The classification of the vessels has not been completely clear. The
Finnish Navy refers to the vessels as multi-role
corvettes but the size of the vessels doesn't quite reflect that. In addition according to reports by the
Finnish Defence Forces, corvette is ship with a displacement of 600-3000 tons while frigate is vessel with a displacement of 2500-6000 tons.
Pohjanmaa class vessels having a displacement of approximately 3900 tons, they don't even fit in to the category of a corvette. The heavy armament of the vessels also doesn't support the idea of these vessels being corvettes.
[7]
It is likely that the classification of the vessels is a multi-role
corvette in marketing but a
frigate in international affairs.