This summer, the Finnish Navy has conducted exercises in order to develop the new surface-to-surface missile system (SSM 2020), and as a result of this development work, the system has now been introduced into operational use. Surface warfare refers to the use of fire against an enemy’s surface vessels. The surface-to-surface missile system is capable of long-range effects and it can also be used against land targets. The Navy’s surface warfare capability consists of the use of missile fire, sea mines and artillery and coastal missile fire. The introduction of the surface defence system is a very significant step forward for the Finnish Navy and naval defence. The system introduced into use will replace the current anti-ship missile M85 system, which will reach the end of its life cycle during this decade. The new system will be operated on Hamina-class fast-attack craft, Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes and vehicle platforms.
“The surface-to-surface missile system introduced into use constitutes one of the Navy’s main weapon systems, while sea mines constitute the other. The sophisticated features and long range of the missile system contribute to ensuring the carrying out of naval defence tasks nationally or as a part of the Alliance. Using the system will enable the Navy to participate also in the Defence Forces’ joint effects tasks, which I consider crucial. By installing this system on several different platforms, we will achieve combat resistance, wide area striking power against land and sea targets in the challenging circumstances of the modern battlefield and that of the future,” the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen said.
The Hamina-class missile boat is a class of fast attack craft 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. The vessel’s hull is constructed of aluminum and the superstructures are constructed of reinforced carbon fiber composite. The vessels have a very low displacement and are very manoeuverable. They are equipped with water jets instead of propellers, which allow them to operate in very shallow waters and accelerate, slow down and turn in unconventional ways. The Hamina class have been designed and constructed as stealth ships, with minimal magnetic, heat, and radar signatures.
Gabriel is a family of sea skimming anti-ship missiles manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The initial variant of the missile was developed in the 1960s in response to the needs of the Israeli Navy which first deployed it in 1970. Since then, variants have been exported to navies around the world. Israel Aerospace Industries is reportedly working on a Gabriel V Advanced Naval Attack Missile, with an advanced active multi-spectral seeker designed for cluttered littoral environments. The latest variant, the Gabriel V, is in use by the Finnish and Israeli navies as of 2020. Range is claimed to be more than 200 km to 400 km. Successful test firing of the Gabriel V was conducted by the Israel Defense Forces on September 21, 2022.
