Gunboat Karjala

The gunboat Karjala, which served as a patrol, training, and command vessel, was decommissioned in the early 2000s and turned into a museum ship in 2002.

The vessel is owned by the Finnish Military Museum, and the Forum Marinum Foundation is responsible for its maintenance. The ship is open to the public during the summer months and at other times by appointment through guided tours.

History of the Gunboat Karjala

The Karjala, a Turunmaa-class gunboat, was built in Helsinki in 1968. Its engine and weapons systems represented state-of-the-art technology at the time. The main engine was a Rolls-Royce Olympus gas turbine, and the cruising engines consisted of three diesel engines. Both types of engines could be used simultaneously, allowing the vessel to achieve a significant cruising speed.

The ship was equipped for both surface and submarine defense. Its main gun was a 120 mm Bofors. The vessel was modernized during its service life and underwent a major overhaul in 1985. Throughout its history, the ship participated in several international naval visits.

Engines:

Main engine: Rolls-Royce Olympus gas turbine, 16,500 kW (22,000 hp)

Cruising engines: 3 × MTU 12V 493 diesel engines, 995 kW (1,350 hp) each

Maximum speed: approx. 40 knots

Cruising speed: 17 knots

Armament:

1 × 120 mm Bofors 120 mm automatic gun (120/46 B63 TLT)

2 × 40 mm Bofors 40 mm autocannons (40 LT B58)

2 × 23 mm ZU-23-2 twin-barrel anti-aircraft guns (23 80 80 2LT, “Sergei”)

2 × RBU-1200 ASROC anti-submarine rocket launchers (SRH-1200)

2 × depth charge racks at the stern

Opening Hours

Open during the summer season from June 9 to August 17, 2025, every day from 10 AM to 6 PM!

General Information:

Year built: 1968

Length: 74.1 m

Beam: 7.8 m

Draft: 2.8 m

Displacement: 750 tons

Crew: 70 persons, of which 40 were conscripts