Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) launched the third of four Pohjanmaa-class multipurpose corvettes for the Finnish Navy at its Rauma shipyard on Thursday, October 29.
Outfitting of the new vessel will continue following the launch. The first two corvettes, the second of which was floated out in May, are also in outfitting. The fourth ship had its keel laid in August.
The corvettes are being built under the Squadron 2020 programme for the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command. RMC said the overlapping series production has allowed experience from each vessel to be applied to the next.
At the second launch in May, RMC CEO Mika Nieminen said hull construction had progressed well but conceded that "the integration of systems as well electrical engineering works have proven very challenging."
The navy plans to introduce the corvettes into service progressively from 2027, with all four operational in 2029. They will replace four Rauma-class missile boats, two Hämeenmaa-class minelayers and the decommissioned minelayer Pohjanmaa.
The ice-strengthened corvettes are designed for year-round Baltic Sea operations. Their roles include anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, air defence and minelaying.
Each vessel will have a length of 117 metres, a beam of 16.5 metres, a draught of 5 metres and a displacement of 4,300 tonnes.
Each will accommodate a crew of 70. Saab is supplying the combat system, built around the 9LV combat management system and Sea Giraffe radars.
