Finnish Navy buying three minesweepers from Italy for EUR 245 million

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Minister of Defence Seppo Kääriäinen (Centre) gave his approval on Friday to the acquisition of three minesweepers for the Finnish Navy, a data system for mine warfare, a package for maintenance, and spare parts and special tools for the ships.
      The main supplier in the EUR 244.8 million deal is the Italian company Intermarine. The combat system will be supplied by the German Atlas Elektronik.
      The personnel for the minesweepers are to be trained at production facilities of the manufacturers of the systems, in Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Italy. Each of the vessels is to have a crew of 34.
     
According to a report by the government, the Finnish Navy is to set up a new flotilla of minesweepers by 2012. It will include search vessels and sweepers, diving teams, and data systems for mine warfare.
      Under current plans, which still require Parliamentary approval, the flotilla would get additional diving equipment and remote-control sweeping systems.
      The focus in developing the Navy is on protecting sea transport connections and in improving the ability to clear away mines.
      The new minesweepers are scheduled for completion in 2010-2012, and they are expected to be in use for 30 years.
      The vessels are to operate primarily in domestic coastal waters. They are also compatible with European Union and NATO standards, and will thus improve Finland’s possibilities to participate in international crisis management operations.
      The systems on the vessels will also be applicable for certain civilian tasks.
     
The deal will also bring subcontracting work for domestic contractors. In the construction phase this will account for 96 man-work years. The largest Finnish companies involved are to be Patria Systems and Insta DefSec.
      Intermarine is building the vessels, and largely equipping them in the north of Italy. The third vessel will be partly fitted at an Aker Yards shipyard in Finland.


Links:
  Intermarine website:

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