Swedish Navy Advances Coastal Defense with New RBS 18 Anti-Ship Missile Integration

Sweden is modernizing its coastal defense with the RBS 18 anti-ship missile, enhancing the capabilities of its CB 90 combat boats.

The Swedish Navy is taking significant steps to modernize its coastal defense capabilities. A key part of this initiative is the introduction of a new surface-to-surface anti-ship missile, designated RBS 18, set to replace the current man-portable Hellfire-missile system. This new missile will be integrated into the CB 90 combat boats, a staple in the Swedish Navy’s fleet.

Modernizing the CB 90 Combat Boat

The CB 90 combat boats, known for their speed and agility, are just under 16 meters in length and 4 meters in width. Despite their size, these boats need to accommodate the RBS 18 missiles, posing a challenge given the limited space. This small size often restricts the types of weapons that can be mounted on such vessels. For instance, MBDA’s MARTE MK2/N, a medium-range lightweight anti-ship missile system, requires a minimum vessel length of 25 meters. However, the CB 90’s specifications do fit within the weight limits for a twin-launcher system, indicating that the Swedish Navy is aiming for a substantial anti-ship weapon rather than a modified anti-tank missile.

The Amfbat 2030 Program

The RBS 18 missile procurement is part of the broader Amfbat 2030 program, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the Swedish marine battalions. This program focuses on increasing lethality and mobility for littoral units, enabling them to engage from their vessels without needing to disembark. To support this, the program includes acquiring new sensors, vessels, and weapons.

One significant contract already placed under this program is for shipboard mortars, providing indirect fire-support capability. Additionally, tenders for short and very-short-range air defense missiles and eight anti-aircraft guns for the CB 90 are also underway. These anti-aircraft guns, reportedly in caliber 30 × 173 mm, are becoming increasingly popular for vehicle mounts due to their effectiveness.

Financial Investment and Future Plans

The scale of these tenders is notable, with the anti-ship missile deal valued at approximately 268 million euros and the air defense guns at around 166 million euros. Interestingly, the decision to base these tenders on the current CB 90 combat boats is somewhat surprising. Despite the CB 90HSM being the most modern variant, the original hull design might face challenges regarding space and stability when equipped with larger weapons. This concern has already influenced the decision to procure a new vessel for the recently acquired mortar turrets.

Looking Ahead

The future of the CB 90 combat boats and their role in Sweden’s coastal defense remains to be seen. Whether the new systems, including the RBS 18 missiles, will be mounted on a modified version of the CB 90 or an entirely new vessel is still under consideration. This modernization effort underscores Sweden's commitment to enhancing its coastal defense capabilities in the face of evolving maritime threats.