Saab kicks off production of composite mast for Finnish Navy’s new ships

On 15 August, a composite cutting ceremony was held at Saab’s site in Karlskrona for the first of four masts for the Finnish Navy’s new ships.

As explained, the masts are manufactured in the same composite material that the Swedish Visby-class corvettes are made of.

In September 2019, Saab signed a contract to provide and integrate the combat system for the Finnish Navy’s four new ships in the Pohjanmaa class (known as the Squadron 2020 program).

Saab is one of the subcontractors for the new Finnish ships, with planned deliveries during the period 2027-2029. The vessels will also feature Kongsberg Maritime’s (KM) propellers and shafts, as well as MAN Energy Solutions’ four-stroke engines.

Under the navy’s Squadron 2020 project, four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are to be built at Finnish Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard. 

The masts that Saab manufactures for Finland are equivalent in height to a five-story building.

“This was an important day and we are proud to be part of the work to strengthen the Finnish Navy’s capabilities,” said Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Business Area Kockums.