The Finnish Navy Command has awarded a contract to Marine Alutech to develop and deliver Watercat M18 AMC high-speed landing crafts.

Under the €32m contract, Marine Alutech will deliver 12 Watercat M18 multipurpose vessels to the Finland Navy from 2014 to 2016.

Landing craft are fitted with effective protection and weapon systems to provide high transportation capacity for the crew, as reported by ASDnews.

"The vessel can operate in extreme weather conditions due to its heating and air-conditioning systems."

Designed for archipelago, coastal and offshore conditions, the Watercat M18 AMCs are capable of supporting missions such as troop transportation, medical and evacuation tasks, landing operations, patrolling and escorting tasks, in addition to battlefield support functions.

The vessel can operate in extreme weather conditions due to its heating and air-conditioning systems, while the ballistic and CBRN-protection systems will enable personnel to carry out secure operations in all conditions.

The craft is integrated with satellite navigation and positioning systems, radar, forward looking sonar, AIS, Inmarsat-C, autopilot and onboard camera monitoring system.

Powered by two 660kW diesel main engines with waterjet propulsion, the modern hull design vessel ensures handling and sea keeping capabilities.

Capable of cruising at a top speed in excess of 40k, the boat is also integrated with electronic propulsion control system (drive-by-wire) and network based vessel control system to secure functionality in any situation.

In order to provide defensive capability, the vessel is armed with a primary weapon such as 12.7mm heavy machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher and a coaxial weapon, 7.62mm machine gun.