US-UK Joint Exercise Demonstrates Missile Prowess in SINKEX Drill

The United States Navy, in collaboration with the UK Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, conducted a sinking exercise (SINKEX) using the decommissioned guided-missile frigate Klakring as a target. This activity, part of Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026, took place in the North Atlantic and aimed to test the outer range limits of the SM-6 missile and other munitions, while enhancing interoperability between the two nations for long-range maritime operations.

The exercise focused on live-firing skills against surface targets at sea, fostering joint capabilities. US Navy Captain Kelechi Ndukwe, commander of Task Force 65, emphasized the exercise’s significance: “Atlantic Thunder demonstrates the unmatched lethality and interoperability of the United States and United Kingdom. This sinking exercise not only validated the power behind U.S.-UK offensive weapons but delivers a clear message to adversaries that the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy remain a ready allied force.”

During the exercise, held from September 14 to 25, the destroyer USS Paul Ignatius fired the SM-6 missile, testing its surface-to-surface engagement capabilities at maximum range. While exact range details were not disclosed, the Center for Strategic and International estimates the SM-6’s range at nearly 230 miles. Additionally, a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter launched the Sea Venom missile, and the Royal Navy employed its Naval Strike Missile during the drill.

The final blow to the Klakring was delivered by an Mk 48 Advanced Capability Torpedo from the Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts. Prior to the exercise, sensors were installed on the frigate by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific to collect data on weapon impacts, which will inform future weapons designs. Ndukwe noted, “We started with the longest-range ordinance, which is why we were going with SM-6 first, and then moved into shorter range. The embedded sensors will analyze impact zones and technical aspects over the coming months.”

Other units involved included the Royal Navy frigate HMS Portland, US Navy and Royal Air Force P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles. The exercise highlighted the importance of communication, with Ndukwe stating, “The biggest takeaway was our ability to communicate throughout the entirety of the exercise. The shared battle damage assessment will ensure that the Navy and our navies will continue to be capable and lethal fighting forces.”

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