Project 1159-class (Koni)

🇩🇿 Algeria • 🇧🇬 Bulgaria • 🇨🇺 Cuba • 🇪🇬 Egypt • 🇩🇪 Ex-East Germany • 🇳🇱 Ex-Yugoslavia • 🇩🇪 Germany • 🇱🇾 Libya • 🇷🇸 Serbia

Project 1159, designated Del'fin and known by the NATO reporting name Koni class, is a series of anti-submarine warfare frigates developed by the Soviet Union. Fourteen vessels were constructed at the Zelenodolsk shipyard between 1975 and 1988. Although originally intended to replace the Riga-class frigate within the Soviet Navy, the design was instead utilized for export to allied nations. The class was produced in two primary variants: the Koni I, configured for European maritime conditions, and the Koni II, modified for operation in warmer climates.

The Project 1159 design utilizes a three-shaft Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, a configuration shared with Project 1124 corvettes. This arrangement employs a gas turbine on the center shaft for high-speed transit and diesel engines on the outer shafts for economical cruising. Armament comprises twin dual-purpose gun mountings, anti-aircraft guns, and depth charge launchers, with provision for naval mines. Certain units, specifically those in the Koni II variant, were equipped with anti-ship missile launchers. Libyan vessels featured a modified layout with these launchers positioned forward of the bridge. Sensor suites include hull-mounted and dipping sonar alongside radar systems for target acquisition and fire control.

The Soviet Navy retained only the lead ship, Del'fin, for the purpose of training foreign crews in the Black Sea before transferring it to Bulgaria in 1990. The remaining vessels were distributed among international operators, including Algeria, Cuba, East Germany, Libya, and Yugoslavia. Following German reunification, the former Volksmarine units were briefly held by the German Navy before being decommissioned and scrapped. Yugoslav vessels were transferred to the Navy of Serbia and Montenegro before their eventual disposal.

In the Algerian National Navy, three ships remain in service and have undergone modernization programs to integrate new electronics, torpedo tubes, and anti-ship missiles. The Libyan vessel Al Ghardabia was sunk during the 2011 civil war, while the sister ship Al Hani was captured by the National Transitional Council and later moved to Malta. Of the three ships delivered to Cuba, two were scuttled in shallow water to serve as artificial reefs and diving attractions. Currently, only a small number of Project 1159 frigates remain in active operational service.