Sweden’s delivery of 26 Stridsbåt 90 combat vessels to Ukraine has opened the next chapter in the country’s maritime defence industry: the development of a next-generation fast attack craft at Saab’s Docksta shipyard. The move is part of a wider expansion, with the Swedish defence now placing a major domestic order and international interest accelerating production plans.
The Stridsbåt 90, known internationally as Combat Boat 90 (CB90), has earned a reputation for speed, durability and versatility in coastal and archipelagic warfare. Ukraine’s recent receipt of dozens of these vessels demonstrates both Sweden’s ongoing military support for Kyiv and the CB90’s strategic utility in riverine and near-shore combat environments. Saab has confirmed that the donated boats were sourced from older Swedish Navy stock, allowing Ukraine to gain immediate capability without lengthy manufacturing lead times.
Expansion at Docksta Shipyard
Located in the small northern town of Docksta, Saab’s production facility has long been the CB90’s manufacturing base. In response to heightened demand, Saab is more than doubling its workforce, recruiting skilled shipbuilders, engineers and systems technicians. The company is also investing in upgraded assembly lines and digital design systems to accelerate production cycles.
The Swedish Armed Forces have signed a significant contract for a new generation of CB90 vessels incorporating enhanced weapons integration, improved manoeuvrability, and better protection against small arms and explosive threats. Saab has indicated that the updated design will also focus on reduced maintenance costs and expanded operational range, making the vessel more adaptable to both special operations and patrol duties.
Rising International Demand
Even before the Ukraine deliveries, CB90 technology had attracted steady interest from military clients in Norway, Malaysia, and Mexico. Saab now reports that the geopolitical impact of the Ukraine war has intensified inquiries from governments seeking fast, heavily armed craft for border protection, rapid troop transport, and coastal defence.
Growing interest is partly driven by the CB90’s proven combat record, highlighting its value not only in defending archipelagos like Sweden’s but also in riverine zones and contested littoral areas. Some foreign customers are expected to request customized variants tailored to different climates and mission profiles, such as tropical patrol versions with advanced cooling systems and desert river craft with reinforced hull coatings.
Strategic Implications for Sweden
For Sweden, the surge in CB90 production consolidates the country’s role as a specialist in small, high-speed naval platforms, complementing its frigate and submarine programs. The expansion also supports local employment and technological expertise in coastal Norrland, bolstering regional industry at a time when defence-related manufacturing is becoming a strategic growth sector.
As Docksta’s shipyard ramps up output, the CB90 story illustrates how military aid can catalyse industrial renewal while reinforcing Sweden’s position in the competitive global defence market. With Ukraine now operating donated Swedish vessels and the next generation already in the works, Saab’s combat ship program is set to define a new phase in Nordic naval innovation.