Saab begins production of masts for Finnish Pohjanmaa class corvettes.

According to a PR published by Saab on August 17, 2023, the firm marked the commencement of the production of the first of four composite masts destined for the Finnish Navy's upcoming vessels, with a ceremony at their Karlskrona facility.
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Artist rendering of a Pohjanmaa class corvette. (Picture source: Finnish MoD)

These masts, made from the same composite as the Swedish Visby-class corvettes, showcase Saab's global leadership in this material. Back in September 2019, Saab had secured a deal to supply and integrate combat systems for the Finnish Navy's four new Pohjanmaa class vessels, under the Squadron 2020 initiative. Deliveries for these ships are slated for 2027-2029.

With a important history in composite design, including carbon fibre, Saab has provided solutions for various ship classes. These materials are gaining traction for their benefits like reduced ship weight, minimized radar signature, and sustainability. Notably, carbon fibre offers corrosion resistance, fuel efficiency, and allows ships to allocate more weight to enhanced features.

About the Pohjanmaa class corvette

The vessel, with a displacement of 4,300 tons, stretches 117 m in length, 16 m in beam, and has a draught of 5 m. Rated at ice class 1A, she is powered by a GE LM2500 gas turbine and four MAN 12V175D generating sets, culminating in a combined diesel-electric and gas propulsion system.

This allows her to achieve speeds of 26 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles, with an endurance of 14 days. The ship houses 73 personnel and is equipped with Saab's advanced sensor systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and a diverse range of armaments, from Bofors guns to Gabriel V missiles and Saab torpedoes. Additionally, the corvette supports aviation operations with a dedicated helideck and hangar.