In 1967 Portuguese authorities first received intelligence regarding the delivery of Soviet Projekt-183 patrol boats to the PAIGC (better known as ‘P-6’). These craft were based in the port of Conakry and were similar to those used by the Republic of Guinea Navy. Armed with twin 25mm 2M3 autocannons installed in turrets mounted fore and aft, PAIGC P-6s were crewed by militants trained in the Soviet Union. Capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots, the P-6 could rapidly attack lightly defended craft, but the PAIGC’s boats generally sat docked in Conakry and never ventured into Portuguese Guinea waters. In November 1970 these boats, along with all Republic of Guinea naval vessels, were destroyed by Portuguese forces participating in Operation Mar Verde. (Artwork by David Bocquelet)