Keel laid for new Finnish Navy corvette

Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions has laid the keel of a new multi-role corvette ordered by the Finnish Navy.

The vessel will be the lead ship of the four-strong Pohjanmaa-class corvettes. Upon completion, it will have a length of 117 metres, a beam of 16 metres, a draught of five metres, and a crew complement of 70.

A combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) propulsion arrangement that includes a GE LM2500 gas turbine and four MAN 1,920kW generators will propel the corvette to a maximum speed in excess of 26 knots.

Armament will include a 57mm naval gun, surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, mines, and machine guns fitted on remote weapon stations. Saab will provide the combat management system, which will include AESA and short-range 3D radars.

The vessel will also have ice capacity, allowing year-round operations in the Baltic Sea.

The Finnish Navy expects to take delivery of the first Pohjanmaa-class corvette no later than 2029.