New weapon of the US Air Force: Inexpensive sinking in the Gulf of Mexico

New weapon of the US Air Force: Inexpensive sinking in the Gulf of Mexico

In a remarkable test that may have far -reaching consequences for military operations, the US Air Force (USAF) has tried a new method to sink ships. These experiments took place in the Gulf of Mexico at the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where a special, inexpensive weapon was developed to quickly neutralize maritime threats. On August 8, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) reported on these innovative developments.

Quicksink program and its importance

The process is part of the Quicksink program, which aims to use conventional weapons systems in order to combat targeted targets in the water. The weapon used, a laser-directed JDAM slide bomb, is equipped with a specially developed search head that enables a targeted destruction of a ship with just one goal. This could significantly change the need for conflict in potential military conflicts, such as China's attack on Taiwan.

successful sinking of a ship

The recently sunk goal was the M/V Monarch Countess, a 110-meter-long roll-on/roll-off freighter, which was already given up in the port of Palm Beach in May 2022. The freighter was then auctioned by the US Marshals service after it was no longer seaworthy. The test shows how the USAF may quickly use operational skills against slightly defended maritime goals to counter a possible invasion.

The strategy behind the tests

With the sinking of the Monarch Countess, the USAF demonstrates its intention to expand the military response spectrum. A first success of these tests was achieved on July 19, when an American B-2 bomber used the same technology against the former helicopter carrier UsS Tarawa during the Rimpac exercise. The results of these operations are of great relevance for strategic planning in dealing with possible threats from the Asian-Pacific area.

The effects on maritime security

This development raises questions about the international maritime law and the safety of shipping. The fact that the USAF is able to sink the freighter, which according to its own statements, could have an impact on geopolitical tensions in the indopacific space. However, it is unclear how these practices are perceived by other nations and what reactions they could cause.

Overall, the latest tests of the USAF seem to be a significant step in the development of new military possibilities that not only increase the efficiency of the armed forces, but also influence the strategic landscape in a time of growing global uncertainties.