Image Source: BBC
USS Klakring has been sunk off Scotland during a major live-fire exercise involving the United States Navy and the Royal Navy. The former American warship was struck by missiles and a torpedo before going down in the North Atlantic, around 170 miles (274km) from the Outer Hebrides.
The sinking took place during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026, a joint military operation designed to test maritime strike capabilities against a realistic target. The exercise involved several warships and included the first live firing of certain Royal Navy weapons from a Wildcat helicopter against a ship-sized target.
USS Klakring Destroyed in Powerful Atlantic Thunder Drill
The decommissioned frigate was hit by a missile launched from USS Paul Ignatius and a torpedo fired by USS Massachusetts. The Royal Navy also used the exercise to test advanced weapons, giving allied crews an opportunity to practise detecting, attacking and disabling a surface vessel in open water.
HMS Portland, a Type 23 frigate, fired a Naval Sea Missile, known as an NSM. The sea-skimming weapon can travel at close to supersonic speeds and strike targets more than 100 miles away, making it an important tool for long-range maritime warfare.
The ship’s Wildcat helicopter also fired Sea Venom missiles at the former warship. According to the Royal Navy, it was the first time the weapon had been live-fired from a Wildcat helicopter at a realistic target.
Why Was the Former Warship Used as a Target?
Using retired vessels as targets allows military forces to conduct large-scale exercises without risking an active crewed warship. The practice gives sailors and aviators valuable experience in coordinating missiles, torpedoes, helicopters and surface ships during a complex attack.
USS Klakring entered service in 1983 and was decommissioned in 2013. The 43-year-old frigate was named after Rear Adm Thomas B Klakring, who received three US Navy Crosses for his service as a submarine commander during World War Two.
Deliberately sinking former naval vessels is not a new practice for the US military. Retired ships have previously been used for live-fire training and, in some cases, transformed into artificial reefs intended to support marine life. However, each vessel must undergo extensive preparation before being placed in a target area.
Strict Environmental Checks Before the Sinking
The US Navy said USS Klakring was put through a rigorous cleaning process before the exercise began. Old equipment and potentially harmful contaminants were removed to reduce the environmental impact of the sinking.
Military personnel also checked the area for whales and dolphins before live firing started. The precaution was intended to ensure that marine mammals were not in danger during the missile and torpedo exercise.
A US Navy spokesperson said specially prepared former warships provide a practical way to conduct the large-scale training required by modern armed forces. The navy said the preparations were carried out in compliance with environmental regulations.
The operation highlights the growing importance of long-range anti-ship weapons and coordinated naval operations. With maritime security becoming a central concern for many countries, exercises such as Atlantic Thunder are designed to improve the ability of allied forces to respond quickly in contested waters.
What the Exercise Means for Allied Naval Power
The involvement of both American and British forces demonstrates the close level of cooperation between the two navies. Training with a realistic target allows crews to test communication, targeting systems and weapons performance under conditions that are more demanding than computer simulations.
For the Royal Navy, the Wildcat helicopter firing Sea Venom missiles was a particularly significant milestone. Helicopters can operate from frigates and other vessels, giving naval forces additional flexibility when searching for or attacking hostile ships.
Although USS Klakring was no longer an active warship, its final role provided a valuable test for modern maritime weapons. The exercise also offered commanders a chance to assess how different platforms work together during a coordinated strike at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to USS Klakring?
USS Klakring, a decommissioned US guided missile frigate, was deliberately sunk during a live-fire naval exercise in the North Atlantic off Scotland.
Which weapons were used against USS Klakring?
The vessel was struck by a missile from USS Paul Ignatius and a torpedo from USS Massachusetts. HMS Portland also fired an NSM, while its Wildcat helicopter launched Sea Venom missiles.
Where did the sinking take place?
The exercise took place at the Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides range, approximately 170 miles (274km) off the Outer Hebrides.
Was the sinking considered environmentally safe?
The US Navy said the ship underwent extensive cleaning and contaminant removal. Personnel also checked for whales and dolphins before the live firing began.
