US Navy Blasts Warship With SM-6 Missile In Sinking Operation

The U.S. Navy blasts a decommissioned warship with an SM-6 missile during a live-fire sinking operation off northwest Scotland.

Official footage released by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and the U.S. 6th Fleet shows the ex-USS Klakring being struck in the North Atlantic, about 150 nautical miles off the Scottish coast.

USS Paul Ignatius fired the anti-surface Standard Missile 6 at the former guided-missile frigate as U.S. and British forces carried out the operation involving ships, aircraft and a submarine.

The attack also included HMS Portland firing a Naval Strike Missile and a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter launching a Sea Venom. U.S. and Royal Air Force P-8 aircraft and U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles also took part.

The final strike was delivered by USS Massachusetts, which fired a Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo that ultimately sank the ex-USS Klakring.

The sinking operation took place on September 20 and 21, 2026, as part of the U.S.-UK Atlantic Thunder 2026 operation led by the U.S. 6th Fleet. The wreck settled in deep water on the range.