U.S. Army Conducts First Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile SINKEX Using PrSM

The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) demonstrated its capabilities in the INDOPACOM theater during Valiant Shield 24, an exercise aimed at enhancing military readiness through innovative technologies and multinational cooperation. The task force deployed soldiers across Japan, Guam, and Palau, integrating advanced sensing, communication, and fire capabilities to achieve training objectives.

In Guam, 3MDTF, in collaboration with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (OUSD) and Aerostar Industries, launched high altitude balloons (HABs) equipped with electromagnetic sensing and mesh communications equipment from Won Pat International Airport. These balloons, which ascended above 50,000 feet and operated around the Marianas Islands, played a crucial role in future maritime domain awareness and experimentation.

Additionally, the Vanilla Ultra-Long Endurance Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was launched by Platform Aerospace in partnership with OUSD and 3MDTF. Vanilla, known for its record-setting continuous flight capability, acted as a communication relay during a 27-hour flight, proving its effectiveness even in stormy conditions. This flight marked Vanilla's formal Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 assessment.

In Palau, soldiers from 3MDTF and the Tennessee National Guard's 1-181 Artillery Regiment took part in a live-fire exercise using the U.S. Army's Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). This exercise was the first to use the AML and PrSM outside the U.S., highlighting their long-range precision strike capabilities. The AML's autonomous and remote operation features, combined with PrSM's ability to hit targets over 400 kilometers away, represent significant advancements in the Army's long-range fires.

To coordinate these widespread operations, 3MDTF established the All-Domain Operations Center (ADOC) in Oahu and a Battalion command in Japan. These centers enabled synchronized planning and execution, ensuring effective integration of soldiers and technologies across the Pacific.

Col. Michael Rose, the 3MDTF Commander, emphasized the importance of exercises like Valiant Shield in building relationships with partners and allies while testing and integrating new capabilities. He noted that these exercises enhance the task force's multi-domain capabilities and overall warfighting readiness.

Valiant Shield 24, a biennial field training exercise, focuses on multi-domain interoperability. This year's iteration, the 10th since its inception in 2006, involved detecting, tracking, and engaging targets across various domains—land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

One of the highlights of Valiant Shield 24 was the SINKEX exercise, where the decommissioned USS Cleveland served as the target. The Precision Strike Missile, which can reach ranges between 60 and 650 kilometers, showcased its ability to engage moving maritime targets. Future enhancements for PrSM include multi-domain operations capabilities, enhanced lethality payloads, and extended range through ramjet propulsion.

Through these exercises, 3MDTF continues to innovate and enhance its operational readiness, ensuring effective responses to a wide range of mission scenarios in the Indo-Pacific region.