The RCN is testing the CB-90 fast assault craft for suitability in Amphibious Operations

By Peter M. Sanderson, 24 September 2026

On 20 September 2026, armyrecognition.com revealed that the RCN has secured the loan of two CB-90Hs (2x 700-hp engines) from Swedish Amphibious Regt. to trial their suitability for the RCN (see reference 1). The takeaway I got from this AI-assisted article, was that Admiral Angus Topshee is collecting data to make a presentation to Treasury Board which will answer two questions: (1) is a low-profile amphibious assault craft, the CB-90H, built to be invisible to radar in the ‘wave clutter’ in its 100 km dash to Gotland Island, suitable for use on Canada’s littoral coasts? (2) is your only goal to land troops, then be like Sweden and acquire the CB-90H, a ‘basic’ boat , or do you want to use the ‘sophisticated’ CB-90HSM (2x 900-hp engines) to regenerate the Naval Reserves, and have it as a tool of retention and tool of attraction for recruits? The ultimate goal is to have Naval Divisions be both caretaker of the boats and provide their highly trained crews for future amphibious operations. (see Reference 2).

While Reserve Artillery units have their guns and the Reserve Amour units have their TAPV patrol vehicles, what does the Naval Reserve have? In an interview, Admiral Topshee thought the CB-90 would remedy that, and the boat was ideal for training junior leaders.

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Current Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)

Our first article explores China’s rise as a shipbuilding powerhouse. The second marks the 35^th anniversary of the Gulf War by discussing Canada’s role. The third argues that RCN veterans are strategic assets who should be treated and trained accordingly. The final essay reviews defence capabilities now being ordered or built, especially for the Arctic, despite the lack of a new defence policy.

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