In a significant milestone for the Finnish Navy, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has officially launched the first Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette during a recent ceremony in Satakunta. This event marks the transition of the vessel from its assembly center to the dock basin, where final outfitting will take place ahead of its forthcoming delivery and commissioning.
The Finnish government aims to have this first corvette operational by 2027, with plans for its sister ships to follow suit by 2029. Notably, the vessel’s hull was completed in February 2025, coming after the initial steel cutting, which took place in November 2023.
RMC Project Director Timo Ståhlhammar emphasized the collaboration involved in this project, stating, “The newly launched vessel is a strong indication of the close and goal-oriented co-operation between the Finnish Government, the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Institute, the Finnish Navy, Rauma Marine Constructions, Saab, and all our industrial partners.”
The Pohjanmaa warship program is an essential element in the Finnish armed forces’ shift away from its aging anti-submarine and anti-missile vessels, striving to establish a modern fleet capable of year-round operations. Launched in 2015, this initiative is positioned to enhance the security of critical maritime infrastructure while also engaging in mine-laying, countermeasures, and undersea intelligence activities.
Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen, Commander of the Finnish Navy, commented on the strategic importance of these vessels, noting, “These impressive vessels will constitute the core of the Navy’s striking power in both national defence and Allied collective defence tasks for the decades to come.”
The Pohjanmaa-class corvette measures 17 meters (approximately 384 feet) in length, accommodating more than 70 sailors and a maritime helicopter. It boasts an array of advanced weaponry, including remote weapon systems, torpedoes, electronic warfare solutions, naval guns, and multi-domain missiles. Powering the corvette is a 38,000 horsepower engine, enabling a cruising range of 6,500 kilometers (about 4,039 miles) and a top speed of 26 knots (48 kilometers or 30 miles per hour). The vessel is designed to sustain operations for up to 14 days.
With these advancements, the Finnish Navy is poised to enhance its naval capabilities significantly, preparing for the challenges of modern maritime defence.
