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 the unprecedented use of a US Air Force B-2 stealth bomber, which successfully struck a decommissioned amphibious assault ship, the ex-USS Tarawa, with a guided bomb. This test, conducted on July 19, is being viewed as a pivotal moment in assessing potential future conflicts, particularly between the US and China. The operation, utilizing a weapon known as QUICKSINK, showcased the B-2's ability to deliver significant firepower without the vulnerabilities associated with traditional submarine attacks. Analysts suggest 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 cost-effective alternative to submarine-launched torpedoes, allowing for stealthy strikes without revealing the launch platform's location. In addition to the B-2's involvement, other long-range missile systems were tested during the RIMPAC exercises. A US Navy F/A-18 and the Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney also successfully targeted the ex-Tarawa, further enhancing the lethality of allied naval forces. The drills underscore the growing military capabilities in the region, with analysts noting that such advancements pose significant challenges to China's naval strategy, particularly given its own amphibious assault ship capabilities.