The D-3 family's troubled development did not prevent it from seeing hard wartime service. Boats operating in the Baltic fought Finnish and German forces, and the type took part in the sinking of the German Elbing-class torpedo boat T31. The SM-3 and D-3 also operated in the Black Sea. In the Arctic, a D-3 commanded by Alexander Shabalin earned repeated distinction, and the boat was later preserved as a memorial. Those achievements must be set against the loss of 28 of roughly 73 boats. Crews had to use machinery and hulls placed into service before their problems were solved.
Notable Point · 2:40:49-2:43:18
D-3 boats in Baltic, Black Sea, and Arctic combat
Despite development failures, D-3-family boats fought across several Soviet theatres, including the sinking of German torpedo boat T31 and a decorated Arctic service record.