Finland Launches First Pohjanmaa-Class Corvette
On 21 May, Finland marked a milestone in its naval modernization program with the launch of the first Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette at the Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard. This event was part of the long-running Squadron 2020 program to replace older coastal vessels. Rauma is contracted to deliver four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes by 2029, with the second ship already under construction (keel laid 8 May 2025). This launch is a key step for Finland’s fleet, aiming to restore coastal corvette capability for the first time since the last Pohjanmaa minelayer was decommissioned.
The Squadron 2020 programme, launched in 2015 and planned since 2008, aims to modernize the Finnish Navy by replacing seven aging ships (four Rauma-class missile boats, two Hämeenmaa-class minelayers, and the decommissioned minelayer Pohjanmaa). A key milestone was reached on 26 September 2019, when Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) signed a €647.6 million shipbuilding contract, shortly after Saab AB was chosen as combat system supplier over Lockheed Martin Canada and Atlas Elektronik. Design and planning continued through 2022, experiencing 6 to 18 months of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technical complexities.
Construction of the first ship began with steel cutting on 30 October 2023, keel laying on 11 April 2024, and hull completion by December 2024. Despite these delays, the programme remains vital for enhancing Finland’s naval defense. Originally budgeted at about €1.2 billion, the Squadron 2020 programme has seen cost increases and special budget measures. Official figures now estimate the total program at roughly €1.45 billion, covering hull construction, systems integration, and related costs. In late 2022, the Finnish government approved an extra €104 million (for 2025–27) to address delays and support RMC’s finances.
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are large and capable, each measures 117m in length, with a beam of about 16–16.5m and a 5m draft, displacing approximately 4,300 tonnes. With a crew of about 70, they are the largest Finnish warships since World War Two. Their combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) propulsion allows for speeds exceeding 26 knots and a 14-day endurance (3,500nm range) for long patrols. Onboard systems include Saab’s 9LV combat management system with Sea Giraffe 4AFF and 1X AESA radars and a sonar suite (hull-mounted and towed) from Kongsberg and Patria. The armament consists of a 57mm Bofors Mk3 naval gun, two remote weapon stations, and decoy launchers. Each corvette carries 8 Gabriel V anti-ship missiles and a 32-cell Mk 41 vertical launcher with 32 Raytheon ESSM surface-to-air missiles. For subsurface warfare, it is equipped with Saab’s Torped 47 lightweight torpedoes and can deploy up to 100 naval mines via stern rails.
Compared to the current fleet of smaller missile boats, the new corvettes represent a “significant jump” in endurance and capabilities. The vessels are also configured for NATO cooperation (able to join standing naval forces), reinforcing collective security. The Pohjanmaa-class is a versatile, modern surface combatant that strengthens deterrence, maritime patrol, and response across the Baltic region.