Hamina-class (Rauma 2000)

Summary

Description

The Finnish Navy operates a class of fast attack craft known as the Hamina-class missile boat, which has significantly improved Finland's naval capabilities since their introduction in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They are defined by their classification as "missile fast attack craft" or ohjusvene in Finnish, and their role reflects a strategic shift in Finnish naval defense strategy. The boats are named after Finnish coastal cities, continuing a tradition from the previous Helsinki-class missile boats.

Built by Aker Finnyards at the Rauma shipyard, the history of the Hamina-class originates with the first vessel ordered in December 1996. The fleet, consisting of four vessels, attained full operational capability in 2008. These vessels form the 7th Surface Warfare Squadron and are stationed with the Finnish Coastal Fleet at their home base in Upinniemi. As part of an ongoing effort to maintain the fleet's cutting-edge capabilities, a Mid-Life Update (MLU) program was initiated in 2018 and completed in April 2022, extending the operational life of the vessels into the mid-2030s. Modifications included replacing the main gun armament from a 57mm to a 40mm gun and integrating lightweight anti-submarine warfare torpedoes.

The design of the Hamina-class vessels integrates aluminum hulls with superstructures made from reinforced carbon fiber composite, which contributes to their low displacement, exceptional maneuverability, and performance in shallow waters. Their propulsion is facilitated by water jets, which support unconventional acceleration, deceleration, and turning capabilities. This class of missile boats demonstrates stealth technology's benefits, as their construction minimizes magnetic, heat, and radar signatures. This includes a specialized vessel shape, radar absorbent materials, protection against electromagnetic pulses, low magnetic field with active cancellation, and thermal signature management using exhaust direction control and cooling nozzles.

As for armament, the Hamina-class boasts an integrated suite of surveillance and weapons systems encompassing an intelligent command structure. They can monitor extensive airspace and engage multiple aircraft with the Umkhonto surface-to-air missile system, while also being equipped with RBS-15 Mk.3 anti-ship missiles, Bofors 57 mm guns, MASS decoy systems, and 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. Minelaying is another capability of these vessels, which underscores the multi-role nature of their design. The command system is built on a commercially available software platform, which ensures ease of maintenance and future upgrades.

Within the class, the four vessels named FNS Hamina, FNS Tornio, FNS Hanko, and FNS Pori are all actively serving in the Finnish Navy, with their induction into service spanning from 1998 to 2006. All vessels share the same home base at Upinniemi.

Technical specifications