Ukraine’s Navy has officially commissioned additional CB90 fast assault craft from Sweden and Norway, completing a new formation dedicated to littoral and riverine missions. The expansion enhances Kyiv’s maritime resilience and aligns the fleet more closely with NATO’s operational standards.
In a statement on October 29, the Ukrainian Navy confirmed the arrival of Swedish- and Norwegian-supplied CB90s, forming a complete division of the type. The delivery, part of the Coalition of Maritime Capabilities initiative, comes as Ukrainian crews finalize advanced training on the class. The CB90, already in service with several NATO members, is designed for coastal patrol, amphibious landings, and rapid interdiction, providing Ukraine with a versatile platform immediately ready for deployment.
Developed by Saab’s Docksta shipyard, the CB90 is a high-speed, shallow-draft combat craft optimized for littoral warfare. The “Next Generation” models measure about 16.3 meters in length, displace between 18 and 24.5 tons, and reach over 40 knots powered by twin 900 hp diesel engines. The craft can carry up to 21 fully equipped troops and mount 12.7 mm machine guns, 40 mm grenade launchers, or other mission-specific payloads, with variants adapted for mine-laying or missile integration.
For three decades, the CB90 has served with Sweden’s Amphibious Corps, Norway’s Coastal Ranger Command, and the U.S. Navy’s Riverine Command Boat units. Norway’s tests of a stabilized Hellfire launcher on its SB90N variant underscore the design’s adaptability for precision strike and special operations roles.
For Ukraine, the CB90’s combination of speed, agility, and shallow-water performance provides critical advantages in the Dnipro delta and along contested Black Sea coastlines. The craft enables rapid raids, amphibious inserts, and protection of shipping lanes reopened under Kyiv’s grain export initiative. Its shallow draft and tight-turning performance make it ideal for operating in mine-threatened, confined waters near enemy-controlled shores.
Strategically, the new CB90 division enhances Ukraine’s ability to challenge Russian positions around Crimea, extend reach across riverine axes, and secure maritime supply routes. The fleet’s speed and flexibility provide Ukraine with an asymmetric edge — allowing swift strikes, decoy maneuvers, and logistic mobility while dispersing Russian coastal defenses.
With trained crews, active industrial support from Sweden, and interoperability with NATO standards, the CB90 brings Ukraine a scalable and combat-proven capability — a fast, precise, and resilient asset for modern coastal warfare.
