Finnish Navy Test-Fires Gabriel V Missile
Overview of Recent Developments
The Finnish Navy has successfully conducted the inaugural test-firing of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Gabriel V missile, designated as the PTO2020 in Finnish military operations. This test occurred aboard a Hamina-class fast attack craft during the third quarter of 2025.
Operational Deployment
On August 22, the Finnish Navy announced via its official website that exercises utilizing the new surface-to-surface missile (SSM) took place throughout the summer months, culminating in the missile’s operational readiness. The PTO2020 has been introduced as a successor to the RBS15 SSM following a comprehensive mid-life upgrade program that modernized all four vessels in the Hamina class between 2018 and 2023.
Technical Specifications
The Gabriel V, also referred to as the Advanced Naval Attack Missile (ANAM), features the following specifications:
- Length: 5.5 meters
- Launch Weight: Approximately 1,250 kg
- Maximum Speed: Mach 0.8
- Range: Exceeding 200 km
Equipped with an advanced radar seeker, the PTO2020 also integrates Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for precise positioning alongside inertial navigation capabilities. Additionally, the missile can be employed for land strikes, enhancing its versatility in various operational scenarios.
Future Integration
The PTO2020 is slated to equip Finland’s forthcoming Pohjanmaa-class corvettes, further bolstering the Navy’s capabilities. Furthermore, the land-based variants of this missile will play a crucial role in modernizing Finland’s coastal defenses by replacing the existing truck-mounted MTO 85M anti-ship missiles before the year 2030.
Strategic Implications
Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen, Commander of the Finnish Navy, emphasized the strategic importance of the PTO2020 system, stating, “By deploying this missile system across multiple platforms, we enhance our operational resilience and achieve comprehensive strike capabilities on both land and sea.” This advancement is indicative of Finland’s commitment to fortifying its maritime security and expanding its deterrence capabilities in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
