The Finnish Navy has deployed its Hamina-class missile craft PGG Hanko to the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) as part of the Baltic Sentry surveillance operation. The mission reflects Finland’s growing cooperation with NATO since joining the Alliance, and involves operations from both Finnish and Allied military ports. . This deployment will also provide operational experience that enhances the Finnish Navy’s readiness for future NATO missions.
NATO’s enhanced activity in the Baltic Sea is an integral part of the Alliance’s collective defense. In recent months, NATO has increased surveillance in the Baltic Sea following several underwater cable disruptions, aiming to safeguard critical infrastructure. The deployment is expected to continue through April, with tasks assigned in response to regional security needs. The Finnish Navy confirmed it is preparing to deploy both a mine counter-measure vessel and another Hamina-class missile craft to NATO standing naval forces later this year.
The Hamina-class missile craft is a class of fast attack craft (FAC) of the Finnish Navy. They are classified as “missile fast attack craft” or ohjusvene, literally “missile boat” in Finnish. The Hamina FACs are based at Upinniemi, and form the 7th Surface Warfare Squadron, part of the Finnish Coastal Fleet, together with the minelayers MLC Hämeenmaa, Porkkala and Pyhäranta.
In late 2024 Finnish Navy published plans to contribute one FAC to the SNMG1 for up to one month. It was later announced in January 2025 that FNS Pori of the Hamina-class would be part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 task force, during which time SNMG1 would be conducting operations for securing underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) consists of four to six destroyers and frigates. Its role is to provide NATO with an immediate operational response capability.
