The Combat Boat 90 Capability X (CB90 CX) is an optionally crewed combat boat developed by Saab.
Designed for surveillance, surface strike, and air defence missions, the vessel features greater payload capacity and updated onboard systems compared to its predecessor and supports operations across a broader range of sea states.
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The CB90 CX vessel was unveiled by Saab in November 2026. The platform is being produced for Sweden, its launch customer, and is intended to operate alongside the smaller CB90 NG.
CB90 vessels are used by nine navies across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.
CB90 CX design and features
The Combat Boat 90 CX is 18m (60ft) long, 4m wide, and has a draught of 1.1m. It holds a DNV classification of HSLC 1A HSLC Patrol (S) EO R2.
An upgraded version of the Combat Boat 90 (CB90), the vessel can accommodate up to ten personnel and is powered by two 1,100hp engines that provide a speed of more than 40 knots.
The CB90 CX is designed for optionally crewed operations using Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core. It retains the troop-carrying role of earlier CB90 variants while allowing a wider set of mission systems to be integrated.
Three optionally crewed configurations of the vessel are available for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), anti-ship warfare, and short-range air defence (SHORAD).
CB90 CX sensors
The CB90 CX can share and combine real-time sensor data from multiple platforms to create a common operational picture, which can improve situational awareness and support co-ordinated responses.
The vessel combines Saab’s Sea Giraffe 1X radar and Trackfire Remote Weapon Station (RWS) to support multi-domain situational awareness and sensor-to-effector integration. These systems also enable target acquisition and tracking, including against threats such as uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) operating in complex maritime conditions.
The Sea Giraffe 1X radar provides continuous 360° surveillance, with a technical range exceeding 100km. It can simultaneously detect, classify, and track air and surface targets, including UAS, small vessels, and fast-moving threats.
The Trackfire RWS incorporates electro-optical sensors, stabilisation, and integrated fire control. It can fire while the host platform is moving and can also be deployed in fixed defensive positions. Its fully stabilised, remotely operated weapon and sensor suite supports air defence against UAS.
Strike capabilities of CB90 CX
The CB90 CX is fitted with MBDA’s MARTE ER anti-ship missiles, which can engage surface targets at ranges exceeding 100km.
MARTE ER is a third-generation missile within the MARTE family and is derived from MARTE MK2. Each missile is 3.6m long, has a diameter of 0.3m, and weighs approximately 345kg.
The missile system is designed for all-weather operations and supports automatic and manual waypoints, salvo firing, attacks on land coordinates, and measures intended to counter ship hard and soft defences.
MARTE ER combines guidance and navigation functions with targeting information from external sensors, allowing engagements beyond the radar horizon. Its active radar guidance, sea-skimming flight profile, and all-weather capability are intended to support use in contested maritime environments.
CB90 CX defensive capabilities
The CB90 CX uses Rheinmetall’s SeaSnake 30 remote-controlled weapon station for short-range air defence against aerial threats, including UAS, helicopters, and loitering munitions. The system can also engage selected surface and land targets, including small landing craft and patrol boats. SeaSnake 30 combines a stabilised 30mm automatic cannon with electro-optical and infrared sensors, integrated fire control, and programmable airburst ammunition. These systems support target acquisition, tracking, and engagement while the vessel is underway, including in complex maritime environments.
