Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard has reached a new milestone in the Squadron 2020 program with the start of construction of the fourth and final multipurpose Pohjanmaa-class corvette for the Finnish Navy. The progress was marked by the steel-cutting ceremony, held in parallel with the keel-laying of the third unit, meaning that all four corvettes in the program are now in different stages of construction at Rauma’s facilities.
According to RMC, production of the third corvette began in August 2025, while the second unit is close to completing the structural hull work. Meanwhile, the first corvette, launched in May 2025, is moving forward through the outfitting and equipment installation phase.
In this context, RMC’s CEO and President Mika Nieminen stated: “We are very pleased to now have all Pohjanmaa-class multipurpose corvettes under construction at the Rauma shipyard. We have industrialized our construction procedures and processes to meet the demanding requirements of our customers’ projects. This is reflected in the progress achieved in core shipbuilding activities, namely hull construction.”
A Key Program for the Finnish Navy
The Squadron 2020 (Laivue 2020) program includes the construction of four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes aimed at renewing the Finnish Navy’s surface fleet. These ships are designed to operate year-round in Baltic Sea conditions and will replace older vessels of the Rauma and Hämeenmaa classes, as well as a decommissioned minelayer.
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are conceived as multipurpose platforms capable of conducting air defense, anti-submarine warfare, naval mine deployment, and joint operations with NATO allied forces. Each unit measures approximately 117 meters in length, 16.5 meters in beam, carries a crew of around 70 personnel, and has an estimated maximum speed of 26 knots.
Construction of the second corvette began in October 2024, while the third unit of the class started in September last year. Additionally, it is worth recalling that the first corvette — the lead ship of the class — was launched in May 2025, demonstrating the rapid progress of the Squadron 2020 program.
Industrial and Economic Impact
According to data provided by RMC, the direct employment impact of the Squadron 2020 program is estimated at around 3,600 person-years in Finland. This is complemented by the parallel execution of other strategic projects, such as the construction of two icebreakers for the United States Coast Guard, a contract awarded in late 2025.
Regarding this, Brigadier General (Engineer) Juha-Matti Ylitalo, Deputy Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, stated: “The start of steel cutting for the fourth unit and the keel laying of the third are clear indications of the project’s progress and of the capability of our shipbuilding industry, further strengthened by the icebreaker projects that are about to begin.”
The icebreakers, scheduled for delivery in 2028, are expected to generate a direct impact of approximately 2,000 person-years, with a total impact that could reach 5,000 person-years, overlapping in time with the construction of the corvettes.
Future Outlook for the Rauma Shipyard
From the Finnish government, Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen highlighted the strategic relevance of the program: “Squadron 2020 is a strategic project for Finland, and the icebreaker project opens a completely new dimension for our shipbuilding industry. RMC has become a leading supplier of governmental and military vessels in Finland.”
In line with this expansion, RMC announced it will increase its workforce from 300 to nearly 400 employees, strengthening its technical and organizational structure. According to Nieminen, this policy will help consolidate industrial capabilities and assume responsibilities both in the domestic market and in international projects.
With the start of construction of the fourth Pohjanmaa-class corvette, the Squadron 2020 program enters its final production phase, consolidating itself as one of Finland’s main naval modernization efforts of the past decade.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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