Hamina Class Missile Boat - History

History

The vessels were built in the late 1990s, early 2000s, and are the fourth generation of Finnish missile craft. The first vessel was ordered in December 1996 and the fourth was handed over on 19 June 2006. Since the launch of the Helsinki class missile boats, all fast attack craft have been named after Finnish coastal cities. It was previously known also as Rauma 2000 following its predecessor the Rauma class.

When all of the four vessels are finished they will form what the Finnish Navy calls Squadron 2000 (Finnish: Laivue 2000). The Finnish Navy considered several different compositions for these new squadrons, at one point only two Hamina class vessels and four Tuuli class ACV were to be built. After a strategic shift of the Finnish Navy's role, the composition of the Squadron 2000 followed suit. The prototype of Tuuli class has never been fully equipped, or fitted for operational use, instead two more Hamina class boats have been built. The fourth and final Hamina class ship was delivered in summer 2006.

The squadron reached its full operative capability in 2008 and has greatly improved the surface- and air patrol as well as air defense capacity. Their electronic surveillance suite also increases the quality of information available for military leaders.

All ships were built at Aker Finnyards in Rauma, Finland. The vessels have their home base at Upinniemi.