Swedish defense corporation Saab has officially unveiled the new generation of the Combat Boat 90 Capability X (CB90 CX) in three specialized modifications simultaneously. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the company's press service. The new boat differs from its predecessor by having an increased payload capacity and is designed for both crewed and fully autonomous operation. Modern radar systems and air defense assets are installed on board, making the platform a versatile tool for naval operations in coastal zones.
Three Configurations — One Platform
The key feature of the CB90 CX is its combat modularity. The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) modification focuses on situational awareness and carries a Saab Giraffe 1X radar, providing long-range detection of surface and air targets. The anti-surface warfare version is aimed at striking hostile surface vessels, while the SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense) configuration is equipped with an automatic anti-aircraft gun to protect against aerial attacks. According to the developers, the three variants can operate as a single connected force, mutually complementing each other and increasing overall fleet operational efficiency, or integrate into a broader combined combat order.
Autonomy and the Philosophy of Combat Power Distribution
"The future of naval operations is not just about having more platforms; it is about distributing greater combat power among forces," said Anders Hellman, head of Saab's Docksta business unit. This formulation highlights a strategic shift: instead of increasing fleet size, the focus is shifted to concentrating offensive and defensive capabilities in a smaller number of multi-role units. The capability for uncrewed operation expands tactical scenarios — from patrolling in mine-danger zones to autonomously escorting convoys.
Production and Export Context
Production of the CB90 CX for Sweden — the first customer for this type of vessel — is already underway. The new boats will operate alongside smaller CB90 NG vessels, enabling the Swedish Navy to build a multi-layered coastal patrol system. The CB90 family as a whole is in service with the navies of nine countries located in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas, making the CX presentation a significant event for the platform's entire export lifecycle.
The Black Sea Precedent: Why Autonomous Boats Are in the Spotlight
The presentation of the CB90 CX comes against the backdrop of growing interest in autonomous surface vessels, confirmed by combat experience. It was previously reported that the first-ever naval battle between uncrewed surface vessels took place in the Black Sea: a Ukrainian Sargan drone destroyed a Russian uncrewed surface vessel using a 12.7 mm RWS "Protector" automatic turret. This incident demonstrated that autonomous platforms are no longer an experiment, but an active element of naval doctrine, and it is in this context that the modular CB90 CX with its three combat roles looks like the industry's response to fleets' demands for flexibility and survivability in the coastal theater.
