Saab is proposing its CB90 fast combat boat to the Japan Self-Defense Forces for potential procurement.
The CB90 is a highly maneuverable multipurpose craft capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions, from coastal surveillance to riverine security and the transport of troops and supplies. The hull is made of aluminum, and it boasts a top speed of over 45 knots (approximately 85 km/h) with an operational range of about 550 km.
Inside the vessel, there is an ergonomically designed troop compartment that can accommodate up to 18 personnel. Troops can disembark directly onto shore via a bow ramp, and the boat is equipped with an integrated combat management system, enabling the installation of remote weapon stations (RWS), various surveillance sensors, and electronic support measures (ESM).
Moreover, because the CB90 is an in-house Saab design developed from scratch, it can be customized according to the specific needs of each customer—such as adjusting armor protection or mobility. Due to these versatile characteristics, the CB90 has already been adopted by Sweden, Greece, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Peru, the United States, and Ukraine, and is currently under consideration in France as well.
According to Saab representatives, the CB90 is being proposed to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The JSDF is currently strengthening its defense capabilities in the Nansei Islands, stretching southwest of Japan, with China’s growing military presence in mind. To this end, maritime transport capabilities are being rapidly expanded. Recently, a new joint service unit, the Self-Defense Forces Maritime Transport Group, was established, and the deployment of small- to medium-sized transport vessels has already begun.
The JGSDF also maintains the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), a specialized unit for remote island defense. This brigade currently operates AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicles and high-speed rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs).
However, each of these assets has inherent strengths and weaknesses. Transport vessels can carry large numbers of vehicles and troops but lack speed and operational flexibility. RHIBs offer high mobility but no protection and have limited endurance when operating independently. Conversely, the AAV-7 has superior firepower and protection but is constrained in terms of speed and operational range.
Therefore, adding a platform that combines firepower, protection, and the ability to travel at high speed over long distances independently would greatly enhance operational options. The CB90 is precisely the platform that can meet this need.
So, what roles could the CB90 fulfill if adopted by the JSDF? For example, the Nansei Islands, stretching from the southern tip of Kyushu toward northeast Taiwan, comprise roughly 200 islands, many of which are too small for large vessels to land troops or supplies. The CB90 could swiftly deploy to such small islands and independently conduct troop landings or evacuations.
Even on larger islands, the CB90 could support reconnaissance or special operations forces, landing and extracting them ahead of the main amphibious force. In peacetime, the CB90 could patrol areas such as the East China Sea equipped with radar and ESM systems for surveillance and intelligence gathering. In the event of large-scale disasters, it could also support rescue and relief operations via maritime or riverine routes.
While these scenarios mainly envision JGSDF operations, the CB90 could also see extensive use within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Beyond harbor security and maritime patrol missions during both peacetime and wartime, it could enhance the operational flexibility of the JMSDF’s Special Boarding Unit (SBU).
The SBU is the JMSDF’s special operations unit established in 2001 in response to the 1999 Noto Peninsula suspicious vessel incident. Its primary missions include boarding and raiding ships at sea. Currently, the SBU relies on RHIBs or JMSDF helicopters for transportation, but with the CB90, it could operate more broadly across wider maritime areas.
For example, in peacetime, it could independently respond to suspicious vessel incidents. In wartime, it could conduct boarding inspections or seizures of cargo ships suspected of transporting military supplies—without requiring direct support from larger escort vessels. This would significantly increase the unit’s operational freedom.
In essence, the CB90 is envisioned as a workhorse multi-role platform—capable of both transport and combat support functions.
However, one potential challenge in introducing the CB90 is the physical distance between Japan and Sweden. Importing complete vessels would naturally incur transportation costs, and maintenance or upgrades could become logistically demanding.
If licensed production in Japanese shipyards were possible, such issues could be largely resolved. In response to Naval News’ question about the feasibility of license production in Japan, a Saab representative stated:
“There are several business and other parameters to consider, but we already have experience with licensed production of CB90 in other countries. Naturally, we would be willing to consider such an option in Japan, depending on local needs.”
Given the current security environment in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Southeast Asia, the demand for high-speed combat craft like the CB90 is far from low. Therefore, if license production were realized in Japan, it could also serve as a second source for export to neighboring countries.
In fact, a similar approach has already been taken with the JGSDF’s wheeled armored vehicle AMV, developed by Finland’s Patria. Patria uses the production line of Japan Steel Works, which handles license production for Japan, as a base for exploring sales in the broader region. Likewise, Japan Marine United (JMU), which teamed up with the British naval design firm BMT to develop and build the “Caimen-Japan transport craft”, is attempting to export these vessels to Southeast Asia from its domestic shipyards.
Perhaps in the future, Japan will increasingly be recognized by global defense firms as a key secondary source for the Indo-Pacific region.
AloJapan.com