The Finnish Navy has concluded the first-ever torpedo firing from a Hamina-class fast-attack craft as it prepares to field the capability in 2023.
The test took place on August 19 in the Archipelago Sea with a TP45 torpedo borrowed from Försvarets Materialverk, FMV, the Swedish defense procurement agency.
The firing was conducted by fast-attack craft Tornio. In addition to being the first torpedo fired from a Hamina-class fast-attack craft, it is also the first time in decades that the navy has operated a piece of torpedo weaponry.
“The objective of the launch was to ascertain the capability of the TP45 torpedo system as a part of the upgrade of the Hamina-class fast-attack craft. The tested weaponry will improve the navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability significantly, and it will keep being improved with the introduction of the new TP47 in a few years’ time,” the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Jori Harju, said.
Finland has placed an order with Saab for torpedo and associated combat system deliveries for the Hamina-class fast-attack craft and future Pohjanmaa-class corvettes. The Saab Lightweight Torpedo (TP47) succeeding the current TP45 system will be installed on these vessel classes.
The TP47 is a lightweight torpedo intended especially for anti-submarine operations in shallow littoral waters. It is effective also in blue water and against surface vessels. The TP47 torpedo system will be introduced into service use in 2023. Until then, the TP45 will be in service.
