The newest NATO member, Sweden, has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply eight Seasnake 30 weapon systems for the Swedish Navy. These systems will be the primary armament of the new Combat Boat 90 fast military assault craft. The first order under the framework agreement is worth around €63 million and was placed in February 2026. Delivery of the first system is scheduled for February 2028. The framework agreement also includes airburst and 30 mm calibre training ammunition, with a term of four years. Spare parts and services are also included in the agreement. Additionally, the contract includes an option for up to 29 extra Seasnake weapon systems. This order from Sweden marks an important market success for Rheinmetall, as it positions the Seasnake 30 with a NATO customer for the first time. This decision highlights confidence in the performance and future viability of Rheinmetall’s modern naval weapon systems. At the same time, the order reinforces the Group’s standing as a dependable provider of maritime defence solutions within the alliance.
The Seasnake 30 is a state-of-the-art remote-controlled naval light gun designed for close-range defence. Alongside the weapon itself, the system incorporates modern daylight cameras, infrared sensors, and a laser rangefinder. It features automatic target detection and the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously. The revolver cannon’s nominal maximum rate of fire is 1,100 rounds per minute. Thanks to its integrated airburst capability, the Seasnake 30 is particularly effective against air targets, such as drones. Its low silhouette and compact stealth design also make it difficult for enemy sensors to detect. The KCE variant SeaSnake 30, a further developed from the KCA shipboard gun within the Rheinmetall Group, adds the common 30 mm x 173 calibre to the portfolio of light naval guns and adds the capability to fire individually programmable fragmentation ammunition (air burst) as a significant combat enhancement and tactical advantage in defence against asymmetric threats to own ship space.
The bus system used in the SeaSnake, which is qualified in accordance with IECEN61508 &MIL-STD-882, facilitates integration into a Combat Management System. In addition, the SeaSnake can also be used independently as a “standalone” system. The reduced weight, low silhouette and compact stealth design, in combination with its outstanding performance, favors the SeaSnake as primary armament for smaller vessels such as patrol boats and speedboats or as secondary armament for larger ships such as corvettes and frigates. The modular architecture enables the integration independent of ship types. The SeaSnake thus assumes the role of the preferred effector against both air targets and asymmetric threats from overwater targets in swarming or high-agility, dynamic tactics.
