SINKEX Spectacular: B-2 Stealth Bomber and “Quicksink” Make a Splash at RIMPAC 2024

Christian Baghai
3 min readAug 7, 2024

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The world of naval warfare just got a whole lot more interesting. Imagine this: a massive, decommissioned warship disappearing beneath the waves of the Pacific, courtesy of a stealth bomber dropping an innovative new weapon. Sounds like something straight out of a Tom Clancy novel, right? Well, this isn’t fiction — it was a real-life demonstration of military might at RIMPAC 2024, and it has everyone talking.

RIMPAC: The World’s Biggest Naval War Game

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s set the stage. RIMPAC, or the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, is the granddaddy of all naval war games. Every two years, it brings together a veritable armada of ships, submarines, and aircraft from around the globe. This year’s edition was no exception, with 29 nations flexing their maritime muscles in a display of international cooperation and strategic readiness.

The Target: USS Tarawa, A Veteran of the Seas

The star of this particular show, or perhaps the unfortunate victim, was the USS Tarawa. This 39,000-ton amphibious assault ship had a long and distinguished career, helping to project American power ashore for decades. But after its retirement in 2009, it found itself in a new role — as a floating target for some of the most advanced weaponry in the US arsenal.

Enter the B-2 and the “Quicksink”

The Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, a truly awe-inspiring piece of technology, took center stage. But the real game-changer was the weapon it deployed — the “Quicksink” munition. Think of it as a kind of upgrade kit for existing bombs, turning them into precision-guided ship killers.

Quicksink’s secret sauce lies in its sophisticated guidance system, which uses GPS and multiple seekers to lock onto a target just below the waterline. The result? A single, devastating blow that can send even large vessels like the Tarawa to the bottom of the ocean.

Why Quicksink Matters

Quicksink isn’t just another weapon; it’s a paradigm shift. Traditional anti-ship missiles and torpedoes are expensive and limited in supply. Quicksink, on the other hand, leverages existing munitions and guidance technology, making it a far more cost-effective solution. In a long, drawn-out conflict, this could be a crucial advantage.

Beyond the Technology: Strategic Signaling

This wasn’t just about showing off cool new toys. The SinkX exercise sent a clear message: the US military is capable of neutralizing even large naval threats using innovative and cost-efficient tactics. In a world where maritime tensions are on the rise, this demonstration of capability is sure to raise eyebrows in certain capitals.

The Bigger Picture

The sinking of the USS Tarawa at RIMPAC 2024 was more than just a thrilling spectacle. It was a glimpse into the future of naval warfare — a future where stealth, precision, and adaptability reign supreme. The Quicksink system has the potential to reshape military strategy, and it will be fascinating to see how it evolves in the years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest military technology and strategies!

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