Saab secures CB90 combat boat order from Sweden

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the CB90 combat boat, further enhancing Sweden’s naval capabilities and replacing some CB90s that were donated to Ukraine. The order, valued at approximately 900 MSEK (£69.3 million/€81 million), was booked in Q2 2025 and will deliver 22 additional CB90s, a Saab press release from 4 July states.

Saab’s CB90s combat boats are manufactured at the company’s shipyard in Docksta, with deliveries scheduled to occur continuously over the coming years. Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums, commented on the order, stating, “This order represents a significant addition to Sweden’s naval capabilities. We are proud that Saab’s combat boats continue to contribute to Sweden’s defence.”

The Docksta shipyard has a long-standing history of producing combat boats for the Swedish Armed Forces, having done so since the late 1980s. The press release explains that hundreds of these combat boats have been produced and delivered to various countries worldwide. The most recent prior order from Sweden was placed in June 2024, when ten combat boats were commissioned. 

A heavy responsibility

This new order for combat boats aligns with Sweden’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its overall defence posture, particularly following its recent NATO accession and meet the demands of the changing security environment. Sweden has committed to significant increases in defence spending, with its defence budget for 2025 projected to be approximately 2.4% of GDP, with plans to reach 2.6% by 2028.

The Swedish government has also announced major investments in military defence expansion, proposing additional funding worth SEK 13 billion (£1 billion/€1.17 billion) for 2025 and over SEK 170 billion (£13.08 billion/€15.3 billion) for the 2025-2030 defence decision period. These investments are intended to implement measures outlined in the ‘Total Defence 2025-2030’ bill, ensuring Sweden’s enhanced operational capability and readiness in a changed security environment.

Beyond these combat boats, which will join a large existing fleet, Sweden’s defence procurements are diverse. In the naval domain, in addition to the CB90s, it is exploring options for its future Luleå-class heavy corvettes, as well as a range of attack submarines and autonomous capabilities. This is combined with a significant focus on the country’s land forces.  

Tech profile: CB90 combat boat

Sweden already has a large fleet of CB90 combat boats, some of which were donated to Ukraine. Credit: FMV

The CB90 class boats are notable for their high speed, reportedly exceeding 40 knots, and their ability to operate in shallow waters due to their shallow draft. They can transport up to 18 fully equipped soldiers for amphibious assaults and are typically armed with 12.7 mm machine guns and a grenade launcher, with the option to carry mines or depth charges.

CB90 HSM Specifications

• Displacement:
  • Light: 18 tons
  • Max: 24.5 tons
• Measurements:
  • Total length: 16.3 m
  • Length hull: 14.9 m
  • Beam: 3.8 m
  • Draught: 0.9 m
• Speed and Range:
  • Max speed with max load: way beyond 40 knots
  • Cruise speed (at sea state 1 or less): 38 knots
  • Range (at cruise speed): 300 NM (Nautical Miles)
• Propulsion:
  • Engines: 2 x 900 hp
  • Water jet: 2 x Mix flow

Calibre comment

Maritime security is a significant challenge for northern Europe as Russia has invested heavily in land attack cruise missiles like the 3M-14 Kalibr across its surface and sub-surface fleets. It now has significant capacity to hold European infrastructure at risk with long-range strikes. Outside of a likely disastrous conventional war, Russia is also increasing its use of active measures and sabotage to pressure European states and shape their decision making. Small and fast vessels like the CB90 combat boat could help Sweden respond to any challenges to its territory or infrastructure. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 9th July, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Saab.