Rauma Marine Constructions Launches Finland’s First Pohjanmaa-Class Corvette
Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has officially launched the first Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette for the Finnish Navy in Satakunta. This significant event marked the transportation of the vessel from its assembly site to a dock, signaling that the final outfitting phase has commenced ahead of its expected commissioning and entry into service. Finland has ambitious plans to have this cutting-edge warship operational by 2027, with additional sister vessels anticipated to follow suit by 2029.
The completion of the corvette’s hull in February 2025 recognizes the progress made since the initial steel cutting back in November 2023. RMC Project Director Timo Ståhlhammar emphasized the collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition, noting the contributions from the Finnish Government, Defence Forces, and various industrial partners, including Saab.
Transitioning to a Modern Naval Fleet
The Pohjanmaa warship program plays a critical role in revitalizing Finland’s naval capabilities. It aims to replace an aging fleet of anti-submarine and anti-missile vessels with state-of-the-art corvettes capable of year-round operations. This transition, introduced in 2015, will ensure that the Finnish Navy can effectively safeguard essential maritime infrastructure and conduct mine-laying and countermeasure operations.
Moreover, the new corvettes will bolster the nation’s undersea intelligence and deterrence capabilities. Finnish Navy Commander Rear Adm. Tuomas Tiilikainen expressed his confidence in the vessels, describing them as crucial to the Navy’s offensive capabilities for both national defense and collaborative defense missions with allied forces in the years ahead.
Specifications and Capabilities of the Pohjanmaa Corvette
Finland’s Pohjanmaa-class corvette is a formidable vessel measuring 17 meters in length and designed to support a crew of over 70 sailors, alongside accommodating a maritime helicopter. It is being outfitted with advanced weaponry, including remote weapon systems, torpedoes, electronic warfare technologies, naval guns, and multi-domain missiles, ensuring it is equipped for modern warfare.
Powered by a robust 38,000 horsepower engine, the corvette boasts an impressive operational range of 6,500 kilometers and can reach a top speed of 26 knots, approximately 48 kilometers per hour. The corvette’s endurance is also noteworthy, allowing it to operate effectively for up to 14 days, making it a vital asset for Finland’s maritime defense strategy.
