Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has cut the steel of the Finnish Navy’s second Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette.
The ceremony officially began the construction of the vessel under a 647.6-million euro ($707.7-million) program signed in 2019 for four modern corvettes.
The fleet will replace the service’s older minelayer and missile fast-attack craft once inducted. Work for the entire Pohjanmaa corvettes will be completed by 2029.
Tasks of the warships will encompass naval mine planting, surface operations, air defense, anti-submarine operations, and sea lines of communication security across the Baltic Sea and in low-temperature environments.
“During the construction of the first multi-purpose corvette, we did a great deal of development work that will greatly facilitate the construction of future vessels,” RMC President and CEO Mika Nieminen remarked.
“Since we managed to get the construction of the second multi-purpose corvette underway already, I am pleased to say that we will be several weeks ahead of schedule.”
Finland’s Pohjanmaa Corvette
The Pohjanmaa corvette is a 117-meter (384-foot) vessel that will be equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, remote weapon systems, naval guns, decoy systems, and an electronic warfare suite.
Additional capabilities include 3D radar and fire control detectors, hull-mounted sonar, and a specialized combat management system.
The ship will sail with a 38,000-horsepower combined diesel-electric and gas engine for a speed of 26 knots (48 kilometers/30 miles per hour), a range of 6,500 kilometers (4,039 miles), and endurance of up to 14 days.
Pohjanmaa’s design incorporates a helicopter deck, a hangar, and accommodations for more than 70 passengers.