Finnish Navy’s Third Corvette Enters Production
On August 26, 2025, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) celebrated a significant milestone with the steel-cutting ceremony for the Finnish Navy’s third Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette at its Rauma shipyard. This event marks the commencement of construction for the third of four vessels under the Squadron 2020 program, Finland’s largest naval modernization initiative. The program aims to replace seven aging warships with four advanced ice-capable corvettes, enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities in the Baltic Sea while supporting NATO missions.
Details of the Pohjanmaa-Class Corvettes
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are designed to fulfill multiple roles, including anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and mine warfare operations. Each vessel measures 117 meters in length, with a beam of 16 to 16.5 meters and a draught of 5 meters, displacing approximately 4,300 tonnes. They are equipped to accommodate a crew of 70 to 73, with the potential to house up to 120 personnel. The ships boast an impressive endurance of 14 days and a range of 3,500 nautical miles, powered by a CODLAG propulsion system that combines a General Electric LM2500 gas turbine with four MAN 12V175D diesel-generator sets, delivering a total of 28 megawatts. This configuration enables speeds exceeding 26 knots while maintaining low noise levels during anti-submarine operations.
Armament on the Pohjanmaa-class vessels is robust and versatile. Each ship features a forward-mounted Bofors 57 mm Mk3 gun, two Saab Trackfire remote weapon stations, and four Rheinmetall MASS decoy launchers. The primary anti-ship weapon is the Gabriel V missile, with eight launchers per vessel. For air defense, the ships are equipped with eight Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) cells housing 32 RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) Block 2. Additionally, they can deploy Saab Torped 47 lightweight torpedoes and lay up to 100 PB 17 naval mines. The vessels also include a flight deck and hangar for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, enhancing their operational versatility.
Impact on Finnish Naval Capabilities and Industry
The Squadron 2020 program has been in development for over a decade, with initial research starting in 2008 and the official project launch in 2015. A €647.6 million shipbuilding contract was awarded to RMC in September 2019 for the construction of the four corvettes, with Saab providing the combat management system and sensors. Despite facing delays due to design revisions and the COVID-19 pandemic, which extended timelines by up to 18 months and increased costs by approximately €200 million, the project remains on track for deliveries between 2027 and 2029. The total projected budget for the program now stands at around €1.45 billion, with the vessels expected to remain operational until the 2050s.
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In addition to enhancing naval capabilities, the Pohjanmaa-class program has significant industrial implications. RMC has invested in infrastructure improvements, including a closed multi-purpose hall and upgraded steel production facilities, which are expected to create over 3,600 person-years of employment in Finland. The company emphasizes the importance of collaboration with subcontractors and partners to ensure smooth operations. Furthermore, RMC has joined a consortium with U.S.-based Bollinger, Canadian Seaspan, and Aker Arctic to pursue American icebreaker contracts, showcasing its expertise in building ice-capable vessels.
As the third Pohjanmaa-class corvette enters production, it signifies a critical step forward in modernizing the Finnish Navy. The new vessels will replace older ships, including four Rauma-class missile boats and two Hämeenmaa-class minelayers, forming the backbone of Finland’s naval forces. While there has been public debate regarding the classification of these corvettes, Finnish officials assert that their design meets the multi-role requirements essential for operations in the Baltic Sea. The ongoing development of these vessels underscores Finland’s commitment to enhancing its maritime defense capabilities and ensuring interoperability with NATO forces.
