Finland links minesweeper renewal to domestic support

Finland has launched a tender for a new naval minesweeping capability, initiating a procurement process to replace existing Finnish Navy vessels. 

The programme, Minesweeping Capability 2030, covers both new platforms and associated systems intended to address a wide spectrum of mine threats. 

At the core of the requirement is a minesweeping vessel capable of countering both influence mines- triggered by acoustic, magnetic or electric signatures- and traditional contact mines, according to tender documents. 

The new capability is intended to replace the current Kiiski- and Kuha-class systems, indicating a generational shift in Finland’s mine countermeasure operations. The vessels were built in the 1970s and 1980s, and extending their life cycle.

The programmme goes back to 2022, when The Defence Forces Logistics Command has opened a call for requests to participate in the procurement of systems for the Mine Sweeping 2030 project.

Domestic maintenance requirement

A central element of the procurement is the requirement to establish maintenance and support functions within Finland. 

According to the tender documentation, system and subsystem maintenance must be established domestically, creating opportunities for local contractors to deliver support services.

Site-, workshop- and factory-level maintenance are all expected to be conducted in Finland where feasible. This approach points to a clear industrial policy dimension, linking operational capability with national supply chain resilience.

The contract is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027 and includes options for up to three additional years, alongside long-term spare parts arrangements extending to 15 years.