The class was primarily intended for coastal patrol and anti-submarine warfare.

The class is being replaced by Arnala-class and Mahe-class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC).

[3][4] The ships formed the 23 Patrol Vessel Squadron of the Indian Navy.

The ships were built at Volodarski shipyard in the former Soviet Union.

[1] The ships in the class were named after former Abhay-class seaward defence boats.