Swedish defense prime Saab has officially introduced the Combat Boat 90 Capability X (CB90 CX), an advanced, high-payload derivative of its combat-proven littoral warfare vessel family.
Engineered for optionally crewed operations, the CB90 CX incorporates Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core software suite to transition the platform from a tactical troop transporter into a multi-role strike, reconnaissance, and air defense asset. Under active production with the Swedish Armed Forces serving as the launch customer, the 18-meter vessel is designed to co-exist with the smaller CB90 Next Generation (CB90 NG / Strb 90HSM). The platform debuts in three initial operational configurations tailored for distributed naval warfare across littoral and archipelagic domains.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: SAAB COMBAT BOAT 90 CX ARCHITECTURE
Platform Engineering, Hydrodynamics & Autonomy Core
⚡ Developer & OEM: Saab AB (Stockholm / Docksta Shipyard, Sweden)
⚡ Operating Class: High-Speed Light Craft (DNV Class HSLC 1A Patrol)
⚡ Platform Dimensions: Length Overall: 18.0 m | Beam: 4.0 m | Draught: 1.1 m
⚡ Propulsion & Performance: Powered by 2× 1,100 hp diesel engines driving twin waterjets; Maximum Speed: 40+ knots fully loaded
⚡ Operational Manning: Optionally crewed architecture accommodating 0 to 10 personnel depending on configuration
⚡ Autonomy Architecture: Integrated with Saab Autonomous Ocean Core—a vessel-agnostic C2 software enabling remote piloting, autonomous waypoint navigation, and uncrewed swarming capabilities 
Configurable Mission Payload Architectures
💥 Multi-Domain ISR Configuration:
• Primary Sensor: Saab Sea Giraffe 1X 3D GaN Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar mounted on an 11-meter telescoping mast (360° coverage; 100+ km surveillance range)
• Dynamic Tracking: Simultaneous target classification of low-RCS air/surface threats, small vessels, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)
• Secondary Armament: Saab Trackfire Remote Weapon Station (RWS) with integrated electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors
💥 Over-The-Horizon (OTH) Anti-Ship Warfare Configuration:
• Surface Strike Ordnance: MBDA MARTE ER active radar-homing anti-ship missiles
• Engagement Envelope: Sea-skimming, all-weather precision strike capability against surface combatants at ranges exceeding 100 km
• Sensor-to-Effector Integration: Executes OTH targeting utilizing data-linked feeds from external network nodes or ISR-variant companion craft
💥 Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) Configuration:
• Primary Kinetic Effector: Rheinmetall SeaSnake 30 remote-controlled naval gun system carrying a 30×173mm Oerlikon KCE automatic cannon
• Counter-UAS Payload: Integrated fire-control system supporting programmable airburst ammunition (Ahead) for point defense against drone swarms, loitering munitions, and low-altitude aircraft
TIMES OF DEFENCE ASSESSMENT
The unveiling of the CB90 CX marks a tactical pivot in littoral warfare doctrine, transforming fast assault craft from littoral troop transports into autonomous combat effectors.
From a naval engineering and tactical perspective, the platform delivers three operational advantages:
1. **Force Multiplier in Archipelagic Warfare**: Integrating Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core allows naval commanders to deploy uncrewed strike or air defense nodes in high-risk littoral zones without exposing crew members to anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) threats.
2. **Distributed Lethality for Small Craft**: Arming an 18-meter boat with 100+ km anti-ship missiles (MARTE ER) and 30mm airburst SHORAD capabilities allows small surface craft to project combat power traditionally reserved for larger corvettes or frigates.
3. **Organic Counter-UAS and Aerial Screening**: Utilizing the Sea Giraffe 1X radar alongside the SeaSnake 30 airburst cannon provides littoral task groups with mobile protection against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions in narrow sea lanes.
