Baglietto unveils CB15 Evolution for Italian naval infantry

A model of Baglietto's upgraded Combat Boat 15 (CB15), displayed at Euronaval 2026. (Andrew White)

Italian shipbuilder Baglietto has unveiled an upgraded variant of its Combat Boat 15 (CB15) which will be offered to the San Marco Marine Brigade (the Italian Navy's naval infantry formation), following feedback after three years in service.

The amphibious force operates two CB15s delivered in 2023, when they were observed at La Spezia Naval Base in Italy. The vessels are used for troop transport, maritime interdiction, and amphibious assault operations.

Speaking to Janes at the Euronaval 2026 exhibition, held in Paris from 3-6 November, a spokesperson for Baglietto's naval business said the customer has come back to the shipbuilder with a series of upgrade requests. These include additional armament, hull redesign, and improvements in speed and seakeeping capabilities.

At Euronaval 2026 Baglietto presented a scale model of its upgraded offering for the Italian Navy.

The ‘CB15 Evolution' includes a series of upgrades, designed to increase combat capability, speed, and agility, the spokesperson said.The design has a stated maximum speed exceeding 50 kt and a cruising speed of 35 kt, with a maximum range of 300 n miles, according to the spokesperson. The original variant could travel at 40 kt with the same cruising speed, he added.

CB15 Evolution has a stepped V-shaped hull and two Seatek 900 CR diesel engines, each rated at 662 kW at 3,100 rpm, driving two Marine Jet Power (MJP) 350X waterjets, according to the spokesperson.

Displacement and payload capacity remain the same at 20 and 4.5 tonnes respectively, the spokesperson said.