The U.S. Air Force is expanding production of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) missile to equip F-35 fighters for targeting mobile air defenses. This initiative addresses anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) networks by striking theater ballistic missile launchers, cruise missile launchers, jammers, anti-satellite systems, command nodes, and integrated air defense components.
SiAW, developed by Northrop Grumman, features a compact supersonic design optimized for fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35. It emphasizes speed-to-target to limit evasion by transporter-erector-launchers and mobile jammers, multi-mode guidance with counter-countermeasure logic derived from the Navy’s AARGM-ER, and internal carriage compatibility to preserve F-35 stealth. Integration includes the Universal Armament Interface and mission planning architecture.
Recent flight tests from an F-16 validated safe separation, aerodynamics, and flight dynamics, providing data for F-35 incorporation. Northrop Grumman plans SiAW integration on the F-35 as developmental testing advances, targeting mobile missileers, jammers, and command centers. The Air Force’s FY2026 RDT&E budget allocates $255.3 million, signaling transition from prototyping to operational fielding by 2026.
The F-35, with its low-observable design, sensor fusion, and AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, enables deep strikes in contested environments. SiAW enhances its role in suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), potentially extending to the B-21 Raider. The Pentagon seeks additional vendors to broaden the industrial base and ensure supply chain resilience for this campaign-opening munition.