Sweden to send ten CB90-class fast assault craft to Ukraine.

According to information published by SVT Nyheter on February 20, 2024, the Swedish government has announced its largest military support package to Ukraine to date, valued at 7.1 billion SEK.
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Swedish CB90-class fast assault craft during Aurora 23. (Picture source: Swedish Armed Forces)

The package includes the delivery of ten CB90-class fast assault craft, twenty troop carriers, and underwater weapons to Ukraine.

About the CB90-class

The CB90, also known as Stridsbåt 90 H(alv) or Strb 90 H, was developed for the Swedish Navy by Dockstavarvet and has been adopted by several countries for military use.

The name reflects its acceptance into service in 1990 and its capability to transport and deploy a half platoon of 18 amphibious infantry members fully equipped. Characterized by its agility and speed, the CB90 can perform sharp turns at high speeds, decelerate from top speed to full stop within 2.5 boat lengths, and adjust its pitch and roll angles while moving.

Its design, featuring a light weight, shallow draft, and twin water jets, enables operation at speeds up to 40 knots (74 km/h) in shallow coastal waters. The water jets' partial ducting and the craft's underwater control surfaces, similar to those on a submarine, contribute to its maneuverability.

The CB90's versatility is demonstrated by its adoption beyond the Swedish Navy, with variants in service in the navies of Norway, Greece, Mexico, the United States, and Malaysia.

The craft displaces between 13,000 kg empty and 20,500 kg at full load, measures 15.9 meters in overall length, and has a beam of 3.8 meters. Powered by two 625 bhp Scania DSI14 V8 diesel engines and two Kamewa FF water jets, the CB90 achieves high speeds and a range of 240 nautical miles at 20 knots.

Its operational features include the capacity to carry three crew members and up to 21 amphibious troops with full equipment. The armament options for the CB90 range from three Browning M2HB machine guns and a Mk 19 grenade launcher to the ability to carry four naval mines or six depth charges.

Some versions, like the CB90 HSM, incorporate a Saab Trackfire Remote Weapon Station (RWS) for enhanced firepower. This configuration underlines the CB90's role in various naval tasks, including rapid response, coastal patrol, and special operations, without highlighting its effectiveness or versatility in a promotional manner.