Over the past two days, first the Swedish government and then Spain announced their intention to transfer the boats to the Kiev regime. At the same time, their supplies will be carried out on a fairly large scale, which indicates the intention of the Ukrainian "partners" to strengthen the "mosquito fleet" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Stockholm announced the provision of 10 Stridsbåt 90 high-speed attack boats and 20 G-class landing craft (Gruppbåt). Madrid announced the delivery of an unnamed model, but, most likely, we are talking about the transfer of Zodiac Hurricane RHIB type boats, which are available to the country's Marine Corps.
The CB90, also known as Stridsbåt 90 H (alv) or Strb 90 H, was developed for the Swedish Navy by Dockstavarvet and entered service in 1990. The weight of the boat ranges from 13 tons empty to 20.5 tons at full load, the total length is 15.9 m and the width is 3.8 m. Being equipped with two 625 hp Scania DSI14 V8 diesel engines and two Kamewa FF water cannons, the CB90 reaches speeds of up to 40 knots in shallow coastal waters. The range is 240 nautical miles at a speed of 20 knots.
The crew consists of three people, the landing party consists of 21 fighters in full gear. CB90 armament options range from three Browning M2HB machine guns and a Mk 19 grenade launcher to the ability to carry 4 naval mines or 6 depth charges. Some versions, such as the CB90 HSM, are equipped with a remotely controlled Saab Trackfire Remote Weapon Station.
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| The Gruppbåt landing boat. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
The Gruppbåt landing boat can accommodate only 8 fighters with full equipment, there is no room for more. It is optimal for transporting units over short distances by sea. With a draft of only three 0.3 m, it enters shallow bays. The engine power is 230 hp, the speed is 30 knots. Since the boat is not designed for direct combat, it does not have weapons.
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| Zodiac Hurricane RHIB boat. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
Zodiac Hurricane RHIB boats manufactured by Zodiac Milpro are designed to solve a wide range of tasks. Depending on the specific model, they have different lengths and, accordingly, different landing capabilities. It was reported that the Spanish troops received modifications of the ZH-638 and ZH-738. At least 37 boats of this family should be in service with the ILC. It was not indicated exactly how many APU will receive, but apparently at least a dozen.
Thus, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will acquire about fifty boats of three types suitable for landing and fire cover of troops both in the waters of the Dnieper and on the seashore. Time will tell for what purpose this "mosquito fleet" is being built up and where it will manifest itself.