US Air Force Tests New QUICKSINK ‘Ship Killer’ Guided Bomb to Enhance Maritime Ops

Florida, USA: In July, the U.S. Air Force conducted a significant test of its new guided bomb, QUICKSINK, designed to enhance its ship-killing capabilities. The test, conducted over the Gulf of Mexico, involved a B-2 Spirit bomber deploying QUICKSINK against an empty cargo vessel named Monarch Countess. This test, as detailed in a release by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), marks a crucial step in advancing the Air Force's ability to neutralize maritime threats and maintain strategic dominance across vast oceanic areas. 

Colonel Matthew Caspers, head of AFRL’s munitions directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, emphasized the significance of QUICKSINK in a statement, highlighting its role in defending U.S. interests and ensuring open seas. “QUICKSINK addresses an urgent need to counter maritime threats to global freedom,” Caspers remarked.  

QUICKSINK: A Strategic Response to Maritime Threats 

The development of this weapon is aimed at bolstering the Air Force’s anti-ship capabilities, which are vital in potential conflicts with major adversaries like China. The need for advanced maritime strike systems has become increasingly relevant as the U.S. faces the prospect of large-scale naval engagements, particularly in the Pacific region.

The QUICKSINK program is designed to modify existing or future weapons to engage both stationary and moving sea targets with high precision. According to AFRL, the technology will enable the Air Force to target specific points on vessels, such as their tops, waterlines, or just below the water's surface. This capability is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of U.S. airpower in maritime operations, providing a critical edge in scenarios involving hostile naval forces. 

Details of the July Test and Comparison with Previous Exercises 

While AFRL did not disclose the exact type of weapon used in the July test, it is known that a modified GPS-guided GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) was employed in a previous test in 2022. Unlike QUICKSINK, the JDAM relies on fins for guidance and the releasing aircraft’s speed and gravity for propulsion. The new QUICKSINK guided bomb, however, promises more advanced targeting and operational flexibility, which are crucial for addressing the evolving maritime threat landscape.

It is important to note that the July test of QUICKSINK was separate from the U.S. Navy’s live-fire sinking exercises conducted during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills. The RIMPAC exercises, held off the coast of Hawaii, involved sinking two decommissioned ships—the amphibious transport dock Dubuque and the amphibious assault ship Tarawa. These exercises utilized a variety of weapons, including the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile and the RGM-84 Harpoon missile, and were conducted by a coalition of nations including the U.S., Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and South Korea. 

Implications for Future Naval Warfare 

The successful demonstration of QUICKSINK underscores the Air Force's commitment to enhancing its maritime strike capabilities in response to emerging global threats. As geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, continue to shape the strategic environment, the ability to effectively counter enemy naval forces becomes increasingly critical. QUICKSINK represents a significant advancement in this domain, offering the U.S. a formidable tool for maintaining maritime superiority and safeguarding international waters.

In summary, the introduction of QUICKSINK marks a pivotal development in the U.S. Air Force's arsenal, promising to enhance its capability to engage and neutralize maritime threats with unprecedented precision. As the technology continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of naval warfare and reinforcing the U.S.'s strategic posture in key maritime regions.