The Akif-class was one of the early series of D7-class Klingon battlecruiser starships in use around the time of the 23rd century. Many of these vessels were transferred to the service of the Romulan Star Empire as a result of a mid-23rd century alliance between the two powers. (TOS - Rihannsu novel: The Romulan Way) Khre'Riov Ael t'Rllaillieu considered the Akif-class poor in comparison to the Vas Hatham-class warbird, as they were built by the lowest bidder, but admitted that they had good weapons. (TOS - Rihannsu novel: My Enemy, My Ally)