French Navy Trials Swedish CB90 Patrol Boats for Coastal Defense Upgrade.

On Wednesday, 30 July 2025, the French naval base in Brest received two CB90 fast patrol boats, designed by Swedish manufacturer Saab. Delivered overland prior to their scheduled launch the following day, these vessels have been loaned by the Swedish Navy to the French Navy for a period of 18 months. The initiative is part of a technical-operational cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the security of France’s maritime approaches and assessing the adaptability of these craft in temperate coastal environments, different from those found in the Baltic. According to the French Navy, the loan also serves to "explore reactive amphibious concepts" within a tactical innovation framework tailored to the evolving requirements of naval protection forces.
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Developed by Saab and produced in over 250 units worldwide, the CB90 is a fast aluminum combat boat designed for operations in coastal and riverine environments (Picture source: Saab)

The two CB90s join the first unit already delivered to the Toulon naval base on 15 July. Their primary mission is to conduct surveillance and protect naval installations, as well as to detect and respond quickly to any threat in coastal zones. The boats will be operated by the Amyot d’Inville Marine Infantry Battalion, which plays a key role in securing strategic sites and docked units. Rear Admiral David Desfougères, Deputy Chief of Naval Plans and Programs, stated that the vessels will also be used to test new amphibious operational concepts.

Developed by Saab and produced in over 250 units worldwide, the CB90 is a fast aluminum combat boat designed for operations in coastal and riverine environments. Powered by two 900-horsepower engines coupled with mixed-flow water jets, it can exceed 40 knots at maximum speed and has a range of 300 nautical miles at cruising speed. With a shallow draft of 0.9 meters, it is well-suited for operations in confined waters. The interior layout has been optimized for crew ergonomics and comfort, while stability and maneuverability have been carefully designed to meet the demands of amphibious and littoral operations.

The boats also feature a high level of protection, with lightweight polyethylene armor and ballistic-resistant security glass offering CBRN and ballistic threat mitigation. For combat operations, the CB90 can be fitted with Saab’s Trackfire combat management system, which integrates sensors, optronics, and a remote-controlled weapon station, and can accommodate various weapon systems including light missile platforms. A reinforced bow ramp enables rapid deployment of personnel or equipment onto unprepared shores, making the platform versatile for maritime security and rapid intervention missions.

The loan of CB90 boats by the Swedish Navy appears to serve two main purposes: filling a temporary capability gap in the protection of French naval bases and evaluating the platform's suitability for specific littoral missions assigned to the French naval infantry. Although the French Navy already operates "VFM" (Vedettes de Fusiliers Marins) patrol boats, these have been subject to operational criticism. A planned renewal contract awarded to the Breton shipbuilder Ufast was cancelled, and the company later filed for bankruptcy in 2024, leaving the fleet without an immediate replacement.

In this context, the CB90, designed for rapid deployments, troop insertions, and patrols in difficult coastal areas, offers a potentially suitable profile. It may ultimately serve as an alternative or complement to current assets for missions involving surveillance, quick reaction, or vessel escort in and around French ports.