Sweden — Swedish defence company Saab has introduced the Combat Boat 90 Capability X (CB90 CX), a heavily upgraded version of its CB90 assault craft. The new boat expands the platform’s role beyond troop transport, adding capabilities for maritime surveillance, anti-ship warfare, and short-range air defence.
The CB90 CX is designed to operate with a crew, through remote control, or with autonomous functions. Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core enables these operating modes, allowing the boat to support different naval missions.
Larger Design and Improved Performance
The CB90 CX measures 18 metres in length and 4 metres in width, making it larger than the CB90 Next Generation (NG). Its increased size allows a payload capacity of more than 5 tonnes, over 50% higher than the earlier design on a like-for-like basis.
The boat uses two 1,100 hp engines driving waterjets. It can reach speeds exceeding 40 knots when fully loaded and has a range of more than 300 nautical miles. Its draught is 1.1 metres, supporting operations in shallow waters.
The vessel can operate with zero to 10 crew members. Its updated systems also support operations in a wider range of sea conditions.
Three Mission Configurations
Saab is developing the CB90 CX in three configurations. Each is designed for a specific mission and can operate alongside the others.
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Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR): Equipped with the Sea Giraffe 1X 3D radar, providing 360-degree air and surface surveillance. Its air detection range exceeds 100 km. The radar mast can extend to 11 metres or lower to around 4 metres. A Saab Trackfire remote weapon station supports self-defence and counter-drone operations.
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Anti-Ship Warfare: This version carries MBDA Marte ER anti-ship missiles for over-the-horizon engagements. The missiles have a range exceeding 100 km when supported by external targeting data. They use sea-skimming flight and active radar guidance during the terminal phase.
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Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD): Designed to counter drones, helicopters, and loitering munitions. The configuration uses a Rheinmetall SeaSnake 30 mm autocannon with programmable ammunition. Some descriptions also identify a Hensoldt Spexer 2000 3D MKIII radar.
Sweden Becomes Launch Customer
Sweden is the launch customer for the CB90 CX. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has ordered 36 boats from the CB90 family in recent years.
The orders include 10 boats in June 2024, 22 in 2025, and four more in the first half of 2026. The first CB90 CX has completed final acceptance trials, while Saab is expanding production capacity at its Docksta facility.
The new boat will operate alongside Sweden’s existing CB90 NG fleet rather than replacing it. Saab says more than 300 CB90-series boats serve nine navies.
Saab Focuses on Distributed Naval Combat Capability
Anders Hellman, head of Saab’s Docksta business unit, said the CB90 CX reflects changing naval requirements. He highlighted the importance of distributing sensors and weapons across multiple platforms instead of relying on a small number of larger warships.
The new boat is intended for NATO and allied customers, with potential interest in the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. It is classified to DNV HSLC standards, supporting operations up to 100 nautical miles from a safe haven in summer and 50 nautical miles in winter.
Saab is presenting the CB90 CX ahead of Euronaval 2026, positioning it as a flexible combat platform that combines the speed and shallow-water performance of the CB90 family with expanded surveillance and weapons capabilities.
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