CB90-class

🇫🇷 France • 🇩🇪 Germany • 🇬🇷 Greece • 🇲🇾 Malaysia • 🇲🇽 Mexico • 🇳🇱 Netherlands • 🇳🇴 Norway • 🇵🇪 Peru • 🇸🇪 Sweden • 🇺🇦 Ukraine • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom • 🇺🇸 United States

The Stridsbåt 90 H (CB90) is a class of fast military assault craft developed for the Swedish Navy by Dockstavarvet. The designation refers to the 1990 acceptance year and the boat's capacity to transport a half-platoon of amphibious infantry. Dockstavarvet won a competition to replace the Tpbs 200 class in 1988, delivering two prototypes in 1989. The Swedish Navy placed an initial order for 120 boats in 1990. In 2002, an additional order was placed for the Stridsbåt 90 HS, a variant designed for international operations featuring armor, CBRN protection, and tropicalization.

The craft is designed for maneuverability in shallow coastal waters. It utilizes twin partially ducted water jets and underwater control surfaces similar to diving planes. This configuration allows the vessel to execute sharp turns and decelerate from full speed within two and a half boat lengths. The boat can adjust its pitch and roll while under way. Internal configurations vary by variant: the Stridsbåt 90 L is outfitted for battalion-level command and control with auxiliary power and communications equipment, while the Norwegian S90N version includes a motorized stern anchor winch, increased deck height, and watertight compartments in the bow.

The CB90 is operated by the navies of Sweden, Norway, Greece, Mexico, Malaysia, and the United States. Mexico acquired a production license in 2002 to manufacture units locally. The United States Navy operates the class as the Riverine Command Boat; in 2016, two of these vessels were detained by Iranian forces near Farsi Island before being released. Ukraine has integrated the class into its naval forces following deliveries from Sweden and the Netherlands. Peru has also reached an agreement for local assembly of the craft.

Service history includes the use of a CB90 by the German Water Police during the 33rd G8 summit in Heiligendamm to intercept protest vessels. The Royal Norwegian Navy conducted trials using the craft as a launch platform for Hellfire missiles, though this configuration did not enter regular service. Between 2010 and 2011, the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Royal Navy evaluated the craft for amphibious operations. In 2013, the Russian Pella Shipyard launched the Raptor-class patrol boat, which shares visual similarities with the CB90 design. Recorded operational incidents include a 2006 sinking in the Stockholm archipelago due to water intake and a 2014 engine and steering failure involving a Malaysian unit off Labuan Island.