Air-Launched Ship Killer: Quicksink Bomb Proves Its Power in Joint NATO Test

On September 3, 2025, a significant milestone in aerial maritime warfare was marked when a United States Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flew over the Norwegian Sea and released a Quicksink anti-ship bomb during a joint test with a Norwegian F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. This demonstration showcased the evolving capabilities of low-cost, precision-guided munitions designed to neutralize naval threats with efficiency and affordability. The Quicksink bomb, developed as a cost-effective alternative to traditional anti-ship cruise missiles, represents a shift in strategic thinking about how airpower can be used to dominate maritime environments.

Photo: USAF

The Quicksink program aims to reduce the cost of anti-ship operations by replacing expensive missile systems with modular, guided bombs that can be deployed from a wide range of aircraft. With a target seeker cost reduced from $200,000 to approximately $50,000 per unit, the system offers a scalable solution for nations seeking to enhance their maritime strike capabilities without incurring prohibitive expenses. This affordability opens the door for broader deployment across both stealth and non-stealth platforms, enabling tactical flexibility in various combat scenarios.

Designed to be compatible with aircraft such as the B-2, B-52, F-15, F-22, F-35, and F-16, the Quicksink bomb can be integrated into existing arsenals without requiring extensive modifications. Its modular plug-and-play architecture allows for rapid adaptation to different weapons platforms, making it a versatile tool for air forces around the world. This adaptability ensures that even legacy aircraft can contribute to modern anti-ship missions, extending the operational relevance of older fleets.

The operational advantages of the B-2 bomber are particularly noteworthy in this context. Capable of carrying up to 80 500-pound JDAMs, the B-2 can deliver a massive payload of Quicksink bombs in a single sortie, overwhelming enemy defenses and saturating target zones. This capacity for high-volume precision strikes makes the B-2 an ideal platform for deploying Quicksink munitions in contested maritime environments. The stealth characteristics of the B-2 further enhance its survivability and effectiveness in penetrating enemy airspace undetected.

Quicksink’s guidance system combines GPS-assisted inertial navigation with an advanced seeker based on Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA). This dual-phase guidance enables the bomb to navigate to a designated area and then autonomously identify and track its target using onboard sensors. The seeker employs an imaging infrared (IIR) system that detects and classifies targets by comparing their length and shape to an internal database, ensuring accurate identification even in cluttered or jammed environments.

Once the target is acquired, the seeker guides the bomb to a precise detonation point beneath the ship’s hull. This targeting method is designed to break the vessel’s keel, a critical structural component, thereby causing the ship to sink rapidly. By striking below the waterline, Quicksink maximizes damage and minimizes the chance of survival or repair, effectively neutralizing the threat with a single hit. This approach mimics the destructive power of submarine-launched torpedoes but delivers it from the air.

The cost-effectiveness of Quicksink is one of its most compelling features. Traditional anti-ship missiles, such as the Harpoon or Tomahawk, can cost millions of dollars per unit, limiting their use in large-scale operations. Quicksink, by contrast, offers a low-cost alternative that can be deployed in greater numbers, allowing for saturation attacks and persistent pressure on enemy naval assets. This affordability also enables smaller nations to field credible anti-ship capabilities without relying on expensive missile inventories.

Two primary variants of the Quicksink bomb have been developed to suit different operational needs. The 2,000-pound version, based on the Mark 84 bomb, was successfully tested during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise, where it sank a decommissioned frigate. This larger variant delivers greater explosive power and is suitable for targeting heavily armored or larger vessels. The 500-pound version, adapted from the GBU-38 JDAM, offers increased payload capacity for bombers like the B-2, allowing more munitions to be carried and deployed in a single mission.

The short-range nature of Quicksink requires launch aircraft to approach within approximately 15 miles of the target, a tactical consideration that influences mission planning and risk assessment. While this range may limit stand-off capabilities compared to cruise missiles, it is offset by the bomb’s precision and low cost. In scenarios where air superiority is established or stealth platforms are used, the short range becomes less of a constraint and more of a tactical advantage.

Quicksink’s ability to strike both stationary and moving ships adds to its operational flexibility. Whether targeting vessels at anchor or underway, the bomb’s seeker can adapt to dynamic conditions and ensure accurate engagement. This capability is particularly valuable in littoral zones and contested waters, where enemy ships may attempt evasive maneuvers or operate under electronic countermeasures. Quicksink’s resilience in such environments enhances its reliability and effectiveness.

The integration of Quicksink into tactical fighter jets like the F-35A further expands its utility. These aircraft can operate in forward-deployed positions and respond rapidly to emerging threats, delivering Quicksink bombs with precision and speed. The combination of stealth, agility, and advanced sensors in platforms like the F-35 makes them ideal for deploying Quicksink in high-risk areas. This synergy between aircraft and munition exemplifies modern multi-domain warfare.

By giving aircraft submarine-like capabilities to sink enemy vessels, Quicksink redefines the role of airpower in maritime operations. Traditionally, anti-ship missions were the domain of naval forces and submarines, but Quicksink enables air forces to contribute decisively to sea control and denial. This shift enhances joint force integration and allows commanders to leverage air assets in new and impactful ways. The strategic implications of this capability are profound.

In addition to its military applications, Quicksink also serves as a technological demonstration of modular weapon design. The use of open systems architecture and scalable components reflects a broader trend in defense innovation toward flexibility and interoperability. These design principles facilitate upgrades, reduce lifecycle costs, and support rapid development of new variants. Quicksink’s architecture could serve as a model for future munitions across multiple domains.

The success of the September 2025 test over the Norwegian Sea underscores the maturity and readiness of the Quicksink system. Conducted in collaboration with Norway, the test also highlights the importance of allied cooperation in developing and validating new capabilities. Joint exercises like this foster interoperability, build trust, and ensure that partners can operate seamlessly in complex environments. The inclusion of a Norwegian F-35A in the test reflects shared strategic interests and mutual commitment to maritime security.

As global naval competition intensifies, systems like Quicksink offer a timely and relevant solution to emerging threats. The proliferation of small, fast attack craft and lightly defended logistics vessels presents challenges that traditional weapons may not address efficiently. Quicksink fills this gap by providing a rapid, affordable, and precise means of neutralizing such targets. Its deployment could deter aggression and protect vital sea lanes in contested regions.

By Trap of War Staff