Finnish Navy Hamina-class MLU programme reaches final approval

The upgraded Hamina-class missile boats have been comprehensively equipped for their size and are capable of monitoring and countering air, surface, and underwater threats. (Finnish Navy)

The Finnish Navy's Hamina-class fast attack craft (FAC) mid-life upgrade (MLU) and modernisation programme has officially concluded and all four vessels have been returned to active duty.

A ceremony to mark the milestone was held at the Finnish Navy's base in Turku on 12 December, the service announced the same day.

The Hamina-class Squadron 2000 MLU (SQ2000 MLU) programme was carried out from 2018 to 2023 with Finnish company Patria acting as prime and lead system integrator.

The scope of work included replacement of the Atlas Elektronik ANCS combat management system (CMS) with a new Saab 9LV CMS and fire-control system suite and installation of a new Saab TactiCall communication system. The existing BAE Systems' Bofors 57 mm Mk 3 guns have been replaced with the lighter Bofors 40 mm Mk 4, and the Saab RBS15 anti-ship missiles have been replaced by Israel Aerospace Industries' Gabriel V anti-ship missile system.

The FACs have also been equipped with an enhanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability provided by the Kongsberg ST2400 variable depth sonar and the integration of Saab Torpedo 47 (Tp 47) lightweight torpedoes. Ahead of delivery of the new Tp 47 torpedoes, the FACs were initially equipped with Tp 45 assets that Finland leased from Sweden to provide an interim capability cover.

The first ship to complete the MLU, Tornio (81) , was handed back to the Finnish Navy in January 2020; Hamina (80) was delivered in December 2020; Hanko (82) was completed by early 2022; and fourth-in-class Pori (83) was delivered in September 2022.