Finnish Navy’s New Multi-Role Corvette Launched: Detailed Specifications & Capabilities

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On May 21, 2025, Finland marked a historic milestone in its naval defense capabilities with the launch of its first Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvette at Rauma Shipyard. This event signifies a major leap forward for the Finnish Navy, as the vessel is set to become a cornerstone of Finland’s maritime defense strategy for decades to come.

A Strategic Project for Finland’s Defense

The corvette, built by Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) through its subsidiary RMC Defence Oy, is part of Finland’s Squadron 2020 project. This initiative aims to modernize Finland’s naval fleet by replacing aging vessels with four advanced corvettes, all scheduled for commissioning between 2027 and 2029.

Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen, Commander of the Finnish Navy, emphasized the significance of the project, stating that these vessels will form the core of Finland’s naval striking power, both for national defense and Allied collective defense tasks.

Advanced Capabilities and Multi-Role Functionality

Compared to Finland’s current fleet—comprising eight smaller fast attack craft—the new corvettes bring enhanced weaponry, superior anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities, and the ability to stay at sea for extended periods, even in harsh ice conditions.

The multi-role nature of these corvettes allows them to perform a variety of missions, including:

  • Surface warfare

  • Protection of merchant shipping

  • Air defense

  • Anti-submarine warfare

  • Minelaying operations

Minelaying is particularly crucial for Finland, given the shallow and narrow waters surrounding the country, which provide ideal conditions for mine warfare.

Nordic Cooperation and Finnish Innovation

Swedish defense company Saab plays a key role in the project, supplying combat systems, sensors, and subsystems for the corvettes. However, Finland is also showcasing its industrial expertise, particularly in naval mine technology. Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen highlighted this during the launch ceremony, stating that Finland produces the best naval mines in the world, thanks to long-standing technological development.

Fleet Modernization and Strategic Impact

While these corvettes are the largest naval vessels ever operated by Finland, their introduction will also lead to a reduction in the number of hulls in Finland’s surface fleet. The four new corvettes will replace:

  • Three mineships (one already retired)

  • Four older fast attack craft

Meanwhile, Finland’s four modern Hamina-class fast attack craft have undergone mid-life upgrades, ensuring they remain operational alongside the new corvettes. Additionally, Pansio-class minelayers will continue to support the fleet.

Looking Ahead

The launch of Finland’s first multi-role corvette is a defining moment for the Finnish Navy and its defense strategy. As the Squadron 2020 project progresses, Finland is set to strengthen its maritime capabilities, ensuring security and operational readiness in the Baltic Sea region for years to come.

Here are the specifications for the Pohjanmaa-class corvette, Finland’s latest multi-role naval vessel:

General Characteristics

  • Length: 117 meters

  • Beam (Width): 16 meters

  • Draft: 5 meters

  • Displacement: 4,300 tons

  • Speed: 26 knots (48 km/h)

  • Range: 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km)

  • Endurance: 14 days

  • Crew Capacity: 73 personnel

  • Ice Class: 1A (designed for year-round operations in Baltic Sea ice conditions)

Propulsion System

  • Type: Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas (CODLAG)

  • Main Engines:

    • 1 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbine

    • 4 × MAN 12V175D diesel generators (total output: 28 MW / 38,000 hp)

  • Propellers: 2 shafts with controllable pitch propellers

  • Bow Thrusters: 2 for enhanced maneuverability

Armament & Defense Systems

  • Missile Systems:

    • Mk.41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) – 8 cells for up to 32 RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM)

    • 8 × IAI Gabriel V Anti-ship Missiles (SSM)

  • Guns & Torpedoes:

    • 1 × Bofors 57/L70 Mk.3 gun

    • 2 × SAAB Trackfire Remote Weapon Stations (RWS)

    • Torpedo tubes for SAAB Torped 47 torpedoes

  • Radar & Sensors:

    • Saab 9LV combat management system (CMS)

    • Saab Lightweight Integrated Mast (SLIM)

    • Saab Sea Giraffe 4A FF AESA 3D radar

    • Saab Sea Giraffe 1X short-range 3D radar

    • 2 × Saab Ceros 200 fire control directors

    • Dual-tow Patria Sonac DTS sonar

    • Kongsberg SS2030 hull-mounted sonar

    • Kongsberg SD9500 sonar

    • Rheinmetall TKWA/MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System)

  • Electronic Warfare & Decoys:

    • ESM (Electronic Support Measures)

    • COM-ESM (Communications Electronic Support Measures)

    • ECM (Electronic Countermeasures)

    • 4 × MASS decoy systems

Aviation Capabilities

  • Flight Deck & Hangar: Supports 1 helicopter

This Pohjanmaa-class corvette is designed to operate year-round in Baltic Sea conditions, performing surface warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, minelaying, and protection of merchant shipping.


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