FMV confirms order for additional Stridsbåt 90HSM craft

Powered by twin Scania DI16 V8 diesels, the Stridsbåt 90HSM is capable of achieving speeds exceeding 40 kt. (Saab)

Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk: FMV) has contracted Saab for the build of 10 additional Combat Boat (Stridsbåt) 90 (CB 90) Next Generation assault craft for the navy's Amphibious Battalion.

Announced by Saab and FMV on 28 June, the SEK400 million (USD37.7 million) order provides for the replacement of earlier CB 90 craft gifted to Ukraine by the Swedish government with the latest CB 90HSM variant. Manufacture will be undertaken by Saab's small boat shipyard in Docksta on Sweden's east coast.

The aluminium-built CB 90HSM is a substantially redesigned and upgraded evolution of the original CB 90H, reflecting the changed requirements set out by the Amfibiebataljon (Amfbat) 2030 plan. Key changes introduced with the CB 90HSM design include a new driveline and more powerful engines for higher maximum speed, and improved comfort and expanded stowage for the embarked force. A Saab Trackfire remote weapon station is also introduced, and provisions are built in for a digital battle management system.

A total of 18 CB 90HSM craft have already been delivered to the Amphibious Battalion under a contract awarded to the Dockstavarvet AB shipyard in June 2017. Dockstavarvet AB was acquired by Saab in December that year.

Saab told Janes that production of the new batch of CB 90HSM craft will commence in 2024. Deliveries “will be made continuously over the coming years”, the company added.