Finland Plans to Replace Mine Countermeasure Vessels

Sea Power, Jun 2004

The Finnish Navy is planning to issue a request for proposal July 30 for the procurement of three mine countermeasure vessels (MCMV) as well as a Mine Warfare Data Center.

With the sea-lanes of primary military and commercial importance, Finland has always maintained an extensive force of mine layers as well as mine sweepers. However, its six Kuha-class inshore mine sweepers are now 30 years old and in need of replacement, even though they were upgraded in the late 1990s.

The new MCMVs will probably be around 45 meters in length, displace 400 tons and be constructed of glass-reinforced plastic. They will be equipped with a full range of acoustic, magnetic and mechanical sweeps, all of which will probably be supplied by Finnish companies, including Patria Finavitec and Elesco Oy. They also will likely feature the Saab Double Eagle remotely operated vehicle.