Mirka-class

The Mirka class, designated Project 35 and Project 35M by the Soviet Navy, was a series of light frigates produced between 1964 and 1966. Classified as Storozhevoi Korabl (escort ships), the class succeeded the Petya class and was eventually followed by the Koni class.

The primary design role of these vessels was anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters. While sharing similarities with the preceding Petya class, the Project 35 ships featured a modified combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system. This machinery drove two shafts with propellers situated in tunnels, a design similar to water jets. The ships were equipped with Don-2, Slim Net, and Hawk Screech radar systems, along with Herkules hull-mounted and dipping sonar. Armament consisted of twin-mount guns, anti-submarine rocket launchers, and torpedo tubes. Internal assessments indicated that the machinery suite was noisy and experienced reliability issues.

The Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad constructed a total of 18 ships for the Soviet Navy. Operational history includes a 1988 incident in which the Mirka I-class frigate SKR-6 collided with the USS Caron. The Soviet Navy decommissioned the entire class between 1989 and 1992.