On August 26, 2025, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) officially commenced the build of the Finnish Navy’s third Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvette with a steel-cutting ceremony at Rauma shipyard. This marks the third vessel of four planned ships under the Squadron 2020 program, Finland’s largest naval modernization initiative aimed at replacing seven aging warships with four ice-capable corvettes. Designed for year-round Baltic operations, the vessels combine anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and mine warfare capabilities while supporting NATO missions.
Each Pohjanmaa-class corvette measures 117 meters in length, displaces around 4,300 tons, and can exceed speeds of 26 knots. Powered by a CODLAG propulsion system with low-noise operation for anti-submarine missions, the ships carry a layered arsenal: Gabriel V (PTO 2020) anti-ship missiles, RIM-162 ESSM Block 2 air-defense missiles, Saab Torped 47 lightweight torpedoes, and up to 100 naval mines. They also feature a flight deck and hangar for helicopter and UAV operations.
The program’s origins trace back to 2008, with an official launch in 2015. In 2019, Finland awarded RMC a €647.6 million contract, later revised to approximately €1.45 billion due to pandemic delays and design changes. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029, and the class is expected to remain in service through the 2050s.
With construction of the third vessel now underway, Finland is taking a significant step toward fielding a modern fleet capable of operating year-round in the Baltic Sea while maintaining full interoperability with NATO operations.
