IRIA News

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Sweden has ordered eight SeaSnake 30 remote-controlled naval gun systems from Rheinmetall to equip the Royal Swedish Navy’s next-generation Combat Boat 90 fast assault craft, marking the first NATO procurement of the system.

The initial order, valued at approximately $74 million, was placed under a four-year framework agreement covering the weapon systems, airburst and training ammunition, spare parts, and support services.

The contract also includes an option for up to 29 additional mounts, giving Stockholm room to expand the capability across a larger portion of its fast-attack fleet.

Rheinmetall announced on February 17, 2026, that the first SeaSnake 30 system is scheduled for delivery in February 2028. The procurement positions Sweden as the launch NATO customer for the system and reflects a broader modernization push within the alliance toward heavily armed small combatants designed for high-threat coastal environments.

Strengthening Baltic Combat Capability

The decision to arm the new Combat Boat 90 Next Generation craft with the SeaSnake 30 highlights how NATO navies are adapting fast assault platforms for modern coastal warfare, particularly in the Baltic region.

The system is designed to counter emerging threats such as drones, loitering munitions, and swarming fast attack boats, all of which are increasingly prominent in near-shore operations.

Sweden’s navy and amphibious forces operate extensively in the Baltic’s complex littoral environment, which includes archipelagos, narrow straits, and shallow coastal waters. In such settings, small, agile vessels must be able to detect and engage threats quickly and independently without relying on larger surface combatants.

By integrating a modern 30 mm remote weapon system with advanced sensors and programmable ammunition, the new CB90 configuration is intended to give Swedish fast assault craft a more credible self-defence and offensive capability in contested waters.

SeaSnake 30 System and Capabilities

The SeaSnake 30 is a compact, stabilized, remote-controlled naval gun system built for close-range engagements. It is centered on Rheinmetall’s KCE30/ABM 30 x 173 mm revolver cannon, capable of firing at a nominal rate of up to 1,100 rounds per minute.

The system supports selectable firing modes ranging from single-shot precision to automatic bursts and computer-assisted engagement modes intended to increase hit probability while managing ammunition consumption.

The weapon integrates a comprehensive sensor suite designed for detection, tracking, and engagement of multiple targets. This includes daylight cameras with multiple fields of view, an infrared thermal imager, and a laser rangefinder.

The system is able to track several targets simultaneously and supports automatic target recognition and tracking functions, enabling rapid responses in high-tempo combat situations.

Airburst ammunition is a central feature of the SeaSnake 30. Using an integrated programming module, the system can detonate projectiles at a calculated point in space, creating a controlled fragment pattern. This capability is particularly effective against aerial threats such as drones or loitering munitions and against small, fast surface targets operating in groups.

The system’s low silhouette and compact design reduce its visibility to enemy sensors and allow installation without major structural modifications to the vessel.

Rheinmetall emphasizes that the mount does not require a deck breakthrough, simplifying integration on smaller craft and preserving internal space for troops, fuel, and mission equipment.

CB90 Next Generation Platform

The SeaSnake 30 systems will serve as the primary armament of the new generation of Combat Boat 90 fast assault craft operated by the Swedish Navy. The CB90 Next Generation platform builds on the long-serving CB90 design, which has been widely used for troop transport, coastal patrol, and amphibious operations.

The vessel measures roughly 16 meters in length with a shallow draft, enabling operations in narrow coastal waters and archipelagos. Powered by twin diesel engines and waterjets, it can exceed 40 knots and has a range of around 300 nautical miles. Its maneuverability allows rapid insertion and extraction of troops and flexible positioning during coastal engagements.

The latest version incorporates improved ergonomics, updated combat management systems, and enhanced protection features tailored for high-threat environments. By pairing the craft with the SeaSnake 30, Sweden is moving toward a more heavily armed configuration capable of both transporting forces and providing immediate fire support during operations.

Operational and Alliance Implications

The procurement reflects Sweden’s ongoing modernization of its amphibious and coastal defence forces and aligns with broader NATO trends toward distributed maritime operations.

Small, networked vessels equipped with advanced sensors and precision weapons are increasingly seen as essential for operating in contested coastal zones where larger warships may be constrained.

The SeaSnake 30 provides a close-range defensive shield and offensive capability for fast assault craft operating independently or in coordination with other naval units. It allows the boats to counter drones, suppress shore-based threats, and defend against swarming attacks without relying solely on heavier naval gunfire or missile systems.

For Rheinmetall, the Swedish order represents a significant market milestone, as it establishes the SeaSnake 30 within a NATO fleet for the first time. The company described the contract as an important step in positioning its naval weapon systems within Alliance Maritime Forces and reinforcing its role as a provider of modern maritime defence solutions.

As Sweden continues to integrate more advanced weapons and sensors into its coastal fleet, the CB90 Next Generation, armed with the SeaSnake 30, is expected to play a key role in strengthening the country’s ability to operate in the Baltic’s complex and contested littoral environment.