U.S. Air Force successfully tests Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) for the first time

The test utilised a jettison test vehicle (JTV), a non-functional prototype without a rocket motor or electronics, to confirm the safe separation of the SiAW missile from the aircraft. This vital step ensures the missile can be safely deployed in real-world operations and lays the groundwork for subsequent testing phases.

The SiAW missile, developed by American defence contractor Northrop Grumman, is designed to strike relocatable targets such as cruise and anti-ship missile launchers and jamming platforms. The system is a key component in countering Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) threats, enabling rapid and lethal engagement of enemy assets in contested environments.

The mission was coordinated by units from the 96th Test Wing, with operations managed from the Eglin Central Control Facility. Engineers and pilots worked together to ensure the test’s success, while aerial footage was captured to support post-flight analysis. Major James Tipton, assistant director of operations for the 780th Test Squadron, praised the effort, calling it “a testament to the outstanding teamwork from everyone involved.”

Northrop Grumman’s SiAW builds on technologies developed for the Navy’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) and the F-35 aircraft integration program. The system employs agile software development, digital engineering, and Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) to support rapid development and future upgrades.

In September 2023, Northrop Grumman was awarded a $705 million contract to deliver the SiAW missile system, accelerating the transition to next-generation airpower. The missile is designed for integration across various aircraft platforms, making it a versatile tool for modern combat scenarios.