In a significant move to bolster its maritime defense capabilities, particularly in the challenging environments of its coastline and extensive river systems, the Ukrainian Navy has announced the acquisition of CB90 fast assault craft. This addition marks a crucial new phase in Ukraine’s approach to coastal and riverine warfare, providing its forces with agile, high-speed platforms perfectly suited for the unique demands of these contested waterways. This isn’t merely about adding new vessels; it’s a strategic enhancement that promises to improve maritime security, facilitate special operations, and significantly complicate any adversary’s attempts to dominate nearshore and inland waters.
The CB90, or Combat Boat 90, is a highly versatile and renowned class of fast assault craft, originally developed by Sweden. It has earned an international reputation for its exceptional speed, shallow-draft capability, and robust design, making it ideal for operating in archipelagos, coastal areas, and navigable rivers. These characteristics are particularly pertinent to Ukraine, which possesses a substantial coastline along the Black Sea and a critical network of rivers, most notably the Dnieper, that bisect the country.
Key attributes of the CB90 that make it a game-changer for the Ukrainian Navy include:
- High Speed and Agility: Powered by powerful waterjets, the CB90 can achieve speeds upwards of 40 knots, allowing for rapid deployment, interception, and evasion. Its maneuverability is excellent, crucial for navigating confined waterways and complex coastal geographies.
- Shallow Draft: With a very shallow draft, the CB90 can operate effectively in waters where larger naval vessels cannot, including estuaries, river deltas, and close to shorelines. This extends the Ukrainian Navy’s reach into previously inaccessible areas.
- Versatile Armament: Typically equipped with multiple heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and often capable of carrying anti-ship missiles or sea mines, providing formidable firepower for its size.
- Troop and Cargo Capacity: Designed to rapidly transport and deploy up to 21 fully equipped troops, making it invaluable for amphibious assaults, special operations, and rapid response missions. Its bow ramp facilitates quick disembarkation.
- Robust Construction: Built to withstand demanding operational conditions, including rough seas and potential combat damage.
The integration of CB90s into the Ukrainian Navy signifies a strategic shift towards a more distributed, agile, and resilient naval defense posture. After significant losses and challenges in the early phases of conflict, Ukraine has been rebuilding its naval capabilities with a focus on asymmetric warfare and leveraging smaller, highly capable vessels that can pose a significant threat to larger, more vulnerable targets. The CB90 perfectly fits this doctrine, enabling:
- Enhanced Coastal Patrols: More effective monitoring and interdiction of illegal activities or adversary movements along the coast.
- Riverine Operations: Dominating key river routes, protecting critical infrastructure, and supporting ground forces operating along riverbanks.
- Special Operations Support: Rapid insertion and extraction of special forces for reconnaissance, sabotage, or raiding missions.
- Anti-Amphibious Defense: Challenging any potential adversary landing attempts along the coast by rapidly deploying forces and firepower.
- Mine Warfare: Potentially deploying small sea mines in critical choke points to deny access to enemy vessels.
This acquisition also highlights the ongoing international support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. While the exact source of the CB90s (whether through direct sale, donation, or third-party transfer) is crucial, their arrival demonstrates a commitment from partner nations to provide Ukraine with the tools necessary to defend its sovereignty.
The new CB90s will require extensive training for Ukrainian crews to fully exploit their advanced capabilities. This will include mastering navigation in complex environments, tactical maneuvering, weapons deployment, and coordination with other naval and ground forces. This investment extends beyond just hardware to human capital and operational doctrine.
In conclusion, the Ukrainian Navy’s addition of CB90 fast assault craft marks a transformative moment in its efforts to secure its coastal and riverine territories. These highly capable vessels provide critical speed, firepower, and shallow-water access, significantly enhancing Ukraine’s ability to conduct defensive operations, special missions, and project influence across its vital waterways. As the nature of naval warfare continues to evolve, the CB90s will serve as nimble, potent guardians, ushering in a new and more dynamic phase for Ukraine’s maritime defense.
