extensions to starboard, one forward on the main hull section and one aft on the propulsion section. These additional wings house the power generators and additional crew for the frigate's increased armament.

Conceived as a heavy frigate capable of fighting off other warships in a similar weight class, the Nebulon-C boasts twice the number of turbolasers carried by its predecessor. These turbolasers are grouped into a number of batteries, rather than individually mounted around the hull. This allows for heavy, concentrated fire on warship sized targets, ensuring the frigate can fight off pirates, commerce raiders and even light capital ships. In addition to its turbolaser batteries, the ship boasts two heavy proton torpedo launchers forward, as well as a number of quad laser mountings to defend itself from small, agile attackers.

This improved armament has come at a slight cost in durability, due to the power consumption from the heavy weapons and the Nebulon-C's shields are not quite as stout as it's older cousin. Additionally, cargo capacity has been reduced by the ducting and trunking needed by cooling systems and fire control necessitated by the heavy turbolaser batteries. This reduces the number of small craft carried, compared to the Nebulon-B. Despite these drawbacks, large numbers of Nebulon-C frigates are being constructed at shipyards across the galaxy, and the type promises to be a staple sight in defense fleets into the foreseeable future.