Finland laid the keel of the second Pohjanmaa class corvette

The keel laying ceremony for the second Pohjanmaa class corvette took place at the Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC).

This was reported by the Finnish Defense Forces Logistics Command (PVLOGL).

The construction of this ship actually began in October 2024, and in February 2025, RMC completed the construction of the hull of the lead ship of the series.

The project is being implemented as part of an ambitious fleet renewal program that includes the creation of four multifunctional corvettes.

Finland plans to commission these ships in stages in 2027-2029. The construction of the entire series is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029.

The new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are designed to replace the outdated Hämeenmaa minesweepers and Rauma missile boats, which will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Finnish Navy.

Pohjanmaa

The Pohjanmaa corvettes will be the largest in the Finnish Navy, with a displacement of 4300 tons.

Their key feature will be a design adapted for operation in harsh Arctic conditions. The corvettes will comply with ice class 1A, which will allow them to operate smoothly even in difficult ice conditions.

The vessel will be equipped with a combined power plant, which will include a GE LM2500 gas turbine and four MAN 12V175D diesel engines.

As a result, the corvette will be able to reach a maximum speed of 26 knots and will have a range of 3,500 nautical miles (5,632 km).

The SS2030 sonar will be installed in the bow, and the SD9500 will be used as a towed locator. The contract for the purchase of these sonar systems was signed in 2020.

The corvette’s armament will include a 57mm Bofors SAK Mk3 universal automatic gun and a Mk.41 vertical launcher with 8 cells that can hold 32 ESSM anti-aircraft missiles in quad packs.

In addition, the ship is equipped with 8 transport and launch containers for Israeli Gabriel V anti-ship missiles capable of hitting surface targets at a distance of up to 400 km.

To combat underwater threats, the ship is equipped with torpedo tubes for Swedish Torpedo 47 ASW torpedoes.