Pohjanmaa-class

The Pohjanmaa class is a series of multi-role corvettes under construction for the Finnish Navy under the Squadron 2020 project. This class replaces the Rauma-class missile boats, the Hämeenmaa-class minelayers, and the former minelayer Pohjanmaa.

Development originated with a research and planning phase in 2008, followed by the official project launch in 2015. The Finnish Ministry of Defence awarded the shipbuilding contract to Rauma Marine Constructions in September 2019. Following design phase extensions, construction of the first-of-class ship began in October 2023. Subsequent vessels in the class began construction in 2024 and 2025.

The class is designed for year-round Baltic Sea operations, utilizing an ice-strengthened hull and propulsion components equivalent to merchant ice class 1A. The vessels employ a combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) propulsion system. To support anti-submarine warfare, diesel generating sets are installed on resilient mountings within soundproof enclosures to minimize noise and vibration. The ships include bow thrusters for low-speed maneuvering.

The combat management system, provided by Saab, integrates fixed-face AESA and short-range 3D radars on a lightweight integrated mast. Underwater detection systems include hull-mounted sonar, dipping sonar, and a dual-tow system featuring both active variable-depth and passive towed arrays. Armament consists of a dual-purpose naval gun recycled from Hamina-class vessels, subsonic anti-ship missiles, and surface-to-air missiles launched from a vertical launching system. Defensive equipment includes remote-controlled weapon stations, laser warning systems, and decoy launchers. For sub-surface combat, the vessels carry lightweight torpedoes. The class retains a minelaying capability via stern rails. Aviation facilities consist of a stern flight deck and a hangar sized for a midsize helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Finnish Navy classifies the ships as multi-role corvettes intended for coastal operations. The lead ship is scheduled to begin sea trials in 2026 with commissioning in 2027. All ships in the class are expected to be in commission by 2029.