The U.S. and British navies used the decommissioned guided-missile frigate Klakring as a target during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026 in the North Atlantic. As part of the SINKEX, the militaries tested several types of weapons, including the SM-6, Sea Venom and Naval Strike Missile.
The exercise took place from September 14 to 25. The U.S. destroyer USS Paul Ignatius launched an SM-6 missile to test its ability to engage a surface target at the maximum range available for testing. The U.S. Navy did not disclose the exact range of the test.
A British Wildcat helicopter launched the new Sea Venom missile at the frigate. The British frigate HMS Portland also employed the Naval Strike Missile.
The final blow against Klakring was delivered by the U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts using an Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo.
Before the exercise, specialists from Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific installed sensors on the frigate to collect data. They are designed to record information on impacts and damage areas, after which the data will be analyzed over the next several months, as reported by Breaking Defense.
During the SINKEX, U.S. and British forces also deployed P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, while the U.S. Air Force deployed F-15E Strike Eagle fighters.
