Helicopters Take Center Stage in RIMPAC Sinking Exercises with Multiple Missile Types

During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 sinking exercise (SINKEX), allied helicopters from multiple nations demonstrated advanced anti-ship capabilities against retired U.S. Navy vessels. U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches fired Spike NLOS missiles at the ex-USS Mobile Bay, marking a milestone in the Army's expanding maritime mission. A Royal New Zealand Navy SH-2G(I) Seasprite struck the ex-USS Peleliu with an AGM-119 Penguin missile, penetrating the hull. A Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk launched an AGM-114N Hellfire, and an Italian Navy SH-101 fired a Marte missile. The engagements underscore the growing role of rotorcraft in distributed maritime strike, complementing fighters, ships, and submarines with precision-guided weapons. The Spike NLOS missile, with a range of roughly 20 miles, provides a significant stand-off advantage over Hellfire and JAGM missiles.

First published Aug 4, 02:51 PM UTCUpdated Jul 23, 10:34 PM UTC1 reports · 1 sources

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Helicopters Take Center Stage in RIMPAC Sinking Exercises with Multiple Missile Types

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Helicopters Take Center Stage in RIMPAC Sinking Exercises with Multiple Missile TypesTWZWesternJul 23, 10:34 PM UTC

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