The third of four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes being built for the Finnish Navy was launched at the Rauma shipyard on 29 October. Three vessels are now afloat, while construction of the fourth is underway. All four are scheduled for completion by 2029, followed by phased commissioning.
According to a press release from the Finnish Navy, the launch marks the beginning of the next construction and outfitting phase for the third vessel.
The corvettes are being built by RMC Defence, a subsidiary of Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), under Finland’s Squadron 2020 programme. Designed for year-round operations in the Baltic Sea, the vessels will form a central part of the Finnish Navy’s future capabilities.
In a separate statement, RMC confirmed that the first two corvettes are undergoing outfitting, while the keel of the fourth vessel was laid in August. Outfitting of the third corvette will now begin.
RMC also reports that experience gained from constructing the earlier vessels has improved production efficiency. Saab is involved in the programme as the supplier of weapon systems.
The latest launch follows two milestones previously covered by NDS. The second corvette was launched in May, while the keel of the fourth and final vessel was laid in August.
The four corvettes are intended to replace seven older Finnish Navy vessels. Their planned capabilities include mine warfare, anti-submarine operations and protection of maritime transport routes.