US coastal patrol ships test Griffin missiles
US Navy coastal patrol ships assigned to Patrol Coastal Squadron (PCRON) One have carried out proficiency fire testing of their MK 60 Griffin Missile Systems (GMS) from July 18-20 in the Arabian Gulf.
Five coastal patrol ships - USS Tempest, USS Squall, USS Chinook, USS Firebolt and USS Thunderbolt - launched surface-to-surface Griffin missiles at moving target sleds to demonstrate their ability to hit surface targets, such as small boats.
At sea testing for the GMS began in March 2012, with the GMS programme declared operational following live-fire tests on PCRON One's ships in March 2014. The GMS has since been rolled out over PCRON One's ten vessels.
The inclusion of the GMS to the coastal patrol ship's arsenal provides a greater depth of capability to counter threats.
The participating ships are five of the ten patrol ships forward deployed to Manama, Bahrain, assigned to Task Force 55, which is responsible for all surface forces in the US 5th Fleet area of operations, to include US Navy coastal patrol ships and US Coast Guard cutters.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
