US and UK forces sink USS Klakring in Atlantic Thunder 2026

U.S. And UK forces sank the decommissioned frigate ex-USS Klakring during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026 in the North Atlantic on Sept. 25, 2026. The multi-domain live-fire SINKEX, led by the U.S. 6th Fleet, took place at the Royal Navy’s QinetiQ Hebrides Range off Scotland. It was designed to validate surface weapon kill chains and test allied weapons, targeting networks, and uncrewed systems in a realistic environment. The U.K. Royal Navy and U.S. Air Force participated alongside U.S. Naval units.

Weapon systems and platforms employed

The exercise featured coordinated strikes from multiple platforms. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Paul Ignatius launched an anti-surface variant of the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6). The Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts fired the Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo, which delivered the final hit. Royal Navy frigate HMS Portland demonstrated the new Naval Strike Missile, while a Wildcat helicopter fired the Sea Venom missile.

Additional contributions came from U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, and personnel from U.S. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8. The full order of battle included forces from U.S. Task Forces 65, 67, 68, 69, and 1060.

Assessment and environmental considerations

Uncrewed underwater vehicles were deployed for post-sinking seabed surveys and battle damage assessment. The UK Defence Journal stated particular interest was placed on UUVs able to perform underwater battle damage assessment after the strike. Sensors were placed on the target ship prior to the exercise by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.

Environmental monitoring was conducted throughout to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations and UK Ministry of Defence policy. Each hulk undergoes a rigorous cleaning before transport. Monitoring aimed to reduce risk to the marine environment and mammals.

Historical context and significance

The sinking follows the Atlantic Thunder 22 exercise in September 2022, which concluded with the sinking of the decommissioned USS Boone, a sister ship to Klakring. That 2022 event saw the first British Harpoon launch since 2004 and the first live firing of the Martlet missile against a warship. It also marked the first time RAF Typhoons employed live ordnance against a warship.

The ex-USS Klakring was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate commissioned on Aug. 20, 1983, and decommissioned on March 22, 2013. It was named for Rear Adm. Thomas B. Klakring, who was awarded three Navy Crosses in World War II. The exercise was originally planned for May but was delayed by four months.

U.S. Capt. Kelechi Ndukwe, Commander of Task Force 65, said the exercise demonstrates the unmatched lethality and interoperability of the United States and United Kingdom. Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Louise Kirkaldy called the NSM firing a significant milestone for credible, modern maritime strike capability. The wreck is expected to rest at approximately 6,000 feet depth. Data gathered will be used in post-exercise damage assessments to identify system failures, determine repair needs, and strengthen future real-world response.