A ship optimized for fighting in space would concentrate maximum firepower into the smallest practical hull while preserving manoeuvrability. The Galaxy's larger, multipurpose layout reflects a different mission rather than weak combat capability. The compact and aggressive Defiant is not automatically a battleship because combat orientation alone does not settle a ship's type. The scarcity of clear Federation battleships in on-screen canon is especially striking during the Dominion War, when a specialist battle line ought to be most visible.
Chapter · 3:11-5:05
Cruiser flexibility versus a combat-specialist ship
The Galaxy's broad mission contrasts with a combat specialist, yet combat orientation alone does not make the Defiant a battleship.