Rauma Class Fast Attack Craft

The Finnish Navy has taken delivery of four upgraded Rauma-class fast attack crafts from Patria.

The upgrade programme, which began in 2010 and was completed at the end of 2013, involved the modernisation of the related combat system to meet modern requirements.

The major lifecycle upgrade project, valued approximately €70m, will allow the four Rauma-class fast attack crafts, built in 1990-1992, to be operational with the navy into the 2020s.

The four vessels are named Rauma, Raahe, Porvoo and Naantali.

The Patria-led team for the programme included Saab, Western Shipyard, Kongsberg Maritime, Furuno Finland, Ab Marinel, and Valmarine.

Patria Systems Business Unit president Pasi Niinikoski said that the completion of the project demonstrates the company’s ability to manage and implement large-scale system integration projects.

"The Rauma class fast attack craft lifecycle upgrade project succeeded according to plan. Special thanks are due to the project team, partners and the customer for their smooth and flexible cooperation," Niinikoski said.

As prime contractor, Patria was responsible for overall renovation planning, subcontractor delivery co-ordination, and general integration, while Saab provided the 9LV Mk4 naval command and control system.

Patria is owned by the Republic of Finland (73.2%) and the Airbus Group (26.8%).


Image: Rauma-class fast attack craft. Photo courtesy of Patria Oyj.

Defence Technology