The first composite was cut on 15 August 2023 for the first of four masts that Saab is making for the Finnish Navy’s future Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes, Saab announced on 17 August.
The masts, which are as high as a five-storey building, are manufactured with the same composite material used in the production of Sweden’s Visby-class corvettes. The composite, of which Saab is a world-leading provider, weighs half as much as the equivalent-strength steel and gives off a much-reduced radar signature. Carbon fibre also does not corrode, lowers fuel consumption and allows more of a ship’s overall weight to be allocated to additional capabilities.
Saab signed a contract to provide and integrate the combat system for the Finnish Navy’s four new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes in September 2019. The main contractor for the ships is Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions.
Following a ceremony at the composite cutting, Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Kockums business area, was stated as saying, “This was an important day and we are proud to be part of the work to strengthen the Finnish Navy’s capabilities. We look forward to delivering our world-leading composite solutions and combat systems in close co-operation with our Finnish customer.”
The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are planned to be delivered during the 2027-2029 timeframe.
Peter Felstead
