The Raider is the primary Cylon assault craft, first encountered during the destruction of the Twelve Colonies. The ship is actually a bio–mechanical, self–aware living creature, with a complex system of organs, veins and biological fluids inside its main body.

The Cylon Raider is armed with two kinetic energy guns, and it may sometimes carry conventional and nuclear missiles. Capable of FTL jumps, Raiders are also very maneuverable and hard to keep in sight for more than a few seconds.