US and UK Forces Will Sink Retired Warship
Military personnel will use the USS Klakring as a live-fire target for missile drills west of the Hebrides.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Military
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British and American forces will destroy the decommissioned frigate USS Klakring during the upcoming Exercise Atlantic Thunder. The live-fire drill aims to provide personnel with essential experience in long-range missile strikes.
Why it matters
The exercise ensures that Allied naval forces maintain operational readiness by practicing complex missile engagements against a decommissioned vessel. This training is vital for modern maritime defense and collaborative combat preparedness.
The USS Klakring is a 138-metre frigate that served for 30 years before being decommissioned in 2013. The exercise will employ a variety of ships, aircraft, and missile systems to destroy the target, with results monitored by 3D cameras.
The players
USS Klakring
This is a decommissioned US Navy frigate that served for nearly three decades before being designated for target practice.
HMS Queen Elizabeth
This 65,000-tonne vessel is a British aircraft carrier currently serving as the NATO command ship for the Allied Response Force.
The details
Live weapons firing drills will be conducted to destroy the 138-metre target vessel, with specialized 3D cameras utilized to assess the damage caused by the strikes. The operation is designed to hone skills across multiple military platforms, integrating ships and aircraft into a cohesive combat scenario.
Timeline
The USS Klakring began its layup in Philadelphia in 2013.
The USS Klakring was towed from the Delaware River in August 2026.
The HMS Queen Elizabeth departed from Portsmouth in September 2026.
The HMS Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to become a high-readiness strike carrier in late 2027.
Political Context
This exercise is integrated into the operational standards set by the Allied Response Force. The drill demonstrates a commitment to interoperability between British and American forces that transcends individual ship deployments.
The exercise serves as a demonstration of international military cooperation rather than a direct change to civil liberties or domestic tax burdens. Residents near the Hebrides may experience increased military activity in the region during the training period.
The takeaway
Large-scale joint military exercises serve as a primary method for ensuring different nations can coordinate complex combat maneuvers effectively. Maintaining these high-readiness standards remains a cornerstone of modern naval strategy.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in international maritime defense in the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News.
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