Citing “the evolving threats of modern naval reality,” Saab introduced the new Combat Boat 90 Capability X (CB90 CX) on 2 November.
The optionally crewed vessel offers a new dimension of capability, according to the manufacturer, in ISR, surface warfare and short-range air defence (SHORAD). As the maritime threat keeps pace with other warfare domains and continues to evolve in unexpected directions, so naval forces require platforms that can detect threats earlier, share information and decisions faster and deliver effects from dispersed positions. CB90 CX addresses this need by expanding the role of the combat boat beyond simple transport to contributing directly to the reconnaissance, strike and air defence missions.
The vessel, larger than its predecessor, features an increased payload capacity and enhanced onboard systems, retaining the popular characteristics of its forebears while enabling integration of a broader set of capabilities. Designed for optionally crewed operations using Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core, the boat’s three initial configurations have distinct operational relevance: in ISR configuration it focuses on multi-domain situational awareness, using Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar; in a surface warfare configuration it provides over-the-horizon strike capability; and for SHORAD use it uses an auto-cannon, with the proliferation of UAS particularly in mind.
“The future of naval operations is not just about having more platforms; it is about distributing greater combat capability across the force. As operational realities change, so does CB90. CB90 CX reflects this evolution, moving beyond troop transport to connecting sensors and weapons and delivering combat capability directly from the boat, whether crewed or uncrewed,” commented Anders Hellman, head of Saab’s business unit Docksta.
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Launch customer for CB90 CX is Sweden, where the new vessel will operate alongside a fleet of about 165 previous smaller vessels. Other users of the previous generation include the Royal Norwegain Navy (~20), the Hellenic Coast Guard (3), Royal Malaysian Navy (~17), Mexican Navy (~48), US Navy (2), Polish Special Forces (2), and the Peruvian Navy, which has been building under licence since 2021 and has a stated ambition for 24 hulls, though only two seem to have entered service to date. In addition an unspecified number have been delivered to Ukraine as aid by Sweden and Norway, with the Netherlands understood to have possibly offered funding in support of the programme. Sweden has pledged 32 boats since 2024 and appears to have handed over between 19 and 26 so far.
Sweden’s FMV placed two contracts with Saab, one in June 2024 for 10 boats to replace hulls donated to Ukraine, the second in July 2025 for a further 22. Saab booked a further order in the second quarter of this year, which may well be for the CB90 CX configuration.
Other potential customers that have expressed interest in the earlier generation boats include: Canada (two boats loaned by the Swedish Navy for evaluation); UK (four boats leased 2011 and since returned); Netherlands (considered for the Marines but no decision); Latvia and Lithuania considered it but ultimately selected the Finnish Marine Alutech M18 under the CFMAC programme.
Main image: CB90 CX is initially on offer in three optionally crewed configurations. Saab Docksta)
