The first encounter between Starfleet and Dominion forces occurred in 2370 when the USS Odyssey, accompanied by three Runabout class vessels, was attacked by three Jem'Hadar fighters. The results were spectacular - the Odyssey and all Runabouts suffered heavy damage during the brief battle. When the Starfleet forces began to retreat, a Jem'Hadar vessel rammed the Galaxy class ship, rupturing one of her nacelles and destroying her with all hands. The Runabouts escaped, but it was later learned that this was a deliberate action on the part of the Dominion in order to insert a covert agent into the alpha quadrant.
Faced with a probable Dominion invasion, Starfleet sent the Defiant into the gamma quadrant to negotiate with the founders. The ship encountered a force of Jem'Hadar fighters and was rapidly overwhelmed, a defeat that did nothing to calm the situation at Starfleet command. It seemed that these vessels comprehensively outclassed Starfleets best and most powerful designs in every respect.

In fact, subsequent experience has allowed a more realistic appraisal. Initial skirmishes against these ships were heavily tilted in the enemies favour by the inability of Starfleets shielding systems to repel fire from the Phased Polaron weapons; in terms of actual firepower, shield strength and manoeuvrability the Jem'Hadar fighter is not dissimilar to a Klingon Bird of Prey. It is used in a similar role, i.e. as a general purpose scout and light attack craft, and is capable of landing on planetary surfaces and operating small numbers of ground troops.

Neutralizing the Jem'Hadar's ability to fire through Starfleet shields therefore became a priority. This effort was initially unsuccessful, but in 2373 the Defiant recovered a crashed fighter craft from a planet in the gamma quadrant. Although somewhat damaged, the ship provided a wealth of technical information to Starfleet, most especially in the capabilities of Dominion weaponry. With a fully functional polaron beam weapon recovered, Starfleet R&D was able to formulate a series of measures that dramatically increased the ability of a standard shield system to withstand these weapons. A great deal was also learned about the power systems and general capabilities of the craft; indeed, the ship was eventually repaired and utilized by Starfleet on a covert mission which resulted in the destruction of a Dominion facility.

The fighter craft remains a significant threat, now because of its sheer numbers rather than its technological edge. The ships, like their Jem'Hadar crews, are designed for ease of manufacture and several shipyards are thought to be in operation in the alpha quadrant. Despite combat losses, these ships are appearing in ever greater numbers.