Saab Launches CB90 CX: A Modular, Optionally Crewed Combat Boat for Distributed Naval Warfare

Key points

• The CB90 CX is 18 meters long, 4 meters wide, and has a draft of 1.1 meters, making it 1.4 meters longer and 0.3 meters wider than the existing CB90 Next Generation (NG).
• The new variant offers a payload capacity of over 5 tonnes, a 50% increase over the CB90 NG's 3-tonne capacity, while maintaining a top speed of over 40 knots and a range of 300 nautical miles.
• Three initial configurations are available: ISR (with Sea Giraffe 1X radar), anti-ship (with MBDA Marte ER missiles), and SHORAD (with Rheinmetall Seasnake 30 gun).
• The boat features a 'Combat Core' open architecture that integrates ship automation, fire control, and steer-by-wire systems, enabling future upgrades and integration of customer-specific sensors.
• Saab's 'Autonomous Ocean Core' software allows for uncrewed operations, though human decision-making remains central to weapon use, according to Saab officials.
• Sweden has ordered 36 CB90s in total, including 10 in 2024, 22 in 2025, and 4 in 2026, with the CB90 CX to be produced alongside the CB90 NG.

Background

The CB90 CX launch follows Saab's previous CB90 Next Generation (NG) variant, which is already in service with nine navies. The new variant is part of Sweden's 'Amphibious Battalion 2030' modernization program, which aims to shift from traditional coastal defense to a more mobile, dispersed, and data-centric maritime force. This development is also part of a broader trend in European naval strategy, where smaller, faster, and more flexible platforms are being prioritized over larger vessels. The CB90 CX is designed to address threats in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Red Sea, where naval forces need to detect threats earlier and distribute capabilities across more platforms. The boat's design also reflects lessons from recent conflicts, including the use of small distributed systems against conventional naval forces and attacks on commercial shipping.

How outlets are covering it

Naval News emphasizes the CB90 CX's role in expanding the combat boat's function beyond troop transport to a multimission platform, highlighting its three configurations and the 'Combat Core' system. Breaking Defense focuses on the boat's uncrewed capabilities and its alignment with Sweden's 'Amphibious Battalion 2030' concept, noting that the CB90 CX is designed for uncrewed operations from the outset, unlike the CB90 NG. Janes Defence Intelligence provides detailed technical specifications and notes that the anti-ship missile fit is a demonstration of flexibility, as Sweden's amphibious forces are acquiring a different missile. SLDinfo.com compares the CB90 CX to France's SMOKERS naval drone, highlighting the trend toward modular, optionally crewed, and expendable combatants in European navies. All sources agree on the boat's dimensions, payload capacity, and the three configurations, but differ in emphasis: Naval News and Janes focus on the technical and strategic implications, while Breaking Defense and SLDinfo.com highlight the uncrewed and modular aspects.

Why it matters

The CB90 CX represents a significant shift in naval strategy, moving from traditional, large, centralized platforms to smaller, faster, and more flexible vessels that can be deployed in large numbers. This approach allows naval forces to distribute capabilities across more platforms, detect threats earlier, and operate with greater flexibility. The boat's optionally crewed design and autonomous capabilities also address the growing threat of drones and loitering munitions, which are increasingly used in modern conflicts. The CB90 CX's launch also signals Saab's intent to expand its market share in NATO and allied nations, particularly in the Baltic and Mediterranean regions, where the threat environment is rapidly changing. The boat's design and capabilities also reflect lessons from recent conflicts, including the use of small distributed systems against conventional naval forces and attacks on commercial shipping.

What to watch

Saab is expected to deliver the first CB90 CX to the Swedish Navy in the near future, with the boat undergoing final acceptance trials. The company is also expanding its Docksta production facility to double capacity, which will allow it to meet anticipated demand from NATO and allied nations. Saab is also developing additional capabilities for the CB90 CX, including the option to launch drones and torpedoes. The company is also expected to continue promoting the CB90 CX at the Euronaval 2026 defense show in Paris, where it will be unveiled to a wider audience. The Swedish Navy is also expected to continue modernizing its amphibious forces under the 'Amphibious Battalion 2030' program, which will likely include the acquisition of more CB90 CX boats and other advanced systems.