US low-observable bomber uses GPS bombs to hit 88M lbs warship

During the RIMPAC 2024 exercise, a US Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber demonstrated a groundbreaking use of GPS-guided bombs by successfully sinking a decommissioned warship.

The operation, conducted on July 19 north of Kauai, Hawaii, highlighted the new capabilities of the QUICKSINK program, which aims to provide cost-effective solutions for neutralizing maritime threats, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

RIMPAC 2024, one of the largest military exercises of the year, included various international naval and air assets. Key activities featured SINKEX exercises, where decommissioned ships like the USS Dubuque and USS Tarawa were used as targets.

The USS Tarawa was notably sunk by a long-range anti-ship missile (LRASM) launched from a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet.

The successful use of the QUICKSINK system, integrated with the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit, marks a significant advancement. This low-cost approach allows precision strikes on maritime targets, enhancing the flexibility and effectiveness of the US military's arsenal.

The QUICKSINK program is designed to address the need for rapid and economical neutralization of maritime threats across vast oceanic expanses.

The development of the QUICKSINK munition aligns with growing strategic demands, especially in the Indo-Pacific region where China's influence is expanding.

Experts suggest that the QUICKSINK system could be crucial in targeting enemy logistics vessels, such as cargo ships and oil tankers, which are often less protected against air attacks.

The QUICKSINK program, managed by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), aims to enhance the precision and adaptability of air-delivered munitions. It includes advancements like the GBU-53/B StormBreaker, a precision-guided glide bomb, and improved JDAM kits, offering superior targeting capabilities and effectiveness in maritime warfare scenarios.