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
-
New Zealand's HMNZS Te Mana successfully fires first Sea Ceptor missile
CMS 330 is a combat management system developed by Lockheed Martin Canada that serves as the backbone for several Canadian and Chilean ship classes and has been installed on RNZN Anzac-class frigates.
-
Future of the South African Navy looks bleak despite new ships entering service
The commissioning of SAS King Shaka Zulu, a Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel, into the South African Navy masks serious problems for the service as fleet availability falls dangerously low and capability atrophies.
-
Babcock wins UK Royal Navy’s Dreadnought support contracts
Babcock has won contracts worth more than £120 million to support the development and delivery of the Dreadnought-class submarines for the UK’s Royal Navy.
-
Make or break: Can the European Patrol Corvette programme save shipbuilding in Europe?
With funding from the European Defence Fund and partner countries, the European Patrol Corvette programme has an opportunity to become the standard bearer for defence procurement and potentially offer a route forward for naval shipbuilding in Europe.
-
Portugal contracts Damen for multi-purpose vessel designed for integrated uncrewed air and sea systems
The new ship’s primary roles will be search and rescue, emergency relief and oceanic research but will also be used for naval support operations and maritime safety.