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Finland’s Pohjanmaa Class Program Advances After Saab Delivers Integrated Mast to Be Installed on Corvettes, Strengthening the Country’s Naval Defense.
Saab, a globally recognized Swedish company, is the main subcontractor for the program, responsible for the combat management system, systems integration, and the development of advanced sensors. The ambitious Finnish Pohjanmaa class program, aimed at building four heavy corvettes, continues to progress consistently.
Two of the first ships of the project recently reached crucial milestones on the production line, reinforcing Finland’s commitment to modernizing its navy. Among the most significant deliveries is the integrated composite mast, manufactured in Sweden and delivered ready for installation in Rauma, Finland.
Saab Leads Technological Innovation with the Integrated Composite Mast
The construction of the integrated mast for the Pohjanmaa class corvettes takes place in Karlskrona, a site with a tradition of Saab Kockums in composite structure manufacturing.
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Saab’s expertise includes the development of the Visby class ships for the Swedish Navy, known for their composite hulls. In the Finnish project, the mast arrives in Finland already equipped with all sensors and devices installed, allowing for its integration to be virtually “plug-and-play.”
One of the most advanced sensors integrated is Saab’s Sea Giraffe multsensor system, which consists of four fixed Sea Giraffe 4A panels and a rotating Sea Giraffe 1X radar.
These sensors operate in the S and X bands, respectively, providing the system with capabilities such as Hypersonic Detection Mode, as well as “Enhanced Low, Slow and Small” (ELSS) functions that allow for the detection and tracking of threats such as rockets, artillery, and mortar rounds.
At the top of the mast, there are also passive sensors dedicated to electronic warfare, with signals intelligence and electronic support capabilities.
Production Advances with Formal Keel Laying and Future Prospects
The construction of the first mast began in August 2023, signaling the advancement of the program’s initial stage. The second Pohjanmaa class ship had its first steel cut in October of the same year and recently underwent a traditional keel-laying ceremony on May 8 at the Rauma Marine Construction shipyard in Finland.
Although the construction method has evolved to modular blocks, the keel-laying maintains its symbolic significance and marks an important progression on the assembly line.
During the ceremony, representatives from the Finnish Navy, the Logistics Command of the Finnish Defense Forces, Saab, and Lloyd’s Register participated in the ritual that included placing lucky coins in the first keel block.
The program’s timeline anticipates that the second ship will follow the first in approximately a year, with an expectation of reduced production time as experience accumulates.
The next expected step is the start of steel cutting for the third Pohjanmaa class ship, planned to take place soon.
Finland Reinforces Naval Capability with Strategic Partnership with Saab
With Saab’s strategic collaboration, Finland is advancing its naval fleet modernization, investing in cutting-edge technology to strengthen maritime defense.
The Pohjanmaa class program symbolizes a milestone in the country’s shipbuilding industry, combining technological innovation, advanced systems integration, and modular construction.
The delivery of the integrated composite mast, with its sophisticated Sea Giraffe sensors, highlights Saab’s central role in the project’s success.
The Pohjanmaa class, therefore, represents not only an increase in Finnish naval power but also the consolidation of a technological cooperation between Finland and Sweden, with Saab leading advancements in sensors and combat systems to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the new corvettes.
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