The four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes were ordered in September 2019. Construction of the lead ship began in October 2023, and it was launched on May 21, 2025. The first two vessels are currently afloat, with the second corvette launched on May 21, 2026. The keels of the second pair were laid this year, on January 14 and August 4. According to the schedule, sea trials of the lead ship are expected to begin later this year, while the entire class is to enter service by the end of 2029.
Hull section of the fourth vessel used during the keel-laying ceremony / Photo: Finnish Navy
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes will represent a major step forward for the Finnish Navy, whose current force structure is based largely on small strike craft. Although officially classified as corvettes, their displacement of 4,300 tonnes and length of 117 meters make them comparable in size to some light frigates operated around the world.
The first pair of corvettes is currently undergoing shipyard work at the fitting-out basin. Sea trials of the lead ship are expected to begin later this year. Photo: Finnish Navy
The vessels will receive an extensive weapons suite, including a 57 mm BAE Systems Bofors Mk 3 automatic gun, a Lockheed Martin Mk 41 vertical launching system for RTX RIM-162 ESSM Block 2 surface-to-air missiles, Israeli IAI Gabriel V anti-ship missiles, and launchers for Saab Tp47 lightweight torpedoes. Mine rails are also planned, enabling the ships to carry and lay up to 100 PB 17 naval mines. Another important feature is the flight deck, which creates the possibility of acquiring and operating multirole shipborne helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicles.