US Improves Air Force Strike Capabilities with Fifth-Gen SiAW Stand-in Attack Weapon Air-to-Ground Missile.

On November 7, 2024, the U.S. Air Force’s new tactical air-to-surface weapon, known as the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW)developped by Northrop Gruman, reached a major milestone in its development. An unpowered version of the SiAW, called the Jettison Test Vehicle (JTV), was successfully released from an F-16 Fighting Falcon of the 40th Flight Test Squadron during a test over the Gulf of Mexico. This successful separation test demonstrates the missile's compatibility with its carrier aircraft and paves the way for further testing phases.
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Northrop Grumman prepares the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) test missile for delivery to the U.S. Air Force. 
(Picture source: Northrop Grumman)

Developed from the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), the SiAW is designed to neutralize high-value, mobile targets such as enemy cruise missile launchers, anti-ship systems, and electronic warfare platforms. Although the missile used in this test was not equipped with a motor or electronics, the data from its separation provides critical insights to ensure safe deployment in operational scenarios. The SiAW aims to surpass its predecessor in terms of speed, range, and precision, representing a key focus of its development.

The development of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) began in the late 2010s as part of a modernization effort by the U.S. Air Force to counter emerging threats, including mobile cruise missile launchers, anti-ship systems, and electronic warfare platforms. Building on the AGM-88G AARGM-ER as a foundation, the SiAW was designed to offer enhanced range, speed, and precision, meeting the demands of rapidly evolving combat environments. Early design and integration efforts focused on adapting the AARGM-ER framework while ensuring compatibility with advanced aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

In September 2023, the U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman the contract for the SiAW program. The company is advancing the weapon’s development, carrying out platform integration, and executing the flight test program to enable rapid prototyping and fielding by 2026. The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is expected to become the first operational launch platform for the SiAW. This missile is being developed to deliver high-speed strike capabilities against various time-sensitive ground targets. The Air Force has stated that the SiAW could also equip "future stealth aircraft," including the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and various uncrewed platforms, in addition to the F-35A.

The Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) is a next-generation air-to-surface missile derived from the AGM-88G AARGM-ER, designed to neutralize mobile and time-sensitive threats. It features an advanced guidance system for precision strikes, likely integrating GPS and inertial navigation, along with enhanced resistance to modern electronic warfare. While official specifications remain classified, the SiAW is expected to exceed the AARGM-ER’s Mach 4 speed and 180-mile (290 km) range, offering extended standoff strike capabilities. Its design ensures compatibility with various aircraft, including the F-16, and guarantees safe separation and reliable performance in contested environments.

The SiAW provides significant advantages for armed forces by enabling precision strikes against high-value, mobile targets such as cruise missile launchers, anti-ship systems, and electronic warfare platforms. Its advanced design, based on the AGM-88G AARGM-ER, ensures improved range, speed, and precision, allowing threats to be neutralized from safer distances. Compatibility with platforms like the F-16 enhances operational flexibility, making the SiAW a versatile and effective tool for modern combat scenarios where agility and rapid response are essential. This system equips armed forces to counter emerging threats and maintain superiority in dynamic and contested environments.

The test involved multiple units from the 96th Test Squadron, with operations coordinated through Eglin’s Central Control Facility. Engineers meticulously planned the event, monitored the separation in real time, and will conduct a thorough post-flight analysis to refine the missile’s design. Mission pilots and photographers captured aerial footage critical for evaluating the test's success.

In practical terms, the SiAW is especially useful in scenarios where an enemy force uses mobile cruise missile launchers to threaten a naval fleet or allied bases. These launchers, often equipped with electronic jamming capabilities, frequently relocate to evade detection and destruction.

With the SiAW, an aircraft like the F-16 can engage these targets without directly exposing itself to enemy defenses, thanks to the missile’s extended range and supersonic speed. For example, a pilot can identify a launcher using real-time intelligence, fire the SiAW while remaining outside the danger zone, and neutralize the threat before the enemy can reposition. Furthermore, the missile’s resistance to electronic jamming ensures it will hit its target despite countermeasures. This capability protects troops and infrastructure while minimizing risks to pilots and their aircraft.