Finland launched the third of four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes at Rauma on October 29. The ship now moves to outfitting, while work continues on its two predecessors and construction of the final vessel. The programme is scheduled for completion by 2029 and will replace older minelayers and missile boats in the Finnish surface fleet.
Geopolitics··Evening
Third hull enters the water
Finland launched the third Pohjanmaa-class multipurpose corvette at the Rauma shipyard on October 29. Three of the four ships ordered through Squadron 2020, Finland’s naval renewal programme, are now afloat. The newly launched ship moves into outfitting, with equipment and onboard systems still to be installed before it can enter naval service.[1], [2]
RMC Defence Oy, the warship-building subsidiary of Rauma Marine Constructions, is constructing the vessels for the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command. Work also continues on the first two corvettes, which are undergoing outfitting. The fourth and final ship remains under construction, after its keel was laid in August following the earlier start of production work.[1], [2]
A construction schedule stretching to 2029
The lead ship’s keel was laid in April 2024, and it was launched in May 2025. The second ship followed into the water in May 2026. The third vessel’s keel-laying ceremony took place in January, when construction of the fourth vessel also began. Finland plans to introduce the new ships gradually between 2027 and 2029. Completion of the four-ship series is scheduled for 2029.[2]
Rauma Marine Constructions chief executive Mika Nieminen said experience gained on each vessel was being applied to those that followed, improving production processes and efficiency. The company puts the programme’s direct employment in Finland at more than 3,600 person-years. The overlapping work includes fitting out ships already afloat while the final hull is still being built.[1], [2]
Replacing older surface ships
The Pohjanmaa class is intended to form the backbone of Finland’s surface fleet, replacing Hämeenmaa-class minelayers and Rauma-class missile boats. The corvettes are designed for year-round operations in the Baltic Sea and are intended to remain in service into the 2060s. Finland also envisages using them in operations alongside its allies.[1], [2]
Finland’s defence ministry signed a 412 million euros agreement with Saab, the Swedish defence company, in September 2019 to supply and integrate combat systems for all four ships. Navy commander Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen described the programme as bringing together future naval requirements and domestic industrial expertise. The Logistics Command also highlighted cooperation between the shipyard, Saab and the Navy.[1], [2]
