Ukraine’s Navy has received a new batch of Combat Boat 90 (CB90) assault craft supplied by Sweden and Norway, forming a full division of these high-speed vessels. The delivery was announced on October 29 by Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, Commander of the Ukrainian Navy.
“The CB90s are among the best in the world and are used in many NATO member states. They are fast, maneuverable, and reliable,” Neizhpapa said in a statement.
The Vice Admiral added that he personally tested the boats and expressed confidence in their performance.
According to Neizhpapa, the newly delivered boats have been adapted to meet modern naval warfare requirements. Ukrainian crews have completed comprehensive training to ensure full operational use of the vessels.
The CB90, developed by the Swedish company Dockstavarvet, part of Saab, is a high-speed, armored assault boat designed for rapid deployment of troops, conducting strike operations, coastal defense, and patrolling.
Ukrainian naval personnel stand on the deck of a CB90 boat during a flag ceremony. (Source: Ukrainian Navy)
With a shallow draft, it can operate in unprepared shore areas. It can carry up to 21 soldiers in full combat gear or up to 4.5 tons of cargo. The boat is equipped with three turrets capable of mounting either a Browning M2HB .50 caliber machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
The boats also serve as a platform for reconnaissance, mining operations, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
This transfer is part of the Coalition for Ukraine’s Maritime Capabilities—a multinational initiative aimed at strengthening the Ukrainian Navy’s capacity to secure its coastline and safeguard maritime routes in the Black Sea.
A Ukrainian CB90 assault craft conducts sea operations with crew on deck. (Source: Ukrainian Navy)
According to the Ukrainian Navy, this latest addition expands the fleet’s ability to carry out amphibious operations, rapid troop deployment, and coastal defense missions amid ongoing threats to civilian shipping.
Earlier, in June 2025, Belgium and the Netherlands transferred two Tripartite-class minehunters—BNS Narcis and Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen—to Ukraine’s Navy, later renamed Mariupol and Melitopol. A third vessel, Zr.Ms. Makkum (to become Henichesk), is expected by the end of the year, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
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