In a bold display of growing maritime dominance, the U.S. Air Force conducted a successful test of its new ship-killing guided bomb, known as QUICKSINK, in July. The test, carried out over the Gulf of Mexico, saw a B-2 Spirit bomber release the weapon, which promptly sent an empty cargo vessel, the Monarch Countess, to the ocean floor. This milestone underscores the Air Force’s commitment to enhancing its ability to neutralize maritime threats in an increasingly contested global arena.
QUICKSINK is being developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to bolster the U.S. military’s anti-ship capabilities, a crucial factor in potential conflicts, particularly with major adversaries like China. As tensions continue to simmer over the Taiwan Strait, defense experts have emphasized the importance of preparing for possible large-scale naval engagements across the Pacific. QUICKSINK is envisioned as a versatile and cost-effective solution, allowing the Air Force to adapt existing and future munitions to effectively target and sink enemy vessels.
“QUICKSINK is an answer to an urgent need to neutralize maritime threats to freedom around the world,” stated Col. Matthew Caspers, head of AFRL’s munitions directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He emphasized that this technology would enable the U.S. to safeguard its interests and maintain control over vast maritime regions.
The recent test is part of a broader effort by the AFRL, in collaboration with the Navy, to develop air-launched weapons that can strike both stationary and moving sea targets. The program aims to refine weapons like the GPS-guided GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), modifying them into maritime-specific tools that can precisely hit key areas of a ship, such as its waterline or just below the surface. Unlike traditional torpedoes, which travel underwater, the QUICKSINK weapon is designed to strike from above, offering a more flexible and potentially less expensive alternative.
The Air Force has already seen promising results from QUICKSINK. In a previous test in 2022, an F-15E Strike Eagle successfully deployed a modified GBU-31 JDAM, demonstrating the weapon’s potential to disrupt or destroy naval targets effectively.
While QUICKSINK aims to deliver a ship-killing impact similar to a traditional torpedo, its ability to be launched from a variety of Air Force combat aircraft makes it a game-changer. This capability not only enhances the U.S. military’s strategic options but also ensures that the Air Force can respond swiftly and decisively to maritime threats.
The July test in the Gulf of Mexico was separate from the Navy’s live-fire sinking exercises during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills, which included the destruction of two decommissioned ships off the coast of Hawaii using various weapons from multiple allied nations. As QUICKSINK continues to evolve, it represents a significant step forward in the U.S.’s ability to maintain maritime superiority and project power in critical regions around the world.
