Swedish company Saab has introduced the Combat Boat 90 Capability X (CB90 CX), a new version of its Combat Boat 90 designed for optionally crewed operations.
As disclosed, the CB90 CX is larger than its predecessors and features increased payload capacity and updated onboard systems. Designed to operate across a wider range of sea states, the vessel uses Saab's Autonomous Ocean Core to support both crewed and uncrewed operations.
The three initial configurations are intended to provide complementary capabilities. The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) variant uses Saab's Giraffe 1X radar for multi-domain situational awareness, while the anti-ship warfare version is designed to engage surface vessels beyond the horizon. The SHORAD configuration is equipped with an anti-aircraft autocannon to provide short-range air defence against aerial threats, including the growing proliferation of uncrewed air systems.
According to Saab, the new design expands the role of the CB90 beyond troop transport, allowing the platform to contribute directly to surveillance, surface warfare and air defence operations. The boats can operate together as part of a distributed naval force or alongside other joint-force assets.
“CB90 CX reflects this evolution, moving beyond troop transport to connecting sensors and weapons and delivering combat capability directly from the boat, whether crewed or uncrewed,” said Anders Hellman, head of Saab's business unit Docksta.
The CB90 CX is currently in production for Sweden, which is the launch customer. It will operate alongside the existing, smaller CB90 NG.
The original CB90 is in service with nine navies and operates across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas.
