US Navy Sunk Decommissioned Frigate in Scotland
The USS Paul Ignatius successfully engaged the former USS Klakring during the Atlantic Thunder 2026 exercise.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Military
The US Navy sunk the decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Klakring during the Atlantic Thunder 2026 military exercise. The target vessel was struck by a missile launched from the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Paul Ignatius off the coast of Scotland.
Why it matters
The engagement served to validate surface warfare kill chains and develop resilient kill webs between participating aircraft and surface vessels. The exercise allows the military to test modern combat coordination in a live-fire environment.
The USS Paul Ignatius, a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer (DDG-117), led the strike against the decommissioned USS Klakring. The target vessel is expected to remain at a depth of approximately 6,000 feet.
The players
USS Paul Ignatius
This is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA destroyer that has been forward-deployed to Spain since 2022.
USS Klakring
This was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate that was decommissioned after years of service.
QinetiQ
This is a global defense technology company that operates the Hebrides range used for the military exercise.
The details
The sinking took place at the QinetiQ Hebrides range in north-west Scotland as part of a joint strike engagement involving multiple aircraft and surface vessels. Following the sinking, the Navy planned to deploy uncrewed underwater vehicles to conduct a seabed survey and battle damage assessment.
Timeline
The USS Klakring was decommissioned in 2013.
The USS Paul Ignatius was commissioned in July 2019.
The destroyer deployed to Naval Station Rota in June 2022.
A Ministry of Defence Request for Information was issued in August 2025.
The Atlantic Thunder 2026 exercise occurred in September 2026.
Political Context
The exercise follows the established scope of the Atlantic Thunder 2026 military exercise to integrate complex naval strike systems. Dissenting voices in environmental and regional policy sectors often raise concerns regarding the impact of such live-fire exercises on local marine ecosystems.
The operation was a controlled military drill that holds no direct regulatory or financial impact on civilian taxpayers or the public. Residents in the Hebrides area were not required to take any action, as the exercise was limited to an established defense range.
The takeaway
Large-scale maritime exercises are critical for modernizing how surface vessels and aircraft coordinate during complex combat scenarios. Integrating uncrewed underwater technology for damage assessment highlights the shift toward more automated post-engagement analysis.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing naval operations in the Military section.
