US and UK Navies Sink Decommissioned Warship in Scottish Waters
Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026 tested advanced missile capabilities with the destruction of the USS Klakring.
A decommissioned U.S. warship, the USS Klakring, was sunk in a joint U.S.-UK live-firing exercise off the coast of Scotland. The vessel was targeted by missiles from the USS Paul Ignatius and a torpedo from the USS Massachusetts as part of Atlantic Thunder 2026.
This exercise, conducted in the North Atlantic approximately 170 miles off the Outer Hebrides last Monday, involved both U.S. and UK armed forces. HMS Portland also participated, firing a naval strike missile, an advanced weapon capable of long-range, low-altitude strikes. Additionally, a Wildcat helicopter from HMS Portland launched Sea Venom missiles at the target.
The USS Klakring, a 138-meter-long vessel, was decommissioned in 2013 and had been stored at the Philadelphia Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility. It was towed to Campbeltown, Scotland, in preparation for the exercise.
The exercise, held at the QinetiQ Hebrides range, was designed to validate surface warfare tactics, build resilient kill chains, and send a strategic message through kinetic demonstrations. Described as a 'sinkex' (sink at-sea live-fire training exercise), its aim is to evaluate new tactics and provide practical experience with long-range missile strikes.
According to U.S. environmental regulations, hazardous materials must be removed from vessels prior to deep-water sinkings, which are conducted at least 50 nautical miles from land in depths of nearly 1,900 meters or more.
Officials emphasized that Atlantic Thunder 26 is primarily a development exercise focused on accelerating capability delivery, though it also offers opportunities to showcase technology and industry contributions.
Lieutenant Commander Louise Kirkaldy of HMS Portland stated that the successful firing of the Naval Strike Missile marked a significant milestone, demonstrating the Royal Navy's credible maritime strike capability. Commander Dafydd Bryden added that the engagement validated the effectiveness of the anti-ship missile systems and the personnel operating them. Lieutenant Commander Paul Atkins, UK Lead Project Officer for Atlantic Thunder, highlighted the exercise as a demonstration of the enduring strength of the U.S.-UK alliance and the seamless integration and interoperability of their maritime forces.