This step follows summer exercises to develop the new system, which is now fully operational. Surface warfare refers to the use of fire against enemy surface vessels, but the missile system is also capable of engaging land targets at long range.
This summer, the #Navyfi has conducted exercises in order to develop and implement the new surface-to-surface missile system (SSM 2020). As a result of this development work, the system has now been introduced into operational use. https://t.co/FfQdCQ5Smr
— Merivoimat – Finska Marinen – The Finnish Navy (@Navyfi) August 22, 2025
“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,” explained Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen.
The SSM 2020 will replace the M85 anti-ship missile, which will reach the end of its life cycle during this decade. It will be operated on Hamina-class fast-attack craft, Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes and vehicle platforms.
“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,” Tiilikainen continued.
The Gabriel Mk 5 has a range of over 200 km and uses GPS and inertial guidance combined with a radar seeker for target homing. Known as the ‘Advanced Surface Attack Missile’ (ASAM), it is the latest variant of the Gabriel family developed by IAI and has also been deployed by the Israeli Navy.
The missile system will form part of the armament of the Navy’s new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes, which are scheduled to be constructed between 2022 and 2027. Finland purchased the system in 2018 to enhance its naval defence capability and ensure operational readiness in future maritime environments.
