The minelayer Pohjanmaa (launched 1978)
Throughout the cold war, Finland was in a very difficult position, both geographically and politically, but managed to survive as a free nation, albeit one whose policies were strongly influenced by the need not to offend the Soviet Union. The navy received only small grants from the restricted defence budget and found it difficult to replace the losses to Soviet reparations. The fleet is principally composed of mine warfare vessels, missile boats and patrol vessels, mostly of Finnish construction. The world-famous Wartsila yard was the world’s most successful builder of icebreakers, exporting to the former Soviet Union and Sweden.
Inheritance of WW2
After the Finnish-Soviet armistice, the Finnish Navy was ordered by Soviet authorities to take part in mine clearance operations, until 1950, and this caused many casualties in the crews.
Wartime vessels startred to be replaced by a new generation of ships in the 1950s and 1960s. Neutrality obliged the country balance purchases between West and East and to produce its own ships as much as possible.
British purchases:
1x Bay-class frigate Matti Kurki (training ships)
-2x Dark-class fast patrol boats (Vasama 1 and Vasama 2)
-4x BYMS-class minesweepers
Soviet Purchases:
-2x Riga-class frigates (Hämeenmaa and Uusimaa)
-4x Osa II-class fast attack craft (Tuima-class missile boats)
Local construction:
-2x Turunmaa-class gunboats (Turunmaa and Karjala)
-4x Nuoli-class fast attack craft
The Cold War limitations are no longer in place (they were nullified with the breakup of the Soviet Union), but the size of the navy has still remained roughly the same size (with the exception of tonnage).
The Finnish Navy Post 1990
In 1995 there were 1800 personnel, plus 600 Border Guards. The fleet was organised into four flotillas (gunboats (Turku), missile craft, mine warfare vessels and patrol units (all at Helsinki)), until 1993 when it was reformed into the Archipelago Fleet, based at the main naval base at Turku, and the Gulf of Finland Fleet at Helsinki. FLEET STRENGTH 1947 The coast defence ship Vaindiméinen was ceded to the Soviet Union as part of reparations and renamed Vyborg, capital of the conquered southeast province of Finland, The submarines Vetehinen, Vesthiisi, Iku-Turso, Saukko and Vestkko were all stricken, the last preserved as a museum boat at Sveaborg, outside Helsinki.
In the late 1990s, the Finnish Navy started to create a new missile squadron, “Laivue 2000” (“Squadron 2000”). It was composed initially of two Hamina-class missile boats already built at this date and four Tuuli-class hovercraft. But only one prototype hovercraft was tested at the time, and in 2003 trials showed further constructions were not desirable, the lead vessel would not enter commissioned service. The squadron was thus reinforced by two new Hamina-class missile boats and the hovercraft weapons and sensor suite was recycled on the the new Hämeenmaa-class minelayers.
Hamina-class fast attack craft Pori before modernization in an MLU program
The cable layer Putsaari and pollution control vessel Hylje were both retired in 2011, replaced by a new multipurpose ship from the Uudenkaupungin Työvene shipyard. On 8 March 2011, the Louhi was launched, a new icebreaking oil spill response vessel.
The minelayer Pohjanmaa (1979) was decommissioned in 2013, Hämeenmaa becoming flagship.
In February 2015 it was reported that fatigue cracks were found in the hulls of the refitted Rauma-class missile boats. They were announced to be placed in reserve for a possible later decommission and return to full commission at any moment, especiallt given the present conflict in Ukraine ongoing since 2022.
Jehu-class landing craft
In 2018 procurement was agreed for several IAI’s Gabriel 5 naval strike missile system, to replace current maritime anti-ship missile Saab 85M (RBS15) system arriving at the end of their useful life in 2020s. The new IAI PTO2020 Gabriel are destined to the Hamina and Pohjanmaa class ships for a planned life cycle to the 2050s. Finnish Defence Forces also planned this as a multi-branch joint strike capability since these missiles are usable against ground targets. The Finnihsh designation of PTO2020 standard for Pinta Torjunta Ohjus 2020 or Surface Strike Missile 2020.
Actual Plans
The current plan is to increase Finnish mine countermeasures capabilities, starting with replacement of the Kuha- and Kiiski-class minesweepers with three Katanpää-class mine countermeasure vessels (MCMV 2010 and MITO class).
The plan evolved in 2011 to adress the Navy’s needs for fast troop deployment. In October 2012, a 34 million euro contract was signed to procure 12 fast Jehu class transport boats, plus an option for more. The awarded company is Marine Alutech i Finland, already responsible for the Uisko and Jurmo class transport boats. The Jehu class vessels are 19-metre (62 ft) long and can carry 25 troops at 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph), armed with a remotely controlled turret.
With the integration into NATO in 2020, the next-generation surface combatant of Finland were confirmed to be larger than missile boats, better suited for international (NATO) co-operation, in pre-development stage under the project name Monitoimialus 2020 (“Multi-purpose vessel 2020”) or Laivue 2020 (“Squadron 2020”) to replace the Hämeenmaa and Pohjanmaa-class minelayers and Rauma-class missile boats at the horizon 2030, seven vessels. These new ships are corvettes, the largest, most capable warships in Finnish service ever. In fact with a displacement above 4000t it is argued thay are rather small frigates and should be classed as such. Commission is now advanced to 2028 at the earnest.
On 5 May 2021 the MoD announced the purchase of four Kewatec Work 1920 vessels (now delivered) and five additional in option so service the new corvettes under 12.8 million Euros program. An additional 17 Jurmo-class ships were ordered on 29 June 2023 as Finland ramps up its military budget at every level.
Post-1990 Finnish Fleet
The current fleet still mixes mine warfare and coastal missile fast attack ships with extra coastal defences.
-Four Hamina-class fast attack craft
-Four Rauma-class fast attack craft
-Two Hämeenmaa-class minelayers/escort ships
-Three Pansio-class minelayers (one undergoing renovation as of 2015)
-Three Katanpää-class mine countermeasure vessels
-Three Kuha-class minesweepers
-Six Kiiski-class minesweepers
Coastal Forces
The Coastal forces include coastal infantry and Marines (Coastal Jaegers) and the last coastal artillery units still operable. The latter uses a variety of fixed and towed guns as well as truck-mounted anti-ship missiles. The towed guns were phased out as obsolete. The artillery-based coastal defences are to be upgraded for the most valuable, retired for the others. The coastal infantry can deploye and operate short range Spike-ER coastal missiles, wheread at a longer range, Finland uses a battery of MTO-85M (SAAB RBS-15SF) anti-ship missiles, truck mounted.
The Coastal artillery comprised fixed point, armoured turrets armed with 130mm 53 TK guns (soviet era) with mopre modern guidance and a BOR-A 550 ground and coastal surveillance radar (GSR).
The Euro-Spike missile are operated from 2005 at the Uusimaa Brigade and the RBS-15 trucks are complemented by those with the upgraded RBS-15 Mk.3 (MTO-85M). 18 Spike ER systems are deployed with Rannikko-ohjus 2006 as launchers for coastal anti-ship use src. Range 400–8,000 m (440–8,750 yd).
Sisu truck with a quad canister launcher for the RBS-15 Mark III. Range 200 km, payload 200 kg HE-PFW. Also used by the Hamina-class missile boats and the Rauma-class missile boats.
130 53 TK located in Isosaari.
130 53 TK or 130 TK (“130 mm rifled, 53 length caliber, turret gun”) is a Finnish fixed, heavy artillery piece, manufactured by Tampella and produced from 1982 to 1990. The caliber is 130 mm. The 130 53 TK (130 mm TorniKanuuna or “turret-cannon”) is the main weapon of the Finnish coastal artillery. Maximum firing range with HR, Frag is 27 km and with anti-ship base bleed shells; 40 km. Initial velocity 860 m/s or more. 3 rds in 20 sec. in temporary bursts with auto-loader, 6 rpm sustained. The entire turret weight weighs 16 tonnes with a 6,818 mm barrel operated by 3 NCOs and 7 soldiers. The same guns are also carried by trucks.
100mm 56 TK coastal artillery gun in Kuivasaari island. This is a modified T-55 turret used as coastal artillery.
152 50 Tampella (now retired, with possible reactivation in case of war).
The main coastal defence artillery system was a program started at the end of WW2 by Tampella, ordered to construct new gun barrels for venerable 152 mm 45 caliber Pattern 1892 Russian Guns still in inventiry. The treaty signed with USSR deprived the Finns of that possibility and imposed neutrality, but in early 1950s funds were available to modernize these guns with a longer barrel ported to 50 calibers, new rifling allowing to use the same ammunition with cased charges but pushed at a range of 25 kilometres (16 mi) and better muzzle brakes.
The new 152 50 T were installed on coastal batteries from 1959 with a total of 29 guns converted and in the 1960s they were protected by metal cupola and overpressurization system. The cupola was in thin metal, only protected from direct hits by its shape, able to deflect rounds, but was vulnerable to even small shrapnel. Recoil springs were also modernized, and maintenance performed, but in 1976 rthere was a program to replace them by modern 130 mm guns, and in the 1980s the 152 50 T were replaced and the last withdrawn from service by 2003.
Mine countermeasure vessel Purunpää (41) in Helsinki South harbour during Finnish Navy 2015 anniversary.
Finnish defence forces flag day 2017 naval review: missile boat Rauma Saab Elma anti-submarine mortars.
Finnish minelayer Uusimaa bow port side RBU-1200 anti-submarine rocket launcher. Photographed during Finnish Navy 2011 anniversary in Turku.
Finnish Seafox drone
Kurki 51 patrol craft
Hanko in Turku
LCU Halli in Turki 2011
Fabian Werde class ship in Turku
Read More
https://web.archive.org/web/20031002081949/http://www.hut.fi/~jaromaa/Navygallery/index.htm
https://www.defmin.fi/ajankohtaista/tiedotteet_ja_uutiset/tiedotearkisto/tiedotteet_2023/suomi_hankkii_lisaa_jurmo-luokan_miehistonkuljetusveneita.13732.news#faca0983
https://puolustusvoimat.fi/sotilasarvot
https://merivoimat.fi/en/frontpage
https://puolustusvoimat.fi/sotilasarvot
https://web.archive.org/web/20110117183213/http://www.mil.fi/ruotuvaki/?action=read_page
https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/frontpage
https://www.navypedia.org/ships/finland/fi_index.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_minelayer_Pohjanmaa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Navy
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Finnish_Navy
Ship’s list
This was a WW2 British “Bay” class frigate, ex-Porlock Bay, ex-Loch Seforth, ex Loch Muick buiolt at Charles Hill & Son in Bristol in 1944. At the end of her service she was sold to Finland and transferred in 1962. She mostly served as TS and was stricken in 1975.
As an example of the mixed procurement of the Finnish Navy (with arms twisting), two Riga class Frigates were acquired in 1964, transferred the same day on 14 May 1964, standard in armament and design, named Uusima and Hameenmaa. The latter was converted as a minelayer in 1978-79, TT removed and 50 mines. She was stricken in 1985 and her sister in 1979.
Class: Nuoh 1-4 (31 34, 1961), Nuoli 5 8 (35 38, 1962), Nuoli 9 (39, 1963), Nuoli 10 12 (40-42, 1964), Nuoli 13 (43, 1966).
All were built at Laivateollisuus, Turku (Abo). Nuoh 9 was deleted 1979 and Nuoli 4 1980. Nuoli 1 3, 6 and 9 discarded 1984. Remainder modernised 1982-83. With new armament: 2x 23mm/60 (1 x 2), 1x 12.7mm MG, 4DC. Nuoli 8 Stricken 1992, remaining five extant 1995.
Specs:
Displacement: 47t standard, 53t full load
Dimensions: 72ft 2in x 21ft 8in x 5ft (22 x 6.6 x 15m)
Machinery: 3 Soviet M50 diesels, 2,700bhp for 40kts
Armament: 1x 40mm, 1x 20mm
Sensors: Radar Decca 707
Complement: 15
Class: Vasama 1, Vasama 2
Built 1955 57 by Saunders Roe, Anglesey, UK. Different from RN armament, 2-40mm, 4 DCs and mines. Vasama I stricken 1977, Vasama 2 stricken 1979.
Class: Rauma (#70, 18.10.90), Raahe (#71, 20.8.91), Porvoo (#72, 27.4.92), Naantali (#73, 23.6.92)
Shorter, shallower-draft successor to Helsinki class, ordered February 1987. Originally first unit to have been named Luokka. Two further groups of four are planned. SAM launcher is a Finnish designed conversion of a standard —23mm AA gun mount. Guns and missiles are interchangeable.
Specs:
Displacement: 215t standard; 248t full load
Dimensions: 134ft 6in pp/157ft 6in oa x 26ft 3in x 2ft 10in (hull) (41/48m x 8m x 0.87m)
Machinery: 2 shafts MTU 16V538 TB 93 diesels, 2 Riva (Calzone IRC 155 waterjets) 8000 bhp for 30kts
Armament: 6x RBS 15 SSM (2×2, 2×1), 1×6 Sako SAM launcher(Mistral), 1x 40mm/70 Bofors, 2x 12.7mm MG (2×1), 4x Elma ASW RL (4×1), mines
Sensors: Radar navigational, 9GA208, 9LV225; sonar SONAC TPA towed array, ECM 9EW300 intercept, 2 decoy RL
Complement: 19 (5 officers)
Class: HELSINKI #60 (Wartsila), launched 5.11.80; TURKU #61 1985, OULU #62 1985, KOTKA #63 1986.
The Prototype was ordered on 5 October 1978, with a further three ordered on 13 January 1981. A class of twelve was planned, but further construction was halted in favour of the Rauma class (see below). Aluminium hull. The three production models had a different-shaped pilot house to the prototype Helsinki as completed, but she was later modified to the same configuration. Armed with up to eight Swedish RBS 15 SSM (ordered 7 March 1983), but only four usually carried. Minelaying role requires removal of SSM tubes and DC cracks.
Specs:
Displacement: 280t standard, 350t fully loaded
Dimensions: 45 x 8.5 x 3m (147 ft 7in, 29ft 3in x 9ft 9in)
Machinery: 3 shafts MTU 16V 538 TB92 diesels 11,000 hp for 32 kts
Armament: 4×2 RBS 15 SSM, 1x 57mm Bofors, x 23mm 2 Barricade chaff launchers, mines
Sensors: Nav radar 9GA208, 9L V225, sonar hull mounted SS 304
Complement: 30
Tuima (11), Tutsko (12), Tuudi (14), Tyrsky (15)
Purchased 1974-75 from the USSR. Finnish electronics. In 1993 Tuma was converted to a fast minelayer. SSM were removed and mine rails added. It is believed that the rest of the class will be similarly converted as their SSM are past their useful life.
ISKU was built at Reposaaren, Konepaja, Björneborg.She was laid down November 1968 and commissioned 1970 for training and trials Landing craft hull designed for missile armament and more powerful engines In 1989-90 she was lengthened by 23ft (7m) and a lengthened deckhouse, mine rails and a crane fitted.
Specs:
Displacement: 115t standard; 140t full load
Dimensions: 86ft 6in wl/91ft 10in oa x 28ft 7in x 6ft 5in (26.4m/28m x 8.7m x 1.8m)
Machinery: 4 shafts, 4 Soviet M50 diesels, 3,600bhp for 15kts
Armament: 2x 30mm (1×2), 4x MTO/68 (SS-N-2A Styx) SSM
Sensors: Radar 1 navigational, 1 Square Tie
Complement: 15
Class: TURUNMAA, KARJALA
Pennant 03 TURUNMAA (built in Wartsila, launched 11.7.67), pennant 04 KARJALA (Wartsila, helsinki, launched 16.8.67).
Ordered 18 February 1965, Laid down March 1967, completed 29 August 1968 and 21 October 1969 respectively, commissioned 1969, Engine exhausts taken astern either side of the quarterdeck to discharge as one 50ft astern, thus providing an IR decoy and allowing the ships to steam at 12 kts without using the propellers. Can cruise 17kts on diesels alone. Retitted 1984 86 by Wartsila, Turku, and fitted with new electronics.
Specs:
Displacement: 650t standard, 770t full load
Dimensions: 229ft 7in oa, 243ft lin wl x 25ft 7in x 7ft 11in (70/74m x 7.8m x 2.4m)
Machinery: 3-shaft CODOG (3 CP propellers): 1 Olympus TM3B Gas turbine 16,180 shp for 35kts plus 3 MTU diesels 4050bhp for 17kts. Oil 120t. Range 2500nm at 14 kts
Armament: 1x 120mm Bofors, 2x 40mm Bofors, 2x 23mm (1×2), 2x RBU 1200 ASW RL (2×5), 2x DCT, 6x 103mm RFL on main gun.
Sensors: Radar HSA, M22, navigational.
Complement: 70
Class: #51 RIHTNIEMI 1956, #52 RYMATTYLA 1956. Now retired.
Built in Repola, Rauma. Ordered June 1955. Commissioned 21 February and 20 May 1957 respectively. Modernised 1980-81, Also minesweepers.
Specs:
Displacement: 90t standard; 110t full load
Dimensions: 101 ft 8in x 18ft 8in x 5ft 11in (31m x 5.6m x 1.8m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 MTU diesels, 2500bhp = 15kts
Armament: 1-40mm, 1-20mm (from 1976 4x 23mm (2×2)), 2 RBU 1200 ASW RL (2×5)
Complement: 20
Class: #53 RUISSALO #54 RAISIO, #55 ROYTTA
Built at Laivateollisuus, Turku. launched 16.6.59, 2.7.59, 2.6.59 respectively. Ex-R 3-5, completed 11 August 1959, 12 September 1959, 14 October 1959 respectively. #53 modernised 1976, other two 1980. Also minesweepers. In 1991 Ruissalo conducted trials with a lightweight VDS system in place of her aft gun mounting. Now retired.
Specs:
Displacement: 110t standard; 130t full load
Dimensions: 108ft llin x 18ft 6in x 5ft 1 lin (32m x 6m x 1.8m)
Sensors: Radar Decca, hull sonar
Other particulars: As Rihtniemi class
Commissioned 1958. The 2x 40mm were changed to Soviet 2×2 30mm in 1975.
Specs:
Displacement: 290t standard, 360t FL
Dimensions: 56 x 7.7 x 2m
Machinery: 2 shafts Wartstila diesels, 1600 hp 15 kts
Armament: 2x 40mm, 2x 20mm 100, mines
Crew: 60
POHJANMAA was built at Wartsila, Helsinki, launched 22.8.78 (designed in 1976), laid down May 1978, Commissioned 8 June 1979. She doubled as peacetime training ship, such maximum fifty-six men in Portacabins on mine deck. She had an Helicopter pad on quarter-deck and a bow thruster. In 1992 she had two 12.7mm MG replaced two twin 23mm mounts forward.
Specs:
Displacement: 1000t standard: 1100t full load
Dimensions: 255ft 9in x 37ft 5in x 9ft 10in (78 x 11.5 x 3.0m)
Machinery: 2 shafts Wartsila-Vasa 16V22 diesels, 5800hp = 20kts. Range 3500nm at 17kts
Armament: 1x 120mm, 2x 40mm (2×1), 8 x23mm (4×2), 2x RBU 1200 ASW RL (2×2), up to 120 mines
Sensors: Radar navigational, air search, Philips 9LV 100 fire control: sonar 2 sets; ECM 2 decoy RL
Complement: 77-90 (as training ship)
HAMEENMAA class minelayers. Built at Finnyards 11/11/1991 at Rauma. UUSIMAA in Jun 1992. Orginally ordered from Wartsila, Helsinki, but had to be re-ordered following the original yard’s bankruptcy, they entered service in 1992-93. They were built with bow and stern ramps so as to be able to serve as logistic transports. Strengthened hulls and icebreaker bows for ice navigation.
Specs: Displacement: 1000t standard; 1300t full load
Dimensions: 228ft 4in pp, 252ft 7in oa x 38ft lin x 9ft 10in (69.6m/77m x 11.6m x 3m)
Machinery: 2 shafts (CP props), 2 Wartsila-Vasa 12V 22MD diesels, bow thruster, 6400 bhp = 20kts
Armament: 1 Sako SAM launcher (1×6, Mistral missiles), 2x 40mm Bofors (2×1), 4-23mm/60 (2×2), 1200 ASW RL (2×1), 2 DC racks, 4 mine rails (150 mines), racks, 4 mine rails
Sensors: Radar navigational; sonar hull, hull-mounted.
Complement: 45
Class: Pansio (#876, 25.9.91), Pyhdranta (#475, 26.4.92), Porkkala (#777, 29.10.92) Ordered in May 1990 from Olkiluoto Telakka. Multi-role vessels built as minelayers, pollution control ships and landing craft/cargo carriers to support coastal artillery facilities. Bow and stern ramps, and a vehicle deck accommodating up to two trucks, with mine rails fitted. Active.
Displacement: 450t full load
Dimensions: 144 ft 4in oa, 128ft 7in wl x 32ft 10in x 6ft 7in (44/39.2m x 10.0m x 2m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 MTU 12V 183 diesels, 1500 bhp = 100kts
Armament: 2x 23mm/60 (1×2), 1x 12.7mm MG, 50 mines
Sensors: Radar navigational
Complement: 12
Ex-US BYMS type inshore minesweepers. Class Katanpada (1), Purunpad (2), Vahterpdd (3), Tammenpda (4), Ex-US BYMS 2049, 2032, 2044, 2047. Launched 1941-42, purchased 1948, scrapped 1958-60.
Class: Kuha 21-26
Ordered 1972 and launched at Laivateollisuus, Turku, 1974—75. Hulls constructed of GRP. Active rudders.
Specs:
Displacement: 90t standard
Dimensions: 87ft 2in x 22ft 8in x 6ft 6in (26.6m x 6.9m x 2m)
Machinery: 1 shaft, 2 Cummins NT-380M diesels, 600bhp = 11kts
Armament: 2x 20mm (2×1) or 2x 23mm (1×2) and 1x 20mm
Sensors: Radar Decca Complement: 15
Class: Kiuskii 1-7 (521-527, 1984 85).
GRP hulled, built by Fiskar’s Turun, Turku. Originally designed to be operated in both manned and drone modes (controlled from the Kuha class minesweepers), but in the event operate in manned mode only. Equipped to counter both magnetic and acoustic mines. All active.
Specs:
Displacement: 20t full load
Dimensions: 49ft 10in «x 13ft 5in x 3ft llin (15.18m x 4.1m x 1.2m)
Machinery: 2 waterjets, 2 Valmet 611 CSMP diesel, 340bhp = 1Okts
Armament: None
Sensors: Radar navigational
Complement: 4
Five Kave class LCUs: 27t standard, 160t full load; 59ft x 16ft 5in x 1ft 1in, (18m x 5m x 1.4m), 2 Valmet diesels, 360bhp = 9kts; 1 20mm; 3 crew. Built by Hollming, Rauma, completed 19 December 1960. Kave-1 lost in tow 15 December 1960. Kave-2 completed by Hamman Konepaja 16 November 1956. All stricken c1990.
Six Kala class LCUs: 60t standard, 200t full load; 88ft 7in x 26ft 2in x 6ft (27m x 8m x 1.8m). Machinery and gun as Kave class, 10 crew. Built by Rauma Repola, Kala-1 completed 16 November 56, Kala-6 4 December 1959. Can lay up to 34 mines. Kala 2 and Kala 5 stricken 1992, remainder extant 1995.
Kampela class LCUs: 90t standard, 260t full load; 106ft 7in x 26ft 2in x 4ft 10in (32.5m x 8m x 1.5m). 2 Scania diesels 460bhp, 9kts; 2-20mm, mines; 10 crew: Kampela I (in service 29 July 1976), Kampala 2 (in service 21 October 1976) were built by Enso Gutzeit, Savonlinna. Kampala 3 (in service 23 October 1979) was built by Finnmekano, Teija. All extant 1995.
-There are also five Valas class, six Hauki class and two Pukkio class, officially rated as artillery and personnel ferries.
Otso in 1994
All built by Wartsilä, Helsinki, with pairs of propellers fore and aft.
Toma (4415t standard; 274ft x 63ft 88in x 23ft, 83.5m x 19.4m x 6.8m; 6 diesels. 10.500bhp = 16.5kts, 58 crew). Launched 1952, in service 1953. Rebuilt and re-engined 1978-79 to serve unul 1994.
Four Karhu class (3540t standard; 243ft x 57ft x 21ft, 74.2m x 17.4m x 6.4m; 4 diesels, 7500bhp = 16kts, 53 crew), Karhu (launched 22.10.57, in service December 1958), Murtaja (22.9.58, in service 1959), Sampo (launched and in service 1960), Hansa (W German-owned, in service 25.11.66) has a Finnish crew and summers off Finland. Karhu, Murtaja and Sampo stricken c1985, replaced by the Orso class (see below). ,
Three Tarmo class (4890t standard; 284ft x 71ft x 23ft, 86.5m x 21.7m x 6.8m; 4 diesels, 12,000bhp = 16.5kts, 58 crew). Tarmo (in service 1963), Varma (1968), Apu (25.11.70). Tarmo and Varma deleted 1993.
Two Urho class (as Swedish Atle class). Urho (launched 1974, in service 5.3.75), Szsu (1975, in service 28.1.76). A helicopter but no other armament, 45 crew.
Two Orso class (8500t, 324ft 10in x 80ft 3in x 26ft 3in (99.01m x 24.46m x &.0m), 20,400shp = 18.5kts, 28 crew): Orso (launched 12.7.85, in service 30.1.86, Kontio (launched 30.7.86, in service 29.1.87). Replacements for Karhu class.
Two Fennica class (12,500t, 380ft 7in x 85ft 4in x 27ft 7in (116.0m x 26.0m x 8.4m), 16kts, 16 crew): Fennica (launched 10.9.92, in service March 1993),
Nordica (launched 18.6.93, in service January 1994). Helicopter deck plus hangar forward.
Hameenmaa class (400t): HAMEENMAA 1917, BU 1953, UDUSIMAA 1917, BU 1953
Kayyala class (342t):KARJALA 1918, BU 1953; TURUNMAA 1918, BU 1953.
Loimu class Minelayers (1915-16, 60t): LOIMU, LIESKA: Stricken 1953,
Pommi class 1917 80t: POMMI, MIINA Stricken 1953
RUOTSINSALMI (1940 310t): Stricken 1975
Patrol Vessels:
-AURA 1907 350t: Stricken 1971
VMV 1, 2, 5, 6 1930-31 30t Stricken 1950-60
VMV 9, 11, 13, 15,16 1935 30t Stricken 1960-70. VMV 11: museum boat
TURSAS 1938 360t Stricken 1975
J144 (ex-Italian MAS 526-529 1939 22t): Stricken 1961
JYLHA, JYRY, JYSKE, JYMY (H1-5), HYOKY (1943 20t): Stricken 1963
HIRMU, HURJA, HYRSKY, HAIJY T2-8, TAISTO (1942-46 22t): Stricken 1962-77
TYRSKY, TUIMA, TUISKO, TUULI T7,T8, later VMV 19,20 (1943 21t): Stricken 1970
MINESWEEPERS:
RAUTU 1917 165t: Stricken 1950
Pukkto class 1939-47 162t: PUKKIO, PORKKALA discarded 1974-79 PANSIO.
Ahven class 1936-37 17t: AHVEN, KIISKI, MUIKKO, Stricken 1960-62
SARK, KUORE, LAHNA (SM 1, 2, 4) 1939-40 20t: Stricken 1951-54
AJONPAA, KALLANPAA (1941 52t): Stricken 1960-1962
Ex-US (purchased 1946, 1943-44 150t): DR 2 PYHTAA DR 7 PIRTTISAARI, DR 10 PURHA: Stricken 1978-1980
KUHA 1, 2, 4, 5, 7-18 (1941-46 17t): Stricken 1957-62
Porkkala: sunk 28 November 1941, raised and rebuilt.
ICEBREAKERS:
-MURTAJA 1898 1000t: Stricken 1959
-SAMPO 1898 1850t: Stricken 1960
-APU 1899 900t: Stricken 1959
-TARMO 1907 2300t: Stricken 1969
-OTSO 1936 800t: Stricken 1967
-LOUHI (ex-Sisu) 1938 2012t: From 1975 HQ ship.
