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.
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The PrSM, with a range exceeding 400 kilometers, is a key component of the Army’s new anti-ship arsenal. Initially developed to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) for land targets, the PrSM is now being adapted to engage naval targets, reflecting the growing threat posed by the Chinese navy (PLAN). Similarly, the Navy’s adaptation of the Standard Missile (SM-6) to target ships further enhances the US military’s maritime strike capabilities. These systems are designed to restrict US military operations in critical regions such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. The PrSM and other advanced weaponry are crucial in disrupting and neutralizing China’s A2/AD network.
The planned sinking of the USS Tarawa during RIMPAC will be a significant event, offering extensive opportunities to test various weapons and tactics. Retired Navy Captain Jerry Hendrix emphasized the scale of this exercise, noting that it represents a substantial escalation in the US military’s live-fire testing regime.
These exercises underscore the Defense Department’s focus on preparing for potential conflicts in the Pacific, particularly concerning China. As Hendrix pointed out, the increasing frequency and intensity of SINKEXs reflect the US military’s strategic pivot towards countering Chinese aggression in the region. The US military’s SINKEX exercises this summer are not just technical demonstrations but strategic maneuvers aimed at ensuring readiness for future conflicts. By testing and refining their anti-ship capabilities, the US is sending a clear signal of its preparedness and resolve to defend its interests and allies in the Pacific.
