Saab's new unmanned boat packs powerful air defense system
Photo: Saab unveils a Robotic boat (saab.com)
The Swedish company Saab has unveiled the new Combat Boat 90 Capability X (CB90 CX) in three different variants.
Compared to its predecessor, the new CB90 CX has an increased payload capacity. Designed for both manned and unmanned operations, the new boat is equipped with state-of-the-art radars and other air defense systems.
"The future of naval operations is not just about having more platforms; it is about distributing greater combat capability across the force," says Anders Hellman, head of Saab’s Docksta business unit.
The ISR variant focuses on situational awareness and utilizes the Saab Giraffe 1X radar. The anti-ship warfare version provides capabilities to engage surface vessels, while the SHORAD configuration uses an automatic anti-aircraft gun for air defense.
Working together, they provide naval forces with complementary capabilities that enhance their joint operational effectiveness or serve as part of a broader joint task force.
Production of the CB90 CX is currently underway for Sweden, the first customer to adopt this class of vessels, and they will operate alongside the smaller CB90 NG boats. CB90-class vessels are in service with the navies of nine countries: in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas.
The first-ever naval battle between unmanned boats took place in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian Sargan drone destroyed a Russian unmanned naval boat using a 12.7-mm Protector RWS automatic turret.
