According to the military news site 'Naval News', Finland's first Botten-class patrol vessel held its launch ceremony on the 21st. This ship is expected to be introduced into service sequentially from 2027 to 2029, becoming the new mainstay of the Finnish Navy and significantly enhancing its naval combat capabilities.

The launch ceremony for the first ship of the Botten-class took place at the 'Rauma Marine Constructions' (RMC) facility, with the subsequent installation of combat systems and weapons being directed by Kongsberg. It will undergo sea trials after outfitting is completed. In the future, it will operate alongside three other vessels of the same class that are set to begin construction this year, replacing four old missile boats and three mine-laying boats to conduct surface operations, anti-submarine warfare, mine laying, and escort duties, thereby strengthening maritime security with neighboring Nordic nations.

The vessel measures 117 meters in length, with a beam of 16.5 meters and a standard displacement of 4,300 tons. It adopts a Combined Diesel and Gas turbine (CODLAG) propulsion system, achieving a maximum speed exceeding 26 knots (48.15 kilometers) with a range of 3,500 nautical miles. The ship is equipped with the advanced Kongsberg 9LV combat management system, along with Sea Giraffe 4A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and various advanced sonar systems including passive and active sonars.

Notably, the ship is designed to meet the requirements of the Baltic Sea environment, with ice-breaking capability, and enhanced navigation performance in ice-laden waters facilitated by variable pitch propellers and a bow thruster. This vessel is not only set to become Finland's largest operational warship but is also expected to bolster deterrence against potential Russian aggression.