Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has launched the second Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette destined for the Finnish Navy.
The launch took place almost exactly a year after the first-in-class boat’s hull hit the water for the first time at the firm’s yard in Rauma, Finland.
The third and fourth boats, all as yet unnamed, are also under construction at the same shipyard; the lead boat is undergoing final outfitting and is expected to be commissioned into active service during 2027.
RMC won the contract to construct the ice-capable ships in 2019 in a programme valued in the region of €1.3 billion. They will be 117m long and displace 4,300 tonnes, a similar size to many frigates, but the Finnish MoD designates them as corvettes as they are chiefly intended to operate in littoral waters.
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes will replace several older vessels that have already been decommissioned or are scheduled for retirement, including the minelayer Pohjanmaa, the two Hämeenmaa-class minelayers, and the four Rauma-class missile boats.
RMC CEO and President Mika Nieminen commented: “Frame building has proceeded excellently with the second vessel achieving launch readiness in less than a year.
“At the same time, it has to be admitted that the integration of systems as well electrical engineering works have proven very challenging. This has taught us a lot and we will utilise the lessons learned to the full with the following vessels.”
He added: “Our cooperation with the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command and the Navy is close.
“During the project, we have together resolved technical challenges and adapted to changes in requirements — the deteriorating security environment has resulted in completely new expectations of capabilities for naval warfare and we have implemented the required changes together with the client to ensure that, when completed, the vessels will meet these requirements.”
The corvettes will be armed with an eight-cell Mk41 vertical launch system (VLS), each carrying four RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs) for air defence.
They will also carry BAE Systems’ Bofors 57mm Naval Gun, two Saab Trackfire remote control weapon stations (RCWS), and two Saab Dynamics Tub m/20 torpedo launchers, launching Torped 47 lightweight torpedoes.
The ships’ hangar and flight deck will be able to accommodate a medium-sized helicopter such as the NHIndustries NH90 multi-role platform operated by the Utti Jaeger Regiment’s Helicopter Battalion, as well as uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
- You can read more details on the RMC website