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Imagine a small high-speed gunboat armed with anti-ship missiles capable of hitting targets at a distance of over 100 km. This is the concept of Saab's new CB90 CX, a larger and more powerful evolution of the famous Swedish combat boat. It is not only designed for troop transport, but has separate configurations for anti-ship, air defense, and reconnaissance. But what makes this small vessel so effective? Stay with us to find out. The original CB90 was designed for rapid troop transfer, amphibious operations, and coastal missions. The CX version takes this well-known concept further. At 18 meters long, it uses two 1,100 horsepower engines and water cannons,
allowing it to reach speeds of over 40 knots. It also carries over 5 tons of payload, giving Saab the ability to integrate heavier weapons and sensors. Instead of installing all the weapons on one ship, Saab has introduced three specific configurations for different missions. The reconnaissance, surveillance and data collection version uses the Giraffe 1X radar to monitor the air and surface environment. The anti-ship version carries MBDA's Marte ER missiles, while the short-range air defense configuration uses Rheinmetall's 30mm SeaSnake cannon with programmable airburst munitions. Together, these boats can complement each other's capabilities,
allowing the group to control territory, engage surface vessels, and respond to air threats. The anti-ship configuration is particularly interesting. Marte ER uses an active radar homing head and a low-altitude flight mode above the sea surface, which allows it to approach the target unnoticed. The declared flight range exceeds 100 km. But there is one important nuance. A boat wouldn't necessarily be able to detect a warship at that distance using only its own radar. Over-the- horizon attacks require target information from external platforms such as aircraft, other ships, or shore-based surveillance systems. In other words, the missile's range depends on a wider network of sensors and communication systems. The CB90 CX can also operate both with
and without a crew, using Saab's autonomous control system. Saab claims that the platform can accommodate up to 10 crew members depending on the configuration or operate in unmanned mode. Sweden is the first customer, and the boats are currently in production. Jane's reports that the country has signed a contract for 36 vessels. This is consistent with Sweden's approach of distributing sensors and weapons onto smaller platforms, especially in the challenging coastal conditions of the Baltic Sea. However, unmanned operation does not automatically mean independent selection of targets or use of weapons. Communication, obtaining external data on goals, and coordination remain critically important. The CB90 CX is significant in that it
provides reconnaissance, surface attack, and air defense capabilities to a fast and relatively small vessel. Its real effectiveness, however, will depend on how well these boats operate together with broader naval forces. Could the Swedish CB90 CX become an important part of future coastal defense? That's all for today. Thank you for watching.
