Designated minelayers (Russian: zagraditel minny) by the Soviet Navy, they could also be used as netlayers, command ships and act in a general support role.

[3] The minelayers were armed with four 57-millimetre (2.2 in)/80-calibre guns situated in a single quad mount forward.

The ships were equipped with Strut Curve surface search radar operating on the F band, Don 2 navigational radar operating on the I band, Muff Cob fire control radar operating on the G/H bands and High Pole B identification friend or foe.

[3] At some point, the High Pole B was replaced with Cage Flask and Salt Vat masts.

Dubbed Project 137 by the Soviet Navy, the class was given the name Alyosha Popovich class in Russian, but were assigned the reporting name Alesha by NATO.