Rauma Class Missile Boat

Overview

Earlier generation Finnish fast attack craft forming the backbone of coastal defense forces alongside Hamina-class boats. Four boats: Rauma, Raahe, Porvoo, and Naantali (commissioned 1990-1992). Displacement of 248 tonnes, length of 48 metres. Similar to Hamina class but with steel superstructure and less stealth optimization. Armed with RBS 15 anti-ship missiles (being upgraded to Gabriel V), Bofors 40mm gun, Mistral SAMs, depth charges, and torpedoes. Speed of 30+ knots from three diesel engines. The Rauma class pioneered several innovations including surface effect ship (SES) hull design where air cushion is captured under the hull between twin hulls, providing reduced drag and improved seakeeping in Baltic sea states. This enables high speeds even in rough conditions typical of autumn and winter. The boats are undergoing comprehensive mid-life upgrades including new missiles (Gabriel V replacing RBS 15), modern combat management system, electronic warfare upgrades, and new sensors. The upgrade will maintain operational capability through 2030s until Pohjanmaa-class corvettes fully replace older missile boats. Optimized for archipelago warfare — operating among thousands of islands in Finnish coastal waters.

Technical Specifications

Operators

• Finland

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