Petya class Frigates (1960)

One aspect of the Soviet Navy of the cold war, especially early phase in the 1950-60s was the emphasis on mass production, just as in interwar years. Famous examples of the time were the Project 613 Whiskey class submarines, and the Petya class ASW frigates. With 53 built, after the Skoriy class destroyers (70 ships), and Riga (68), they were the third most numerous surface ships in the Sovietsky Flot inventory. The Petya class were rather small and cheaper than the previous Project 42 Sokol (Kola class) Frigates as ASW escorts. With it also came international success, with the first of many escort, leading this old design to be still around today, notably with Vietnam, whereas most in Soviet services were discarded in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Context of Design

Petya I/IA
During the Second World War, Soviet sub-hunters of various designs were widely used in coastal waters of for inland convoy escort. Construction of the 122-bis project, which started in wartime continued during the first post-war ten-year military shipbuilding program of 1945-1955. This was a fairly successful project but also had a number of disadvantages: Low top speed, weak air defense, even for the 1950s. Therefore, research to develop of a new, more powerful, and largee submarine-hunter started, soon receiving the project number 159. However, constant requirements changes in combat capabilities led to a significant increase in displacement. For this new hull, a new, powerful but lightweight power plant in order to reach the high speed was also necessary, especially from 1957 when the US started a new submarine race, entering the nuclear age with USS Nautilus. In the end, some technical advisors well in tune with recent developments in powerplants in the west, suggeted a combined diesel-gas turbine unit as main power plant.

Requirements-based innovations

Gas Turbine to hunt down US SSNs:
The tactical and technical specifications for Project 159 were completed in 1955 and further development entrusted to the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau which chief designer was A.V. Kunakhovich, chief navy observer Captain 2nd Rank N.D. Kondratenko. Its main purpose was solely to fight submarines beyond all other priorities. Work was completed in 1956.
By this time, standard displacement exceeded 900 tons, and due to this, above classification as “large submarine hunter”, but now “patrol ship”. During the design process, for the first time in the world a workable M-2 afterburning gas turbine engine for a ship, rated for 15,000 hp, was successfully tested at YuTZ. This powerplant was adopted but split on a three-shaft arrangement, with the middle one linked to a diesel engine and variable pitch propeller for cruising flexibility, and side shafts to the gas turbine engines, to fixed pitch propellers. At full speed, all three worked together.

The Vietnamese HQ17

Thrusters for agility:
In cruise and harbor, only the middle shaft was in action, while decoupled outer shafts were freely rotating. However this single-shaft caused agility concerns in the confines of harbour and rivers, or when mooring, and it was decided, also for the first time, to install thrusters based on plans for late R-Boote WW2 designs from the East German company Plager. Later, domestically produced systems were installed for serial production. These VR-159 systems were rated for 6000 hp, studied by A.L. Luchansky, and it was presented as a triumph of domestic mechanical engineering at the time.

The first ASW light torpedoes

For the armament, self-defence was entrusted to two twin 76.2-mm AK-726 autocannons, guided by the Fut-B radar. But the innovation came from a bank firing a brand new type of anti-submarine small-sized torpedoes. There was a single five-tube bank of 400-mm torpedo tube installed admidship. More on that below. This was rounded by two pairs of RBU-2500 ASW rocket launchers installed fore and aft.

Construction program

Proyekt 159/159A
The lead ship, Project 159, numbered SKR-1, was built in 1961 at the Yantar shipyard (No. 820) in Kaliningrad. By 1965, the first series of these ships was built, N°19 and went on in Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and Khabarovsk Shipyard (No. 368). Later the design was altered to project 159-A but until May 1966 they were classified as anti-submarine ships.
They were not easy to built due to a number of innovations, as the first gas turbine-powered ships in the Soviet Navy. The role of these ships was anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters and they were similar to the Mirka-class frigates. Some of the ships designed for export replaced the 406 mm torpedo tubes with anti-ship 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes. They had above all a comprehensive sonar suite including VDS, also a first. The 54 ships were built in Kaliningrad Yantar shipyard (22, including exports) and Khabarovsk (32 ships, including exports). They were decommissioned in 1989-1992, but export vessels went on in service for much longer.

General two views schematics of Pr.159

Design of the class

Longitudinal section, Legend: 1 – depth charges; 2 – bombing post; 3 – pantries for various purposes; 4 – RBU-2500; 5 – post pickup RBU-2500; 6 – crew quarters for 26 people (+ 13 spare places); 7 – cabin of midshipmen and foremen for six people; 8 – 76-mm gun AK-726; 9 – turret compartment 76-mm gun AK-726; 10 – feed MO (DD); 11 – 400 mm TA PTA-40; 12 – feed power plant; 13 – nasal MO (GTE); 14 – AP of the station for setting active jamming “Tulip”; 15 – AP radar “Fut-N”; 16 – AP station RTR “Bizan-4B”; 17 – AP radar “Neptun-M”; 18 – navigation bridge; 19 – AP radar SUAO “Fut-N”; 20 – navigation cabin; 21 – wheelhouse; 22 – room for fans and heaters; 23 – corridor; 24 – spare control cabin of the power plant; 25 – officers’ cabin for two people; 26 – radio room; 27 – crew quarters for 26 people; 28 – crew quarters for 21 people (+ three spare places); 29 – steeple; 30 – degassing post; 31 – forepeak; 32 – chain box; 33 – pantry of wet provisions; 34 – crew quarters for eight people; 35 – the room of the refrigeration machine; 36 – fresh water tank; 37 – aggregate radar; 38 – cellar for 700 76-mm shots; 39 – posts of PUSB “Smerch-159” and equipment “Dozor”; 40 – the room of the air conditioning machine; 41 – central artillery post (TsARP); 42 – fuel tanks; 43 – gyropost; 44 – cellar RSL-25; 45 – sonar posts; 46 – antenna GAS “Titan”; 47 – antenna GAS “Vychegda”; 48 – log shaft; 49 – DG; 50 – gas turbine engine; 51 – the room of the pitching damper; 52 – main DD; 53 – location of the pitch change mechanism (MISH); 54 – propeller corridor; 55 – tiller compartment; 56 – active steering wheel with a water-submersible electric motor.

Plan of the second tier of the superstructure (left), as well as the plan of the wheelhouse and the bridge (right); b – plan of the upper deck; c – plan of the platform; d – plan of the hold:
1 – navigation cabin; 2 – room for fans and heaters; 3 – pickup post RBU-2500; 4 – navigation bridge; 5 – wheelhouse; 6 – RBU-2500; 7 – 76-mm “AU AK-726; 8 – 400-mm TA PTA-40; 9 – boatswain’s pantry; 10 – chimneys; 11 – removable sheet; 12 – air intake shaft to the gas turbine engine; 13 – amenity premises of personnel, composition ; 14 – room for high-frequency radar units “Fut-N”; 15 – room for an officer on duty; 16 – galley; 17 – room for ATP; 18 – bomb releasers; 19 – tiller compartment; 20 – crew quarters; 21 – aft MO; 22 – DG; 23 – main DD; 24 – aft power station; 25 – circulating oil tank; 26 – bow MO; 27 – gas turbine engine; 28 – bow power station; 29 – TsARP; 30 – skipper pantry; 31 – turret compartment 76-mm AC; 32 – oil

Hull and general design

The final design displaced 950 tons standard and 1,150 tons full load, and the hull measured 81.8 m (268 ft 4 in) in lenght, 9.2 m (30 ft 2 in) in beam, 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) draught. The Crew comprised 90 officers and ratings, meaning she was commanded by a Lieutenant. The general layout of the ship was distinguished by exceptional rationalism and thoughtfulness with living quarters more comfortable tan on the Mirka class for example, or even the larger Kola. The GAS antenna was located in a “torpedo-shaped” stationary fairing located under the keel of the ship, made of titanium, another “first” in shipbuilding.

Petya I class SKR 697 underway in 1981

Powerplant

Propulsion 2 shaft CODAG 2 gas turbines – 30,000 hp (22,000 kW) 1 diesel – 6,000 hp (4,500 kW)
Speed 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph), Range 4,870 nautical miles (9,020 km; 5,600 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) 450 nautical miles (830 km; 520 mi) at 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)

Armament

Main

Two twin 76.2 mm/59 (3 in) AK-726 guns: Designed from 1957, tested in 1958, in service from 1962. The turrets weighted 26 t with a crew of 9. The Breech used a Sliding wedge and could elevate −10° to +85° for a rate of fire of 2× 40–45 RPM. They fired a 5.9 kg (13 lb) shell at 980 m/s (3,200 ft/s) to 15,700 m (17,200 yd)/11,000 m (36,000 ft) in ceiling.

Experimental VDS at the stern

ASW

INS Tabar (modified Petya class) firing an RBU rocket.
Four RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers (2 in some ships): Each launcher had 12 tubes, weighted 3,100 kg, 2.25 m high, +65°/180°. The rockets had a range of 1500 m to 5500 m, depht from 10 to 500 m and the depht charge had a sink rate of 11.6m/s.
Quintuple 406 mm (16 in) anti-submarine torpedo tubes (10 tubes in some ships). ASW active/passive acoustic homing torpedo SET-40 (MGT-2) type (1962) 1,212 lbs. (550 kg) for 177 in (4.500 m), 176 lbs. (80 kg) warhead at a Range/Speed of 8,700 yards (8,000 m)@29 knots, powered by a Silver-zinc battery with an homing system own range of 660-880 yards (600-800 m).
Export versions: Triple 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes, likely of the 53-56, 53-56V and 53-56VA types.

VDS tests in 1981

Experimental towed array tested

Sensors

The main radio equipment on the ship was the Fut-N general detection radar and two sonar systems – Titan and Vychegda.
Sensors and processing systems:
-Radar Don-2: Navigation radar “Neptun”;
-Slim Net: General detection radar “Fut-N” located above the bridge
-Hawk Screech: Fire control radar “Fut-B” located aft.
-Watch Dog: “Vychegda” and Electronic warfare equipment “Bizan-4B”
-Owl Screech Fire control system for the MP-105 turret.
-Sonar: Herkules hull mounted & dipping sonar
-Bull Horn: GAS “Titan” system, “Tablet-59” communication suite
-High Pole B: IFF system, or State identification radar
-Square Head: “Nichrome”, two communications tools sets

Ukrainian SRK-112 profile which defected to the Ukrainian Navy in 1992, src: Sergienkod, Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0

⚙ Petya class specifications
Displacement	950 tons standard, 1,150 tons full load
Dimensions	81.8 x 9.2 x 2.9m (268 ft 4 in x 30 ft 2 in x 9 ft 6 in)
Propulsion	2 shaft CODAG, 2 gas turbines 30,000 hp (22,000 kW), 1 diesel 6,000 hp (4,500 kW)
Speed	30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range	4,870 nm/10 knots, 450 nm/30 knots
Armament	2×2 76 mm (3 in), 4x RBU-6000 ASWRL 1×5 406 mm (16 in) ASWTTs
Sensors	Radar Don-2, Slim Net, Hawk Screech radar, Sonar Herkules sonar
Crew	90

Modifications & variants

On some ships of Project 159, during modernization upgrades, the Turel control radar was installed instead of the outdated Fut-B starting in 1977-79. The lead ship was converted into a test vessel for the anti-ship missile system “Vikhr” (RPK-1). For this, the whole forward armament was removed and a double canister for guided MS-18 launchers and loading system for eight missiles installed. This system was controlled by a special “Sprut” system received target designation for the main sonar or VDS, but also an external source. The 82-R anti-submarine missile weighed 1800 kg, equipped with various payloads, and with a firing range from 10 to 24 km, damage over 1.5 km (up to 500 m per warhead). Subsequently, it was later installed on Project 1123 and Project 1143 ships.

Already during the construction, decision was made to build ships of a second series with the same armament as Project 35 ships, as Project 159-A, were built from 1966 to 1972 in the amount of 23 units. In the west they received the designation Petya-II class. SKR pr.159-A were exported to various countries (7 units), and in addition, a special export project 159-AE (Petya-III class) was developed, which was supplied to India, Syria and Vietnam.
In order to increase the capabilities in detection of underwater targets, it was decided to modernize the ships (Prokect 159-M) by the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau in 1969-71. The nw design aded the towed VDS “Vega” towed array at the stern. In total from 1973 to 1980, 9 Modified Petya-I class were modernized.

Proyekt 159 (Petya I)

Original design introduced in 1961, 19 built 1958-1965. Older open style superstructure, four RBU-2500 ASW-RL prow and stern.

Proyekt 159A (Petya II)

Updated Project 159, 1966. 23 built 1964-1972. Updated engines, same output, improved search radar, variable depth sonar (VDS) inside the hull stern with redesigned bridge superstructure, two RBU-6000 launchers with Burya fire control system, second quintuple torpedo tube at the stern.

Proyekt 159EA (Petya III)

Export variant for Project 159A introduced, 1968. 13 built 1967-1978. Engine output reduced, single triple tube launcher 533mm heavyweight torpedoes. India vessels had four RBU-2500, Vietnam two RBU-6000.

Proyekt 159M (NATO Petya I(mod))

Update program which concerned 9 Project 159 in 1973-1980. New MG-325 Vega sonar system installed aft (new structure at the stern) no stern RBU-2500, MR-302 Rubka radar instead of Fut-M.

Soviet Service

Project 159 ship underway in 1973

Evaluation

Despite its modest size, Project 159 ships had good seaworthiness and could operate in rough seas up to force 4. To reduce rocking and rolling, they had pitch stabilizers installed. But their greater avhievement was their long cruising range at economic speed, more than 2000 miles. On trials they also reached with ease 33 knots at full speed knots using the afterburning gas turbine engines alone. However issues were noted with the three-shaft arrangement in economical mode or searching for submarines, the large outer shaft propellers created resistance, caused ribrations, noises and reduced general efficiency. Issues were also found with the titanium-built sonar fairing, protruding a bit too much and thus, damaged when running aground.

Beam view of SKR 928 underway in rough seas

In the Sino-Soviet standdown of 1968-69 some of the Petya ships sent in the Amur River area was marred by their overall draft only caused by the fairing, greater than for the Project 56 (Skory) class destroyers. Navigation in the shallows, mouths of rivers was impossible. But overall they received favourable reviews as being superior to equivalent 1,000 to 2,000 tons ships in any navy at the time.

Shadowing HMS Eagle in the north sea, late 1970s

The last of them were withdrawn from the fleet in 1994. The Black Sea SKR-27, while on combat service in the war zone in the Mediterranean, carried out a combat mission to assist the Egyptian armed forces in June 1967 and throughout 1968. The Pacific SKR-23, while on combat service in war zone in the Arabian and Red Seas, carried out a combat mission to assist the Ethiopian armed forces in 1977-78. As of 2023, Vietnam and Azerbaijan still operate the type, with Vietnam operating five ships and Azerbaijan operating a single ship.

Petya I underway (shadowing a US vessel in the black sea) on 26 October 1983, USN photo

Below are samples of the Soviet-service boats logs:

Until May 19, 1966 called PLC-4. On October 31, 1958, laid down at Shipyard No. 820 Kaliningrad, laid down 02/17/1959, launched on April 1, 1960, entered service on November 30, 1961. By 01/16/1962 jpined the fleet. Until May 19, 1966 classed as sub-chaser, and modernized August 30, 1984 to February 5, 1987 in Riga, Project 159-M. 04/19/1990 decomm., 10/1/1990 stricken, in 1991–1992 sank during scrapping.

12/31/1958 ordered at Shipyard No. 820 Kaliningrad, laid down 02/17/1959, launched 07/01/1960, comm. 12/26/1961, in the fleet 06/16/1962. By late 1962, made a transition around Scandinavia from Baltiysk to Severomorsk. 12/8/1962 transferred to the Northern Fleet. Modernized 05/28/1963 to 11/25/1964 at Yantar Kaliningrad to Project 159-M. Also from November 1, 1987 to December 16, 1988 as SRZ-82, moderate renovation. 10/29/1992 decom/ stricke, sold December 31, 1992, scrapped in Arkhangelsk.

Laid down Kaliningrad 05/21/1959, launched June 1, 1960, entered service December 27, 1961, transferred from Baltiysk to Severomorsk and by December 8, 1962 transferred to the Northern Fleet. 01/22/1965 returned to the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. July 7, 1965, transferred to the Northern Fleet. From 05/28/1963 to 01/22/1965 modernization. From 12/21/1970 to 02/11/1977 in reserve, Shipyard-35 Murmansk. From 11/28/1979 to 07/14/1981 modernized at Baltic Shipyard “Yantar”. Disarmed, rserve from 07/20/1989 to October 22, 1991 at SRZ-82. 06/30/1993 decomm. strickn, sold November 1, 1993, scrapped in Murmansk.

Ordered 01/26/1957, 08/31/1957 laid down at Shipyard No. 820 Kaliningrad, launched 08/31/1959, transferred spring 1960 via inland rivers to the Sea of Azov and Black Sea, acceptance tests, entered service 12/30/1961. 01/19/1962 Black Sea Fleet service as lead ship of the project.02/25/1974 to 07/29/1974 at Sevmorzavod for upgrades in S. Ordzhonikidze, Sevastopol. 10/12/1977-1979 modernized and rebuilt. March 30, 1978, discarded, reclassified, 10/1/1986 decomm. sold, stricken 02/01/1987, BU Sevastopol.

04/24/1959 laid down Shipyard No. 820 Kaliningrad, launched August 5, 1960, comm. December 31, 1961; March 15, 1965 transferred to the Northern Fleet, spring 1965 exercize around Scandinavia, sailed to Severomorsk 05/27/1980. spring 1980 sent via rivers to the White Sea and Azov Sea, Black Sea Fleet. 05/08–13/1970 viited Algiers. Refit 10/7/1975 to 11/28/1977 as Project 159-M, Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad. Decomm. 08/19/1982, stricken 09/28/1990, sold October 1, 1990, BU Sevastopol.

07/18/1959 laid down Kaliningrad, launched 10/14/1960, entered service 06/30/1962. Late 1963 several exercizes around Scandinavia, Baltiysk to Severomorsk. December 13, 1963 transferred to the Northern Fleet. Modernized 10/7/1975 to 06/10/1977 at SRZ-35 Murmansk and 12/3/1982 to 07/18/1984 at SRZ-82 Roslyakovo. Decomm. 04/19/1990, stricken October 1, 1990 sold for BU in Murmansk.

Ordered 09/12/1959, 09/26/1959 laid down Kaliningrad, launched 01/25/1961, comm.11/14/1962. Late 1963 exercizes and changed HP round Scandinavia from Baltiysk to Severomorsk. December 17, 1963 transferred to the Northern Fleet. Modernized November 28, 1977 to April 26, 1979 at Yantar ad August 10, 1985 to August 25, 1987 at Shipyard-82 Roslyakovo, Project 159-M. Decommissioned 06/24/1991, stricken, sold for BU October 1, 1991 Murmansk.

Ordered 09/12/1959, 12/26/1959laid down Kaliningrad, launched 04/07/1961, commissioned 11/14/1962, changed HP 1963 from Baltiysk to Severomorsk, December 17 transferred to the Northern Fleet. 10/1/1973 withdrawn from service, mothballed, reactivated 07/30/1978. November 24, 1978 to May 27, 1980 modernized Yantar as Project 159M. Second modernization October 9, 1986 to November 1, 1988 at Roslyakovo. Decomm. 08/04/1995, stricken September 1, 1995, sold for BU.

Laid down Shipyard No. 638 Kirov shipyard, Khabarovsk September 29, 1959, launched June 27, 1961, commissioend 12/12/1962, assigned 12/30/1962 to the Pacific Fleet. Modernized 07/05/1973 to 01/25/1974 Project 159M at Dalzavod, Vladivostok. 11/18–23/1976 visited Basra, Iraq. March 2, 1979, part of KamFlRS, April 23, 1981, SakhFlRS KTOF, decomm. 05/04/1989, stricken October 1, 1989.

Ordered 09/12/1959, 04/08/1960 laid down Kaliningrad, launched 05/29/1961, comm. 12/31/1962, summer of 1963 transferred on river from Baltic Sea to the Azov Sea, and Black Sea, transfer July 23, 1963 Black Sea Fleet. 06/1–31/1967 and 01/1–12/31/1968 on combat duty Mediterranean, combat mission to assist the armed forces of Egypt. 08/09–12/1969 visited Varna (Bulgaria)? Overhaul from 02/19/1987 to 1989 at Fleet Arsenal shipyard Varna, discarded 07/03/1992, stricken October 1, 1992, BU Sevastopol.

Ordered 05/12/1959, 06/15/1960 laid down Kaliningrad, launched June 24, 1961, comm. 12/31/1962, fall 1968 transferred from Baltic Sea to the Azov Sea, and Black Sea December 23, 1968. Mod 01/25 to 08/14/1968 at KMOLZ Kronstadt and 06/27/1974 to 10/30/1974 and from 10/31/1985 to 09/10/1987 at Sevmorzavod Ordzhonikidze Sevastopol. Decomm. 03/30/1978, stricken 09/28/1990 BU October 1, 1990.

05/19/1966 PLC-41. 02/27/1960 was laid down on the slipway of Shipyard No. 638 named after. S.M. Kirov in Khabarovsk; On September 21, 1961, he was included in the list of Navy ships; launched 07/01/1962; entered service on March 21, 1963; 11/23/1963 included in the Pacific Fleet; until May 19, 1966 it belonged to the PLC subclass; from 03/03/1976 to 12/21/1978 at the Zvezda plant in the village. Bolshoy Kamen of the Primorsky Territory underwent a major overhaul; 06/20/1987 expelled from the Navy due to surrender to the OFI for disarmament, dismantling and sale; Disbanded on August 1, 1987.

07/27/1960 laid down at Shipyard No. 820 Kaliningrad, launched 30.0 8.1961, commissioned October 4, 1963. Fall 1966, went via Scandinavia from Baltiysk to Severomorsk and by October 5, 1966 northern fleet. Modernized 10/7/1975 to 12/16/1976 at Yantar, Baltic Shipyard and from 10/1/1981 to 10/6/1983 at Shipyard-82 Roslyakovo. Decom. 04/19/1990, sold for BU October 1, 1990, in Murmansk.

12/20/1960 laid down at Shipyard No. 638 S.M. Kirov Khabarovsk, launched 04/25/1963, commissioned 12/14/1963, 11/23/1964 assigned to the Pacific Fleet. March 3, 1976 to January 1, 1978 modernized at Dalzavod as Project 159M. 12/31/1988 decom., mothballed. 10/1/1989 reactivated, recom. 02/15/1991 decom., stricken June 1, 1991.

Laid down 06/16/1961 at Shipyard No. 638 S.M. Kirov Khabarovsk, launched 08/28/1963, entered service April 29, 1964, assigned to Pacific Fleet; May 27, 1974 to April 2, 1975 mod. at at Dalzavod, moderate renovation; from 02/10/1981 to 11/10/1981 rebuilt at Project 159M. 05/04/1989 decomm., sold for BU October 1, 1989.

04/28/1960 ordered, laid down October 28, 1960, at Shipyard No. 820 Kaliningrad, launched 11/18/1961, comm. June 30, 1964, 11/23/1964 transferred via inland waterways from the Baltic Sea to the Azov Sea and Black Sea, Black Sea Fleet. Modernized 08/13/1976 to 03/2/1978, and from 07/18/1984 to 06/10/1985 at Sevmorzavod Ordzhonikidze Yard in Sevastopol and 3.02–12.11.1986 at the Fleet Arsenal of Varna, Bulgaria; Decom. 01/25/1994, sold September 1, 1994.

01/10/1962 laid at Shipyard No. 638 Khabarovsk, launched 05/29/1964, com. 12/26/1964, from 01/22/1965 Pacific Fleet. From December 14, 1967 to February 27, 1969 and February 1, 1980 to January 19, 1983, oberhauls and mod. at Dalzavod, Vladivostok. Mothballed and renamed Novik, stricken 04/19/1990 sold for BU October 1, 1990.

07/19/1963 laid down a Shipyard No. 638 S.M. Kirov, Khabarovsk, launched 04/24/1965, comm. September 30, modernized from 07/17/1971 to 07/29/1974 at Dalzavod as Project 159M. 12/11/1980 to 11/10/1981 other mod. at Khabarovsk, major overhaul, decom. 05/04/1989, stricken 10/1/1989.

December 23, 1963, laid down at S.M. Kirov NYd Khabarovsk, launched 08/20/1965, entered service 12/30/1965. Mod. 02/04–09/09/1970 and 09/03/1974–05/17/1977 at Dalzavod, Vladivostok; September 9, 1970 assigned to another unit. 12/6/1977–07/7/1978, combat duty in war zone, Arabian and Red Sea, assisted the armed forces of Ethiopia. Decom. 05/04/1989, stricken and sold 10/1/1989 left on a coastal sandbank.

Exports

The Azerbaijani Navy inherited from one ship after the disolution of USSR. Name Bakili G-121 (untill 10.09.1992, SKR-16), she had two twin AK-230 30mm guns, and torpedo tubes removed, status unknown.

Four ships allegedly acquired, One sunk in action, 1973, now all decommissioned. To verify, contradiction between sources.

Four ships acquired, Four ships acquired between 1965 and 1971. Zerai Deres 1616 (former SKR-94 1983), sunk near Nocra Island 02.1991, 1617 (19.03.1984 SKR-115) decommissioned in 1996, N°61, one 122 mm rocket launcher BM-21 replacing torpedo tubes, plus two 12,7 mm Browning M-2 HMGs.
sold for scrap in Djibouti following the independence of Eritrea

11 ships designated as the Arnala-class corvettes (now all decommissioned). Classified as corvette due to smaller size and role. Project 159AE (Petya III); Arnala Р68 (SKR-100) decommissioned in 2000, Androth Р69 08.1972 decommissioned 2000, Anjadip Р73 (SKR-108) decommissioned 13.12.2003, Andaman Р74 08.1972 lost in storm 22.08.1990, Amini Р75 (SKR-104) decommissioned 16.09.2002, Kamorta Р77 (SKR-95), Kadmatt Р78 (№40) decommissioned 1994, Kiltan Р79 (SKR-88) decommissioned 06.1987, Kavaratti Р80 (№42) decommissioned 07.1986, Katchall Р81 (№43) decommissioned 12.1988.

Two Project 159AE (Petya III) ships: Al Assari 12, then 1-508 (№94) sunk as target (Probably by SU-34 with KH-35 air-launched missile) as a training target 15.04.2018 by the Russian Air Force, AI Hirasa 14, later 2-508 (№95). They were in derelict condition at Tartus port, retired in 2017 or 2018. As of January 2022, the second frigate is probably reduced as a hulk.

Single ship – The pro-Ukrainian crew of SKR-112 made decided to desert from the Black Sea Fleet on July 21, 1992 and join Ukrainian service, until it was decommissioned in 1993.

HQ15 as of today, converted as AA escort
Vietnam Vietnam People’s Navy – 5 ships (still in service), being modernized with rebuilt stealthy superstructure and new combat suites. These were HQ-09 (SKR-82), HQ-11 (SKR-96), HQ-13 (SKR-141), HQ-15 (SKR-130), HQ-17 (SKR-135). On HQ-11 and HQ-15 two twin 37 mm V-11M replaced torpedo tube, and two twin ZU-23-2 instead of the RBU as AA escorts.

Read More/Src

Links

russianships.info/
http://www.atrinaflot.narod.ru
oryxspioenkop.com/
http://articles.janes.com/ Petya-II-Project-159A-class-Azerbaijan.html
russian-navy-hit-and-sank-a-decommissioned-frigate-in-syria
https://commons.wikimedia.org/ SKR-1_class_frigate
en.wikipedia.org Petya-class_frigate
navweaps.com/ WTRussian_post-WWII.php
kerchtt.ru/ 159-proekt-znak-medal-malye-storozhevye/
weaponsystems.net/ 1542-Project+159+class

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