Home / War and Conflict / US Warship Sunk in Joint Missile Exercise
US Warship Sunk in Joint Missile Exercise
1 Oct
Summary
- Decommissioned USS Klakring sunk off Scotland in naval drill.
- US and UK forces tested missiles, torpedoes, and helicopter weapons.
- Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026 showcased naval lethality and readiness.
The decommissioned US warship, USS Klakring, met its end off the Scottish coast on October 1st, 2026, as part of the joint US-UK naval exercise, Atlantic Thunder 2026. The exercise culminated in the controlled sinking of the former guided-missile frigate, which had been decommissioned in 2013.
Missiles from the USS Paul Ignatius and a torpedo from the USS Massachusetts struck the vessel, followed by helicopter-fired weapons. The Royal Navy's HMS Portland also launched a Naval Strike Missile, while a Wildcat helicopter tested Sea Venom missiles. This drill allowed both navies to test their advanced weaponry against a real hull, enhancing their operational capabilities and interoperability.
Captain Kelechi Ndukwe emphasized that the exercise demonstrated the "unmatched lethality and interoperability" of the US and UK navies, sending a clear message of readiness to adversaries. Prior to sinking, the USS Klakring underwent thorough environmental cleaning to meet Ministry of Defence regulations, with marine life checks conducted in the surrounding waters.
