German defense giant Rheinmetall has secured a contract to supply eight Seasnake 30 remote-controlled naval weapon systems for Sweden's Combat Boat 90 fast assault craft. Valued at approximately €63 million, the deal marks the first order for Seasnake 30 systems, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028. While relatively modest in scale, the contract has drawn attention due to Sweden's decision to select a foreign supplier despite having capable domestic alternatives.
Seasnake 30 system is equipped with KCE30 automatic cannon firing 30x173-mm ammunition at a rate of up to 1,100 rounds per minute. The module includes a standard sensor suite with day and night cameras, a laser rangefinder, and a digital fire-control system with target-tracking capability. On paper, these specifications place it among several comparable 30-mm naval systems already available on the market.
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However, the distinguishing feature of Seasnake 30 system lies in its airburst ammunition capability. KCE30 cannon and its associated fire-control architecture are designed to enable programmable airburst rounds, enhancing effectiveness against aerial targets such as drones. This functionality is also associated with Rheinmetall's air defense solutions, including Skyranger system, suggesting a technological crossover between land-based air defense and naval applications.
Sweden's choice is particularly notable given the presence of domestic manufacturers such as Saab, which offers Trackfire system compatible with M230LF Bushmaster 30-mm cannon, already integrated on some CB 90 variants. Additionally, Bofors, now part of BAE Systems, has long been a leading developer of naval and anti-aircraft artillery systems.
Historically, Oerlikon, now Rheinmetall Air Defence, earned global recognition for its 20-mm anti-aircraft guns, while Bofors became synonymous with the iconic 40-mm naval gun. The selection of a 30-mm Rheinmetall solution for Swedish boats symbolically reflects how technological competition between these legacy brands continues into the 21st century, this time in a different caliber segment.
The relatively small initial order may indicate a limited-scale evaluation phase. Rheinmetall has confirmed that the contract includes an option for up to 29 additional Seasnake 30 modules, potentially expanding the program significantly if operational performance meets Swedish expectations.
Strategically, the choice suggests that future CB 90 configurations may place increased emphasis on counter-drone and short-range air defense roles. With over 3,000 kilometers of coastline and responsibility for securing Baltic Sea islands, Sweden faces growing concerns over asymmetric aerial threats, including one-way attack drones. Integrating airburst-capable 30-mm systems aboard fast coastal craft could enhance maritime point defense and reinforce layered protection in littoral environments.
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