US Tests ‘Quicksink’ Low-Cost Bombs Which Could Sink Chinese Navy Ships
The United States has made a significant advancement in military technology with the successful testing of a low-cost bomb capable of sinking large naval vessels, including those the size of aircraft carriers. This innovation, known as "Quicksink," could potentially alter the dynamics of naval warfare, particularly in the context of rising tensions with China.
The Test and Its Implications
In a recent demonstration, a low-cost guided bomb was deployed from a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber onto the decommissioned USS Tarawa, an amphibious assault ship measuring 820 feet in length and weighing 39,000 tons. This test showcased the B-2's advanced capabilities, reinforcing its role as a critical asset in the US military's arsenal. The US Navy's 3rd Fleet, which oversaw the exercise, emphasized that this new capability addresses an urgent need to neutralize maritime threats efficiently and cost-effectively across vast oceanic expanses.
Rimpac War Drill
The test occurred during the Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) war drill, the largest international maritime joint exercise globally, held off the coast of Hawaii. This year's event saw participation from 28 partner nations, including the UK, France, and Israel, and involved a wide array of military operations, from disaster response to combat training. The exercise featured 40 surface ships, over 150 aircraft, three submarines, and 25,000 personnel, underscoring the scale and significance of the event.
During the drill, two live-fire sinking exercises were conducted using the retired USS Dubuque and USS Tarawa. While the US military refrained from explicitly naming China, experts have noted the strategic implications of the Quicksink test. Carl Shuster, a former head of the US Pacific Command Joint Intelligence Centre, remarked on its potential to deter Chinese military operations in sensitive regions such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Strategic Significance
Shuster highlighted that the B-2's demonstrated anti-maritime capabilities could significantly constrain Chinese naval operations, particularly those of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. He stated, "You cannot ignore a weapon that can sink a 25,000-plus-ton ship with one hit," emphasizing the strategic advantage this technology could provide in a potential conflict.
China’s Response
In light of these developments, China has reacted strongly. After being excluded from Rimpac since 2014 due to escalating tensions with the US, Beijing has criticized the US and Japan for their military posturing in the region. Following a recent meeting between US and Japanese defense officials, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman urged both nations to cease their "imaginary enemies" narrative, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical friction.
Chinese state media had already anticipated the Quicksink exercise, downplaying its significance by stating that the sunken USS Tarawa was an "outdated ship" and could not be compared to modern military equipment.
Conclusion
The successful testing of the Quicksink bomb marks a pivotal moment in military technology, with the potential to reshape naval warfare strategies. As the US continues to develop and refine its capabilities, the implications for regional security and international relations, particularly concerning China, will be closely monitored by military analysts and policymakers alike.