Saab announces Combat Boat 90 CX
In an era where maritime threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, navies require platforms that can detect threats sooner, share information more swiftly, and engage targets from diverse positions. The newly introduced CB90 CX significantly broadens the operational scope of combat boats, allowing them not only to transport troops but also to directly engage in surveillance, surface strike, and air defense missions.
Building upon the legacy of its popular predecessor, the CB90 CX boasts a larger design, enhanced payload capabilities, and advanced onboard systems that support operations across a wider array of sea states. Engineered for optionally crewed missions utilizing Saab’s innovative Autonomous Ocean Core, the CB90 CX maintains the esteemed characteristics of its troop-carrying forerunners while facilitating a wider integration of capabilities.
Anders Hellman, head of Saab’s business unit Docksta, commented on the evolution of naval operations, stating, “The future of naval operations is not just about having more platforms; it is about distributing greater combat capability across the force. CB90 CX reflects this evolution, moving beyond troop transport to connect sensors and weapons, delivering combat effectiveness directly from the boat, whether it is crewed or uncrewed.”
The CB90 CX will initially be offered in three distinct configurations, each with its specialized operational role. The ISR configuration emphasizes multi-domain situational awareness using Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar. The anti-ship warfare setup is designed for over-the-horizon strike capabilities against surface targets, while the SHORAD configuration employs an anti-aircraft autocannon to enhance air defense in a landscape increasingly populated by Uncrewed Air Systems. Together, these capabilities offer navies complementary strengths that improve their combined operational effectiveness, whether acting independently or as part of a larger joint force.
Production of the CB90 CX is currently underway for Sweden, the launch customer, and it will coexist with the existing smaller CB90 NG variant. The CB90 serves nine navies worldwide, operating effectively across various regions including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.
