Posted on September 3, 2025
On August 26, 2025, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) began production of the Finnish Navy’s third Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette with a steel-cutting ceremony at the Rauma shipyard. This event marked the entry of the third of four planned vessels into active construction as part of the Squadron 2020 program. The Squadron 2020 program represents Finland’s largest naval modernization effort, aimed at replacing seven ageing warships with four ice-capable Pohjanmaa-class corvettes, which will be used for year-round Baltic operations, combining anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and mine warfare roles while supporting NATO missions.
The Pohjanmaa-class program has been under development for more than a decade. Initial research and planning began in 2008, and the official project launch occurred in 2015. In September 2019, Finland awarded a €647.6 million shipbuilding contract to RMC for four vessels, while Saab was selected to provide the combat management system and sensors. Subsequent delays linked to design revisions and the COVID-19 pandemic extended timelines by up to 18 months and added costs of about €200 million, bringing the current projected budget to approximately €1.45 billion. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029, and the class is expected to remain in operational use until the 2050s.
Each Pohjanmaa-class corvette is 117 meters long, with a beam of 16 to 16.5 meters, a draught of 5 meters, and a displacement of roughly 4,300 tonnes. Crew complements range from 70 to 73, though accommodation for up to 120 is possible. The ships have an endurance of 14 days and a range of 3,500 nautical miles. The propulsion system uses a CODLAG configuration consisting of one General Electric LM2500 gas turbine and four MAN 12V175D diesel-generator sets, together producing 28 megawatts. Propulsion is delivered through two shafts with controllable pitch propellers and two bow thrusters, enabling speeds above 26 knots and low-noise operations during anti-submarine warfare through resilient mounting of generators in soundproof enclosures.
The armament of the class is multi-layered. Each vessel carries a forward-mounted Bofors 57 mm Mk3 gun recycled from Hamina-class missile boats, two Saab Trackfire remote weapon stations, and four Rheinmetall MASS decoy launchers. The primary anti-ship weapon is the Gabriel V missile, designated PTO 2020 in Finnish service, with eight launchers per ship. For air defense, eight Mk 41 VLS cells host 32 RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) Block 2, designated ITO 20. Anti-submarine warfare capability is provided by Saab Torped 47 lightweight torpedoes, and the vessels are equipped to lay up to 100 PB 17 naval mines via stern rails. The class also includes a flight deck and hangar to accommodate helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, expanding operational roles.
The onboard combat system integrates Saab’s 9LV combat management system with the Sea Giraffe 4A FF fixed-face AESA radar and the Sea Giraffe 1X radar, mounted on the Saab Lightweight Integrated Mast. Fire control is managed by two CEROS 200 radar and electro-optical directors, while sonar coverage includes Kongsberg SS2030 hull-mounted sonar, Kongsberg SD9500 dipping sonar, and Patria’s dual-towed Sonac DTS combining active and passive sensors. Communications are supported by Saab’s TactiCall integrated system, and an electronic warfare suite incorporates electronic support measures, countermeasures, and a naval laser warning system. These systems are designed to provide multi-domain operational capability in surface, air, and sub-surface environments and enable integration with NATO structures.
The Squadron 2020 project also reflects significant industrial measures. RMC constructed a closed multi-purpose hall, upgraded steel production, added heavy transfer ramps, and modified a launching barge to facilitate secure and efficient production. Employment impact is estimated at more than 3,600 person-years in Finland. RMC stresses the importance of subcontractors and cooperation partners for smooth operations, with the program contributing to the regional and national industry. Beyond Finland, RMC joined a consortium in July 2025 with U.S.-based Bollinger, Canadian Seaspan, and Aker Arctic to compete for American icebreaker contracts, highlighting its expertise in ice-capable vessels. Aker Arctic has also supplied the ARC ILMS ice load monitoring system for the Pohjanmaa-class.
Operationally, the four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes will replace seven older vessels, including four Rauma-class missile boats, two Hämeenmaa-class minelayers, and the former Pohjanmaa minelayer. Together with four modernized Hamina-class missile boats, they will form the backbone of the Finnish Navy. Public debate has focused on classification, as their displacement places them close to frigates, while Finnish officials argue that the design reflects multi-role requirements such as minelaying and adaptation to Baltic conditions. Critics have raised concerns about size and visibility, but the Navy emphasizes the necessity of combining multiple functions in a single platform. The third ship’s production start, therefore, confirms progress toward building a fleet designed for year-round Baltic operations with interoperability for NATO tasks.
