Hylje

Hylje is a Finnish word meaning "seal". It is most commonly associated with the Finnish Navy's Hylje-class inshore minesweepers. These vessels were designed and built in Finland and served the Finnish Navy from the late 1960s into the early 2000s. The Hylje class comprised four ships: Hylje, Kiiseli, Saukko, and Tisleri. They were primarily used for mine-clearing operations in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea, which is characteristic of the Finnish archipelago. The ships were relatively small and maneuverable, suitable for navigating the complex coastal environment. Their construction and deployment were part of Finland's efforts to maintain a capable and independent naval defense, particularly in its sensitive coastal areas. The Hylje class represented a significant part of the Finnish Navy's mine warfare capability during the latter half of the 20th century.