[2] The Kuha class are powered by two Cummins NT-380M diesel engines using hydrostatic transmission to turn one shaft and two controllable pitch propellers, creating 600 brake horsepower (450 kW).

Therefore, during the Cold War, the Finnish Navy was confined to building small, coastal defence ships, primarily minesweepers and missile boats.

[2] Built by Oy Laivateollisuus Ab, Turku, Finland, the six ships of the class entered service in 1974–1975.

[4] The vessels underwent modernisation at Tyovene Shipyard in Uusikaupunki, Finland where they were lengthened to accommodate new minesweeping control systems and new magnetic and acoustic sweeps.

[2] The rest of the Kuha class will be retired when the Katanpää-class mine countermeasure vessels enter active service.