US and Norway Tested New American Precision Weapon in Northern Norway
A US strategic bomber of the type B-2, accompanied by Norwegian F-35 fighters, drops the new weapon on a target in Northern Norwegian waters. (Photo: the Norwegian Armed Forces)
American and Norwegian forces recently conducted a successful test of Quicksink, a new precision weapon, on a maritime target off Andøya in Northern Norway. "A clear example of how we work with trusted allies to bring new capabilities into play," says US Air Force Colonel Scott Gunn.
Last week, the US Air Force partnered with Norwegian allies to test next-generation precision maritime strike capabilities in the Norwegian Sea off Andøya, Northern Norway.
The test integrated an American B-2 Spirit bomber, four Norwegian F-35 fighters, and a Norwegian P-8 maritime patrol aircraft in a long-range strike scenario.
The bomber fired the new precision-guided weapon Quicksink toward a maritime target. The weapon has been developed by the US Air Force Research Laboratory for efficient and cost-effective torpedo-like sinking of ships from the air.
The test was considered very successful, according to the Norwegian Armed Forces.
"This test is a clear example of how we work with trusted allies to bring new capabilities into play faster and smarter. We’re not just preparing for tomorrow; we’re shaping it together," said US Air Force Col. Scott Gunn, 53rd Wing Commander.
"We are very pleased with the Americans wanting to test such new weapons with Norwegian forces. This shows that the US prioritizes the maintenance of stability and security in the High North. Stability in the High North is important to Norwegian, European and American security," says Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, Commander of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
Photo from a submarine periscope of the Quicksink weapon hitting the maritime target. (Photo: the Norwegian Armed Forces)
Relevant and demanding environment
The operation tested both the munition’s capabilities and the B-2 bomber's stealth, range, and payload flexibility, while reinforcing its evolving role in maritime strike.
According to the US Air Force, the bomber and the Norwegian aircraft also demonstrated a seamless interoperability to defeat a surface vessel in a realistic setting.
Capacities from the Norwegian Navy and Andøya Space were also involved in the operation.
The US Air Force also emphasize that Norway granted access to critical infrastructure and airspace so that the test could be conducted in a relevant and operationally challenging environment.
Close innovative cooperation
US and Norwegian Forces last conducted a joint test at Andøya in May of a Norwegian-developed concept for the use of network weapons.
More specifically, two US F-15 fighters flew toward the coast of the island and released two glide bombs. As the drop took place, Norwegian soldiers took control of the bombs via a network and guided them toward targets they themselves had designated. During this, they received updates from Norwegian P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, among other sensors, and adjusted the course of the bombs.
The test was executed flawlessly, according to the Norwegian Armed Forces.
This was the first time US forces had allowed another country to take over control of a US bomb heading toward a target. This was also the first time this network weapon was released in a live version.
