The Hämeenmaa-class minelayers (-luokan miinalaiva) is a two-vessel strong class of coastal minelayers, used by the Finnish Navy.

The Finnish Navy ordered the lead ship Hämeenmaa as a replacement for the venerable minelayer Keihässalmi, while the second ship brought the number of Finnish Navy minelayers to three, complementing the slightly larger Pohjanmaa. The ships were constructed at the Rauma shipyard by Finnyards.

The ships have a steel hull and aluminum alloy superstructure. The class has an ice operating classification of ICE-1A and can operate year-round in ice up to 40 cm thick.

During a crisis the main task for the Hämeenmaa-class ships is minelaying, but the vessels can also act as escort, transport and depot ships.

History

The contract for the Hämeenmaa class was originally awarded to Wärtsilä Marine but following its bankruptcy the contract was transferred to Hollming. Turmoil in the Finnish shipbuilding industry did not stop there. In early 1992 Hollming and Rauma Yards merged their shipbuilding industry to form a new company called Finnyards.

Modernization

Both ships were modernized 200608. The purpose of the modernization was to firstly upgrade the ships' equipment to fit modern standards, and secondly, to enable the ships to participate in international operations, mainly European Security and Defence Policy operations. They are fitted with weapons systems transferred from the discontinued including the Umkhonto missile system. Also, a new fire control system Saab 9LV325E FCS, modern monitoring equipment including TRS-3D/16 ES surveillance radar and Kongsberg ST2400 Variable Depth Sonar and SS2030 Hull mounted sonar, were installed.

In October 2013, Hämeenmaa changed its homeport from Pansio to Upinniemi to replace the decommissioned .Miinalaiva Hämeenmaa lähti Pansiosta. Turun Sanomat, 1 October 2013.

In January 2024, it was announced that Uusimaas main engines would be replaced with new units.

Role after modernization

The modernization of the two Hämeenmaa-class ships supports the Finnish Navy's operational capabilities and contributes to broader European maritime security objectives. The vessels can perform a range of roles, including minelaying, reconnaissance, escort duties, and anti-submarine warfare. Their capabilities are particularly relevant to maritime surveillance and security operations in the Baltic Sea, including monitoring the activities of the Russian Baltic Fleet.

WeaponryOriginalAfter modernization2 × Bofors 40 mm dual-purpose guns1 × Bofors 57 mm dual-purpose gun2 × twin 23 mm anti-aircraft guns2 x 12.7mm machine guns1 × six-missile ItO 91 surface-to-air missile launcher1 × eight-cell ItO 04 surface-to-air missile launcher2 × anti-submarine rocket launchers2 × anti-submarine rocket launchers2 × depth charge rails2 × depth charge rails100-150 sea mines (four mine laying rails)100-150 sea mines (four mine laying rails)

Hämeenmaa was delivered from the dock back to the Navy on 13 April 2007 and Uusimaa, which had been under modernization since November 2006 at the Aker Yards dock in Rauma, was delivered on 26 October 2007. Hämeenmaa and Uusimaa conducted sea trials on their new systems until the end of 2008, when operational readiness was achieved. In October 2013 Hämeenmaa took over the role of flagship of the Finnish Navy with the retirement of Pohjanmaa in 2015.

Vessels

FNS Hämeenmaa Pennant number: 02. Builder: Finnyards Rauma shipyard. Ordered: 29 December 1989. Laid down: 2 April 1991. Launched: 11 November 1991. Commissioned: 15 April 1992. Home base: Upinniemi. Current status: In active service. FNS Uusimaa Pennant number: 05. Builder: Finnyards Rauma shipyard. Ordered: 13 February 1991. Laid down: 12 November 1991. Launched: June 1992. Commissioned: 2 December 1992. Home base: Pansio. Current status: In active service.

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