RMC signs Finnish corvette design contract
The Finnish Defence Forces have signed a contract worth €7.5 million with Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) to design four multirole corvettes for the Finnish Navy.
The contract follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the defence forces and RMC in September 2016.
The contract will see RMC further define the vessel concept and create the basic design required for vessel manufacturing. The contract to construct the vessels is expected to be signed in 2018.
The vessels, which are being built under Finland's Squadron 2020 project, will be capable of surface warfare operations, naval mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and will have command and control capabilities and the ability to remain at sea for extended periods in all weather and ice conditions.
The Squadron 2020 project will replace four Rauma class fast attack missile craft, minelayer FNS Pohjanmaa (already decommissioned), and two minelayers of the Hämeenmaa class.
The total cost of the project has been estimated at €1.2 billion. According to plan the first vessels will be commissioned in 2021.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
