The Swedish company Saab presented at the Euronaval 2026 exhibition in Paris the CB-90 combat boat of the new CX (Capability X) version, an 18–meter platform developed by the Docksta division in three modifications: for maritime surveillance, anti-ship warfare and short-range air defense. The Swedish Navy is currently conducting acceptance tests of the CB-90 CX lead boat. The expected transfer date has not been disclosed.
Compared to the CB-90 NG (Next Generation), the new version increased the payload from 3 tons to more than 5 tons (+66.7%), received a 2,200 hp powerplant and remote control and autonomous navigation functions based on the Saab Autonomous Ocean Core. Thus, the boat can operate with or without a crew (up to ten people).
CB-90 combat boat, Sweden
Saab
The boat is 18 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 1.1 meters deep, which is 1.4 meters longer and 0.3 meters wider than the CB-90 NG.
Two 1,100 hp diesels power the water-jet propellers. The fully loaded boat can reach speeds of over 40 knots and has a range of over 300 nautical miles.
The reconnaissance configuration is equipped with a three-dimensional Sea Giraffe 1X X–band radar (from 8 to 12 GHz, wavelength from 3.75 to 2.5 cm) with an active phased array on the lifting mast and a stabilized Trackfire combat module. The radar rotates 360 degrees every second, has a detection range of over 100 km and weighs less than 150 kg.
Trackfire is equipped with optoelectronic and infrared tracking, a laser rangefinder and 12.7 mm or 30 mm weapon options.
The anti-ship configuration carries two Marte ER missile launchers with active radar guidance at the end site and low-altitude flight, hitting surface targets 100 km away with external targeting.
The CX speed provides a separate tactical advantage: after a salvo, the firing position can shift by 18.5 km in 15 minutes, if sea conditions allow.
The air defense version of the boat received a Rheinmetall SeaSnake 30 turret with a stabilized 30×173 mm KCE-30 cannon with a maximum rate of 1,100 rounds per minute (18.3 per second). Programmable air-detonated ammunition allows the fire control system to set the detonation point of each projectile, increasing the likelihood of hitting drones, helicopters and barrage ammunition, while optoelectronic and infrared sensors, a laser rangefinder and automatic target tracking support the fight against small surface vessels and individual ground targets.
The CB90 CX can operate with a crew of up to ten people or completely autonomously, without a crew on board, although the required composition for each of the three configurations is not specified. The overall digital Combat Core system integrates ship automation, equipment monitoring, steering, and fire control functions, while the Autonomous Ocean Core provides remote control and autonomous navigation.
The common architecture allows different CX configurations to separate navigation, monitoring, and task management using different sensors and weapons.
Saab has previously practiced remote fire control and torpedo launches with the Swedish Navy, including as part of the REPMUS exercises under the auspices of NATO.
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