Saab’s CB90 HSM (the Swedish Navy designation of the new generation) was on show at DSEI this week. Following a change in use since the initial configuration of the CB90, the latest model has been equipped with state-of-the-art features.

Madeline Wild, Associate Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The original model of the CB90 was designed primarily for troop transport between the islands of Sweden’s archipelagos. It CB90 HSM has been configured far beyond the capabilities of its predecessor in order to be modified for the change in missions it is expected to undertake; the new model is now expected to fulfil ISR, beaching, combat, and C2 missions.”

The vessel being shown at DSEI was one of the 18 boats received by the Swedish Navy, which are all at initial operating capability. The CB90 HSM has a total length of 16.3m with a light and full-load displacement of 18t and 24.5t, respectively. The armour of the boat has ballistic protection, improved fire-control system, and the new Trackfire Remote Weapons System (RWS) with stabilized independent line of sight, have made the craft far more suited to combat situations.

Today the max speed is 45 knots and can be configured with HP, Scania Diesel V8 engines. An issue with the previous model was lack of crew comfort with the speed and manoeuvrability of the boat making the journey a bumpy one for those on board. The CB90 HSM has undergone numerous changes to address this; from careful position of the RWS to the redesign of the hull enabling a much more comfortable experience for those onboard.

Wild adds: “Interest in the CB90 HSM is global, with particular room for business development in South America. The original use of the boat in the narrow and shallow waters of Sweden’s archipelago would be suited to the rivers of many South American nations. Furthermore, the CB90 HSM speed and agility would be ideally suited to the counter narcotic operations that dominate the southern Americas.”

According to GlobalData, Colombia has a large fleet of light combat vessels, whereas Brazil’s fleet on this type of craft is lacking. Nations such as Brazil may wish to follow in Colombia’s footsteps by procuring ships such as the CB90 NG to obtain the capabilities it offers.