Hämeenmaa-class

Summary

Description

The Hämeenmaa-class minelayers are a pair of coastal minelaying vessels serving the Finnish Navy, encompassing two ships primarily designed for the minelaying role. They also have the versatility to perform as escort, transport, and depot ships, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Finnish naval forces. The class is characterized by a steel hull and aluminum alloy superstructure, and it is equipped to operate in icy conditions of up to 40 cm thickness thanks to an ICE-1A classification.

The origins of the Hämeenmaa class are linked to Wärtsilä Marine, which was initially awarded the contract for these vessels. However, due to the company's bankruptcy, the contract was shifted to Hollming. The shifting of contracts didn't end there; the Finnish shipbuilding industry saw further consolidation when Hollming and Rauma Yards merged to create Finnyards, the company which ultimately built the ships.

The design and modernization phase of the Hämeenmaa-class vessels took place between 2006 and 2008, with a focus on updating their equipment to adhere to modern standards and enabling participation in international operations, particularly within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy. The modernization included transferring weapons systems from the retired Tuuli-class hovercraft, equipping the ships with the Umkhonto missile system, installing the Saab 9LV325E fire control system, and modern surveillance and sonar systems such as the TRS-3D/16 ES radar and Kongsberg ST2400 Variable Depth Sonar.

After modernization, the operational role of the Hämeenmaa-class ships expanded, providing the Finnish Navy and the European Union with enhanced capabilities. These ships were now not only capable of undertaking minelaying tasks but also light espionage, anti-submarine warfare, and escort missions. This broadened role was significant for monitoring activities, particularly in the vicinity of Russia's Baltic fleet.

The first of the class, Hämeenmaa, was returned to the Navy on 13 April 2007 after modernization, followed by Uusimaa, which was delivered on 26 October 2007. Both ships underwent sea trials to test their new systems until achieving full operational readiness by the end of 2008. In 2013, Hämeenmaa shifted its home base to Upinniemi and stepped into the flagship role of the Finnish Navy after the decommissioning of Pohjanmaa in 2015.

Both vessels, FNS Hämeenmaa and FNS Uusimaa, were built by Finnyards and commissioned in 1992, with Hämeenmaa entering service on 15 April and Uusimaa on 2 December of the same year. These ships continue to be an active part of the Finnish Navy fleet, with Hämeenmaa being based in Upinniemi and Uusimaa in Pansio.

Technical specifications