Gunboat Karjala

Gunboat Karjala

Painted in the camouflage colors of the Finnish Navy, the gunboat Karjala represents over three decades of Finnish naval defence history since the late 1960s. Added to the museum after being retired from the Navy in 2001, this is a rare, authentic warship with numerous interesting details. Designed and built for Finnish conditions and use, the vessel provides a trip in time to experience the technology of the late 20th century, as well as the conditions where conscripts of the Finnish Defence Forces served in those days. There is something to marvel at for everybody, and maybe also sources of nostalgia for some. On the gunboat, you can see for example the crew’s living quarters, the mess areas, the radio room, the combat information centre, and the ship’s bridge.

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.

Open in the summer 2026:

Open during the summer season 1.6.-16.8.2026.

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

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