Hämeenmaa-class minelayer

The ''Hämeenmaa''-class minelayers (-luokan miinalaiva) is a two-vessel strong class of coastal minelayers, used by the Finnish Navy.

The Finnish Navy ordered the lead ship ''Hämeenmaa'' as a replacement for the venerable minelayer ''Keihässalmi'', while the second ship brought the number of Finnish Navy minelayers to three, complementing the slightly larger ''Pohjanmaa''. The ships were constructed at the Rauma shipyard by Finnyards.

The ships have a steel hull and aluminum alloy superstructure. The class has an ice operating classification of ICE-1A and can operate year-round in ice up to 40 cm thick.

During a crisis the main task for the ''Hämeenmaa''-class ships is minelaying, but the vessels can also act as escort, transport and depot ships.

History

The contract for the ''Hämeenmaa'' class was originally awarded to Wärtsilä Marine but following its bankruptcy the contract was transferred to Hollming. Turmoil in the Finnish shipbuilding industry did not stop there. In early 1992 Hollming and Rauma Yards merged their shipbuilding industry to form a new company called Finnyards.

Modernization

Both ships were modernized 200608. The purpose of the modernization was to firstly upgrade the ships' equipment to fit modern standards, and secondly, to enable the ships to participate in international operations, mainly European Security and Defence Policy operations. They are fitted with weapons systems transferred from the discontinued including the Umkhonto missile system. Also, a new fire control system Saab 9LV325E FCS, modern monitoring equipment including TRS-3D/16 ES surveillance radar and Kongsberg ST2400 Variable Depth Sonar and SS2030 Hull mounted sonar, were installed.

In October 2013, ''Hämeenmaa'' changed its homeport from Pansio to Upinniemi to replace the decommissioned .

In January 2024, it was announced that ''Uusimaa''s main engines would be replaced with new units.

Role after modernization

Modernization of the two ''Hämeenmaa''-class ships serves of course the interests of Finnish Navy, but also the ones of EU's Helsinki Headline Goal: these two ships will add to the EU's capabilities, having relatively wide selection of roles that they can assume, from light espionage- and minelaying to escort- and anti-submarine warfare ship, these two vehicles are practically perfect for monitoring Russia's Baltic fleet.

''Hämeenmaa'' was delivered from the dock back to the Navy on 13 April 2007 and ''Uusimaa'', which had been under modernization since November 2006 at the Aker Yards dock in Rauma, was delivered on 26 October 2007. ''Hämeenmaa'' and ''Uusimaa'' conducted sea trials on their new systems until the end of 2008, when operational readiness was achieved. In October 2013 ''Hämeenmaa'' took over the role of flagship of the Finnish Navy with the retirement of ''Pohjanmaa'' in 2015.

Vessels

;FNS ''Hämeenmaa''
:Pennant number: 02.
:Builder: Finnyards Rauma shipyard.
:Ordered: 29 December 1989.
:Laid down: 2 April 1991.
:Launched: 11 November 1991.
:Commissioned: 15 April 1992.
:Home base: Upinniemi.
:Current status: In active service.
;FNS ''Uusimaa''
:Pennant number: 05.
:Builder: Finnyards Rauma shipyard.
:Ordered: 13 February 1991.
:Laid down: 12 November 1991.
:Launched: June 1992.
:Commissioned: 2 December 1992.
:Home base: Pansio.
:Current status: In active service.

Citations

References

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hameenmaa class minelayer
Mine warfare vessel classes
Minelayers of the Finnish Navy
Ships built in Finland