US, Allies Sink 2 Warships at RIMPAC 2026 as Joint Anti-Ship Fires Expand
Updated
Updated · Naval News · Jul 23
US, Allies Sink 2 Warships at RIMPAC 2026 as Joint Anti-Ship Fires Expand
2 articles · Updated · Naval News · Jul 23
Summary
Two retired US Navy ships — USS Peleliu and USS Mobile Bay — were sunk off Hawaii in RIMPAC 2026’s culminating SINKEX, capping the exercise’s most visible live-fire event.
Joint strikes combined US HIMARS, Japan’s Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles, LRASM from a US Super Hornet, Harpoons from Spain’s frigate and US submarines, plus missile volleys from US, New Zealand and other allied helicopters.
The drill highlighted a broader push to integrate ground-based maritime strike, with Washington and Tokyo expanding HIMARS and Type 12 capabilities for longer-range anti-ship missions tied to a potential China contingency.
RIMPAC 2026 involves 30,000 personnel, 30 vessels, five submarines and 15 ground force components, with live-fire activity intensifying as the at-sea phase advances.
With Army helicopters now sinking warships, is the era of the Navy's dominance in sea control over?
Beyond showcasing new weapons, can the US industrial base produce enough advanced munitions for a prolonged Pacific conflict?
Can helicopter strikes successful against retired ships survive the advanced air defenses of a modern, peer-level navy?
RIMPAC 2026 SINKEX: Multinational Forces Demonstrate Advanced Anti-Ship Warfare with Sinking of ex-USS Mobile Bay and ex-USS Peleliu
Overview
The RIMPAC 2026 exercise featured a major live-fire event called SINKEX, where two decommissioned U.S. warships—the ex-USS Mobile Bay and ex-USS Peleliu—were deliberately sunk off Hawaii. This event demonstrated advanced anti-ship warfare through strong multinational cooperation. A standout feature was the unprecedented and central role of allied helicopters, including the U.S. Army Apache, Royal Australian Navy Seahawk, Royal New Zealand Navy Seasprite, and Italian Navy SH-101. Their participation highlighted the evolving and prominent role of helicopters in coalition anti-surface warfare, showcasing new capabilities and teamwork among partner nations.