US Navy Will Sink Ships To Harden Defenses Against Chinese Missiles
The US Army showcased its ability to destroy naval targets using land-based weaponry during the Valiant Shield 2024 exercise
OLAWALE ABAIRE, WARRIOR CONTRIBUTOR20 HOURS AGO
By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
This summer, the US military is conducting a series of ship-sinking exercises, known as SINKEXs, in the Pacific, according to a recent Department of Defense transcript of Pentagon Press Secretary, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. These exercises are designed to test and demonstrate the effectiveness of air- and land-based anti-ship missiles, highlighting the military's preparation for potential conflicts, particularly with China.
In June, the US Army showcased its ability to destroy naval targets using land-based weaponry during the Valiant Shield 2024 exercise. The retired amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland was struck and sunk by various ordnances, including two Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs). This marked the first instance of PrSMs being used against a ship, underscoring their evolving role in maritime warfare.
In another significant event, a Marine AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter successfully destroyed a ship-sized target with an AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). This demonstrated the versatility and precision of the JAGM in maritime strike operations. The ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the largest annual naval war game in the region, is expected to feature a dramatic SINKEX involving the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa. The Tarawa, comparable in size to an aircraft carrier, will be a substantial target, allowing the US military and its Pacific allies to test a wide array of weapon systems in a live-fire environment. Traditionally, ships were sunk using submarine torpedoes, ship-launched missiles, and gunfire. The current exercises, however, are pioneering the use of land-based anti-ship missiles, sending a clear message about the US's capabilities to potential adversaries, particularly China.
https://warriormaven.com/sea/us-navy-will-sink-ships-to-harden-defenses-against-chinese-missiles
