US and Allies Conduct Significant Naval Drills in Hawaii, Targeting Large Surface Ships

In a notable segment of the world's largest naval exercises off Kauai, Hawaii, the United States and its allies recently demonstrated advanced military capabilities aimed at neutralizing large surface vessels. The drills included a historic test involving a US Air Force B-2 bomber, which successfully struck a decommissioned amphibious assault ship, the ex-USS Tarawa, using a cost-effective guided bomb. This event, occurring on July 19, has drawn significant attention from military analysts, particularly regarding its implications for potential conflicts with China. The test, known as QUICKSINK, showcased the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber's ability to deliver substantial firepower against major naval targets without the vulnerabilities associated with traditional submarine operations. Analysts noted that this capability could alter the strategic landscape in the western Pacific, especially in contested areas such as Taiwan and the Philippines. The Air Force highlighted that the B-2's precision-guided munitions could provide a level of "anti-ship lethality" comparable to that of submarine-launched torpedoes, but without revealing the launch platform's location. In addition to the B-2's involvement, other long-range missile systems were tested during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises. A US Navy F/A-18 and the Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney also successfully engaged the ex-Tarawa with advanced anti-ship missiles, further enhancing the lethality of allied naval forces. The exercises underscore the growing military capabilities in the region, particularly in light of China's naval advancements, as noted in commentary from state-run media.