Sweden orders additional 18 CB90-class fast assault craft

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has ordered additional 18 CB90-class fast assault craft from Swedish boat builder Dockstavarvet under a SEK 400 million (approx. US$47.3m) contract.

The new combat boats, referred to as Stridsbåt 90HSM (M standing for modernized), will be an improved version of the Stridsbåt 90HS boats already in service with the Swedish Navy.

Upgrades to the new boats include modern engines and electronics and a remotely operated weapon station for a 12.7 mm machine gun.

FMV estimates that the boats would remain in service beyond 2040 with the first unit set for delivery in the third quarter of 2018.

The Combat Boat 90 H is a 15-meter all aluminium fast assault craft capable of transporting 20 soldiers and cargo at more than 20 knots driven by waterjets powered by Scania engines.

The 18 new boats will be used by Swedish Amphibious Corps.

Boat builder Dockstavarvet has delivered 147 boats in the class to the Swedish Navy between 1989 and 2003. The company also delivered variants of the boat to Mexico, Malaysia and Greece.