# U.S. and U.K. Conduct North Atlantic Weapons Test

On September 25, 2026, U.S. and U.K. forces used the decommissioned ex-USS Klakring in Exercise Atlantic Thunder for a live-fire sinking exercise in the North Atlantic. The U.S. Navy described the exercise as focused on combined tactics, targeting, and live-fire proficiency; reporting also says the forces tested the long-range capabilities of the SM-6 and other munitions, with interoperability and data collection informing future weapons development. No contract award, solicitation, or funding opportunity was identified.

- The exercise provides a capability signal for defense suppliers working in naval weapons, munitions integration, test support, and weapons-data collection, but it is not itself an acquisition action.
- Contractors can use the stated emphasis on combined operations, targeting, and interoperability to assess how their offerings align with U.S.–U.K. operational needs; the signals do not specify a procurement schedule or requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal, international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Navy (U.S. Navy)
- Royal Navy
- Royal Air Force (RAF)
- United States Air Force (USAF)

### Sources
- [U.S. and U.K. Sink Decommissioned Frigate In Missile And Torpedo Test - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/u-s-and-u-k-sink-decommissioned-frigate-in-missile-and-torpedo-test/navy-usmc) - Defense Daily
- [US, UK test SM-6, other missiles on SINKEX target frigate - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/us-uk-test-sm-6-other-missiles-on-sinkex-target-frigate) - Breaking Defense