The Pentagon recently unveiled its latest technological marvel that promises to redefine naval supremacy and a leap forward in anti-ship technology.

A Deadly New Anti-Ship Weapon

The US Air Force announced the successful demonstration of a new weapon system called QUICKSINK on Thursday, August 8, in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Eglin Air Force Base.

The demonstration showcased a new method for destroying enemy ships using modified, low-cost precision-guided bombs last July.

Quicksink footage
The target vessel, the M/V Monarch Countess, sank after a successful QUICKSINK demonstration in the Gulf of Mexico last month. (US Air Force)

In a joint effort with the US Navy, the Air Force has proven QUICKSINK’s lethal capabilities in a live-fire test deployed from a B-2 Spirit bomber.

This groundbreaking development promises to reshape maritime dominance and alter the balance of power on the world’s oceans.

“The development of this technology helps deliver technological superiority to ensure the United States can defend our interests, maintain freedom of action, and seize the initiative over large maritime areas,” said Colonel Matthew Caspers, AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) Munitions Director.

The AFRL and the Navy are jointly developing advanced air-launched weapons designed to neutralize enemy ships. Their collaborative effort, based at Eglin Air Force Base, is focused on creating cutting-edge anti-ship capabilities.

What’s QUICKSINK?

QUICKSINK represents a revolutionary leap in anti-ship warfare.

By repurposing existing precision-guided bombs, the AFRL has created a cost-effective and adaptable weapon capable of neutralizing enemy ships.

This innovative approach rapidly developed through a joint capability technology demonstration (JCTD), integrates advanced guidance and seeker technology to deliver precise, long-range strikes.

On How It Works: QUICKSINK utilizes a standard guidance kit, which is rapidly adapted to incorporate a cutting-edge seeker. This streamlined approach significantly reduces development costs and accelerates deployment. The seeker, designed with a Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA), ensures compatibility with a wide range of current and future weapon platforms.

Unlike traditional torpedoes, QUICKSINK poses a stealthier threat, as it does not reveal the attacker’s location.

It is also designed for immediate impact upon target contact, unlike naval mines, making it a highly effective tool for neutralizing both stationary and moving maritime threats.

“QUICKSINK is an answer to the need to quickly neutralize menacing maritime threats over vast areas around the world,” AFRL wrote on its website.

 

Breakthrough in Anti-Ship Warfare

The successful test marks a significant milestone in the Air Force and Navy’s Maritime Weapon Program, which aims to enhance anti-ship capabilities through air-launched assets. As the program progresses, it is anticipated that QUICKSINK will become a cornerstone of the US military’s maritime strategy.

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