Defense Intelligence of Ukraine already uses CB90 armored boats

11 October, 2024 The Combat Boat 90 amphibious assault boat of the Viking maritime center, October, 2024. Photo credits: Defense Intelligence of Ukraine The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine showed how the intelligence officers use the Combat Boat 90 armored boats that were transferred to them.

The press service of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine released the footage. Three high-speed armored boats became part of the previously unknown Viking maritime center of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. To use them, the Ukrainian intelligence officers received appropriate training in Sweden.

According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Drakars are boats named after Viking ships, designed to carry out amphibious operations, surveillance and patrolling of the water area, as well as to provide fire support on the water. The CB90s are equipped with firing points for machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. If necessary, they can be equipped with light anti-ship missiles and carry sea mines or depth charges.

In particular, one of the boats of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine shown was armed with a large-caliber M2 Browning 12.7mm machine gun and a FN MAG 7.62mm machine gun.

The Combat Boat 90 amphibious assault boat of the Viking maritime center, October, 2024. Photo credits: Defense Intelligence of Ukraine

The Combat Boat 90 amphibious assault boat of the Viking maritime center, October, 2024. Photo credits: Defense Intelligence of Ukraine

According to its main purpose, the Combat Boat 90 can normally transport four and a half tons of cargo or 21 paratroopers in full combat gear.

"The advantages of this boat are that it is very fast, very maneuverable, and very functional. It can be used to perform various tasks: both logistical - transportation of ammunition, people, various kinds of cargo, and patrolling. With a qualified crew, the boat can perform any task," said Serhii, commander of a Drakar amphibious assault boat.

He added that the Drakar's armor is able to withstand the bullets and debris. Another important advantage is the impressive range of 300 nautical miles (550 km). The warships handed over to the Ukrainian intelligence officers are already performing missions at sea.

As previously reported, the CB90 boats were purchased for military intelligence by the Ukrainian company Metinvest and handed over to the Ukrainian military in June 2024.

The combat boat is equipped with two 600 kW diesel engines and two water-jet propulsions, which allow it to perform sharp maneuvers and reach speeds of up to 45 km in shallow coastal waters.

As previously reported, several dozen such boats are also to be delivered to Ukraine by the Dutch government.