Unlike smaller missile boats, both carry SA-N-4 ("Gecko") SAMs for self-defence.

The original Nanuchka I carried a twin 57mm AK-257 main gun, replaced by a 76mm AK-176 in the Nanuchka III and an updated AK-176MA was added to Smerch during the refit.

The Nanuchka III also has a rotary 30mm AK-630 point-defence gun to bolster its protection against missile attack.

Currently Project 12341 ships are receiving BAGIRA Fire Control System turning them into multirole vessels.

[2] Reportedly the Mirazh, a Nanuchka III corvette, sank a Georgian vessel during an attempted attack on Russian ships off Abkhazia on 10 August 2008.