The Finnish Navy has announced the deployment of the missile boat Hanko, of the Hamina class, to take part in the Baltic Sentry mission under the command of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The vessel is already operating in the Baltic Sea as part of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group, using both Finnish ports and those of allied countries.
+ Click to watch the video of missile boat Hanko serving under NATO
According to the Finnish Navy’s press service, the mission strengthens the country’s naval forces’ integration and readiness within NATO’s collective defense structure. In addition to Hanko, Finland is also preparing to deploy a mine countermeasures vessel and another missile boat to support the operations of NATO’s permanent naval groups.
Technology and modernization of the Hamina class
Hamina-class boats have been one of the Finnish Navy’s main combat platforms since the early 2000s. Measuring 51 meters in length, displacing 274 tons, and offering high maneuverability, they were specifically designed for operations in the narrow and challenging waters of the Finnish archipelago. The vessels operate with small crews but deliver high firepower and tactical versatility.
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Based at the Upinniemi naval base, about 15 km northwest of Helsinki, the Hamina-class boats have undergone significant modernization in recent years. The original 57 mm Bofors naval gun has been replaced with a lighter Bofors Mk.4 40 mm version, making room for additional weapon systems.
This weight reduction allowed the integration of lightweight Torped 47 torpedoes, manufactured by the Swedish company Saab, and the replacement of the RBS15 SFIII anti-ship missiles with the more modern Israeli-made Gabriel Mk.5.
These upgrades have made the Hamina-class vessels even more effective in modern naval scenarios and fully prepared to play an active role in NATO joint operations.
Source and images: Instagram @puolustusvoimat.fi / merivoimat.fi / X @NATO_MARCOM. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.