Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), an established Finnish shipbuilding company located in Rauma, marked a significant milestone on May 21, 2025, by conducting the official launching ceremony of the lead ship of the new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes. This vessel is the first of four sophisticated warships that Finland has ordered as part of its ambitious Laivue 2020 (“Squadron 2020”) naval modernization program. The project is intended to revolutionize the Finnish Navy’s capabilities for the upcoming decades.
The Pohjanmaa corvette’s technical launch procedure commenced in early May 2025. The ship was carefully transferred from the shipyard’s construction hall to a submersible launching vessel and subsequently towed into the harbor. The corvette was physically launched from the barge into the water and subsequently towed to the shipyard’s dry dock for additional outfitting. The installation of a sophisticated multifunction mast, a critical element of the ship’s advanced sensor array, was a component of this phase. The Finnish Navy anticipates that the vessel will commence sea trials in 2026 and be officially commissioned in 2027.
In September 2015, the Finnish Ministry of Defence formally authorized the acquisition of four multi-purpose corvettes, which is the genesis of the Laivue 2020 program. The purpose of these new vessels is to replace a number of aged vessels, including the original Pohjanmaa minelayer (retired in 2013), two Hämeenmaa-class minelayers, and four modernized Rauma-class missile boats. The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes will serve as the foundation of Finland’s naval fleet for the next twenty years, in conjunction with four enhanced Hamina-class missile boats, thereby guaranteeing operational flexibility and maritime security.
The Pohjanmaa-class’s design and specifications underwent substantial changes during the planning phase. Ships with a displacement of approximately 2,500 tons and a length of 90 meters were the initial concepts. Nevertheless, the final design expanded to a length of 117 meters, a displacement of 4,300 tons, a beam of 16 meters, and a draft of 5 meters, rendering these corvettes comparable in size to frigates. In September 2019, RMC was awarded a €647.6 million contract for the design and construction of the four ships, with the exception of government-supplied armaments and certain radar systems. The program’s total projected cost had increased from €1.2 billion to €1.45 billion by early 2024 due to inflation and the addition of new technical requirements.
The Pohjanmaa-class construction milestones have been meticulously monitored. October 30, 2023, marked the steel-cutting ceremony for the lead ship, which was followed by the official keel-laying on April 11, 2024. The second corvette’s steel was cut on October 9, 2024, and its keel was placed on May 8, 2025. The program has experienced a two-year delay from its initial timelines, and the final delivery of all four ships is now anticipated to happen between 2027 and the end of 2029. The entire construction process is being conducted in a cutting-edge RMC facility that was recently constructed for €26 million. The facility is 186 meters in length, 44 meters in width, and 32 meters in height.
A distinguishing characteristic of the Pohjanmaa-class is its reinforced hull, which is specifically engineered to operate in the frigid conditions that are characteristic of the Baltic Sea. A total output of 29 MW is achieved using a CODLAG (Combined Diesel-electric And Gas turbine) system for propulsion. This comprises a General Electric LM2500 gas turbine, four MAN 12V175D diesel generators (each rated at 1,920 kW), and two electric propulsion motors that operate controllable-pitch propellers. Two diesel generators are installed on vibration-damping platforms to facilitate covert anti-submarine operations. Accommodations for a crew of 73, with space for up to 120 personnel, a cruising range of 3,500 nautical miles, and autonomy for 14 days are all features of the ship. Additionally, it possesses a top speed of 26 knots.
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are outfitted for multi-role operations and are heavily armed. Eight IAI Gabriel Mk 5 anti-ship missiles (from Israel), eight Mk 41 vertical launch cells for 32 RTX ESSM Block 2 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, a Bofors Mk 3 57mm gun (transferred from Hamina-class boats), two remotely operated Saab Trackfire RWX weapon stations (likely with 12.7mm machine guns), torpedo tubes for 400mm Saab Tp 47 anti-submarine torpedoes, and two pairs of mine rails capable of carrying up to 100 RV 17 mines are among the weapons. The ships are also equipped with a hangar that can accommodate a medium-sized helicopter, which enhances their anti-submarine and surveillance capabilities and enables them to be permanently based.
The majority of the most sophisticated systems, such as the 9LV combat management system, Sea Giraffe 4A FF air and surface search radar (with fixed AESA antennas integrated into the mast), Sea Giraffe 1X radar, and two CEROS 200 fire control systems, are provided by Saab AB on the electronic side. The corvettes are outfitted with a variety of sonar systems, including the Kongsberg SD9500 dipping sonar, Kongsberg SS2030 hull-mounted sonar, and Patria Sonac DTS towed sonar, which guarantees their ability to effectively combat submarines. Additionally, the Rheinmetall MASS decoy launching systems are included to improve survivability, as well as advanced electronic warfare and signals intelligence systems.
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are a significant advancement for the Finnish Navy, as they combine state-of-the-art technology, robust armament, and the capacity to operate in difficult northern waters. Finland is prepared to safeguard its maritime interests and contribute to regional security for decades to come as the lead ship enters the final phases of construction and outfitting.