RIMPAC 2022: Uniting To Strengthen Forces

July 6, 2022
Biennial exercise demonstrates capabilities and collaboration.

The world’s most advanced defense systems will be fired as part of a U.S.-led multi-national naval training exercise called RIMPAC, short for Rim of the Pacific. Military forces from the region and beyond will participate in RIMPAC 22, which will focus on maritime security and aims to secure the sea lines of communication that are vital to international security and global trade. 

“RIMPAC is a terrific opportunity for ships and personnel to participate in at-sea training opportunities and live-fire events that focus on interoperability and building relationships in the Indo-Pacific region,” said retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Gerry Hueber, who took part in many RIMPAC exercises during his 32 years in the service. He now leads Naval Power Requirements and Capabilities at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business.

Raytheon Missiles & Defense naval warfare systems are among those routinely used in the biennial exercise, which takes place June 29-Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. 

RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise.

  • According to a U.S. Navy press release, 26 nations will unite for RIMPAC 22. Thirty-eight surface ships, four submarines, nine armies, more than 170 aircraft and approximately 25,000 personnel are participating.
  • It marks the 28th RIMPAC exercise since the series began in 1971.

It helps build relationships and ensures systems work together. 

  • The exercise brings together a network of capable, adaptive partners that train and operate jointly to strengthen collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
  • Participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. 
  • The relevant, realistic training program includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as counter-piracy operations, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

The U.S. Navy’s new stealth destroyer is expected to be there.

  • The USS Zumwalt is a multi-mission stealth ship that focuses on land attack. It runs on Raytheon Technologies systems. 
  • Raytheon Missiles & Defense develops technology and naval warfare capabilities for Zumwalt-class destroyers, including sensors, command and control, advanced strike weapons and ship self-defense weapons.
  • As a systems integrator, Raytheon Missiles & Defense is also maintaining and modernizing Zumwalt destroyers by providing cyber protection, software development and other support services.