The United States Navy has demonstrated its new kamikaze drone boats by sinking a decommissioned assault ship, the USS Peleliu, in a major multinational naval exercise called Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 (RIMPAC). This exercise, which is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, took place in and around the Hawaiian Islands and involved forces from 30 nations.
Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026
RIMPAC brings together 30 ships, five submarines, more than 190 aircraft, 15 national land forces, and over 30,000 personnel. The US Navy said that during the sinking exercises, participating units from Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, and the US Navy, Air Force, and Army gained proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live-firing against a surface ship at sea.
The target, USS Peleliu, served for more than 35 years and was once capable of launching a range of aircraft from its flight deck. The US recently used unmanned surface vessels to strike an Iranian naval installation in Bandar Abbas in what was described as their first combat use of sea drones.
According to U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, the RIMPAC 2026 Commander, Combined Task Force (CCTF), "Watching our Sailors work side-by-side with partners from around the world, executing complex maritime events together, is the strongest reminder of why these relationships matter." He added that "SINKEXs are a prime example of the strength and readiness our partnerships create."
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
