Patria Group press release
Patria delivered the fourth and last modernized Hamina-Class missile boat to the Finnish Navy in Upinniemi. In the Mid-Life-Upgrade (MLU) project Patria has been acting as the prime contractor, designer, and lead system integrator.
The fourth modernized Hamina-Class missile boat, called Pori, started its sea acceptance tests related to the commissioning of the boat already in the spring, which continued over the summer. Four missile boats in total were modernized between 2018-2022 as a part of the MLU project, providing new capabilities to the Finnish Navy.
The large-scale overhaul ensures the capability to counter maritime threats, repel attacks at sea, protect sea lines, and monitor and secure territorial integrity. With the new torpedo and surface-to-surface missile system, as well as upgrades to the surface-to-air missile system, the ships are capable of impact in the air, surface, and underwater. The planned life cycle of the Hamina class extends until the 2030s with the life cycle update.
“The modernization and Mid-Life-Upgrade of the Hamina-Class illustrates well Patria’s advanced system integration capability. In addition to the overhaul and life cycle extension, one of the main goals in the Hamina-Class modernization has been the development of anti-submarine warfare performance. As part of the new capabilities, Patria supplied the Hamina-Class ships with the new innovative training target system it has developed, which enables anti-submarine warfare training in a flexible and the most cost-effective way.”
Veli-Pekka Heinonen, the Navy Business Area Leader of Patria Finland Division
Patria is an international provider of defense, security, and aviation life cycle support services, pilot training, and technology solutions. Patria provides its aerospace and military customers with equipment availability, continuous performance development as well as selected intelligence, surveillance, and management system products and services. Patria has several locations including Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Estonia and Spain. Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.
About Hamina-class FAC modernization
All four Hamina-class boats are being modernized as part of the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU), providing new capabilities to the Finnish Navy. Local defense contractor Patria acted as prime contractor, designer, and lead system integrator.
The goal of the Mid-Life Upgrade project is to secure the life of the ships through 2030 and extend the time the ships can operate independently. The project will also add new capabilities to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface defence capabilities.
Modernization work includes:
- A BAE Systems Bofors 40 Mk4 40mm main gun (replacing the 57mm Mk3)
- IAI Gabriel V anti-ship missile
- Saab Torpedo 47
- Saab trackfire remote weapon stations
- Saab 9LV combat management system
- Kongsberg ST2400 variable depth sonar
With this MLU, the Hamina-class will have a fair share of commonality with the future Pohjanmaa-class corvettes of the Finnish navy.
