Helicopters Join Anti-Ship Missile Barrage in RIMPAC Exercise

Helicopters played a significant role in the sinking exercise during the 2026 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military drills, showcasing their expanded capabilities in anti-ship operations. Aircraft from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy launched a variety of missiles targeting a decommissioned vessel, demonstrating that helicopters can be integrated into joint anti-ship kill chains.

US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters fired Spike NLOS missiles, which have a longer range than Hellfire missiles, making them suitable for engaging moving maritime targets. Australian MH-60R Seahawks, deployed from a US destroyer, launched AGM-114N Hellfire missiles. Meanwhile, New Zealand's SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters fired AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles, which detonated inside the target ship after penetration. Italian SH-101 helicopters also participated, firing Marte anti-ship missiles.

While helicopters have limitations in speed and range compared to fighter jets and warships, their ability to be deployed from surface vessels and fly at low altitudes allows them to contribute to multi-axis attacks. The US Army has increasingly involved Apache helicopters in Indo-Pacific maritime exercises, broadening their mission scope from primarily anti-armor and close support to include anti-surface warfare.

In addition to helicopters, the exercise involved US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets armed with long-range anti-ship missiles, US Army HIMARS, and Japanese Type 12 anti-ship missile units. Support was provided by US P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, submarines, and unmanned surface vessels. The coordinated efforts successfully sank the decommissioned Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Mobile Bay and the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu, validating the multinational forces' ability to coordinate attacks on maritime targets.